Utah State College Football Preview 2021: Keys To The Season
Utah State Biggest Key: Offense
The passing game has to work again. It did next to nothing for long stretches last season – the Aggies hit just 52% of their passes and only got past 150 yards once in six games. The attack wasn’t consistent in 2019, but Jordan Love was able to crank up 300 yards games on a regular basis.
The new offense will get there from time to time, but there should still be a balance. At the very least, the Aggies have to create a downfield threat again after averaging a pathetic 4.8 yards per pass.
Utah State Biggest Key: Defense
The takeaways have to come. The Aggies need to come up with a pass rush from spots other than the linebacking corps – the line has to start doing its part – and they have to start creating more big plays from the pressure.
The 2019 defense came up with two or more takeaways in seven of the last ten games, and the 2018 D came up with multiple takeaways in ten of the 13 games. Last year’s defense got two against Fresno State, two in the win over New Mexico, and just one in the other four games.
Utah State Key Player To A Successful Season
WR Deven Thompkins, Sr.
The 5-8, 160-pound veteran is a smallish, shifty player who caught 69 passes for 815 yards and five scores, and ran for 111 yards – in his three years. He was about to leave after the new coaching staff came in, decided to stay, and now the 2020 leading receiver has to add more flash to an offense that should be receiver-friendly.
Utah State Key Game To The 2021 Season
at Air Force, Sept. 18
Even when Utah State was great over the years, it had a big problem with Air Force.
The Aggies have lost five of the last six in the series, closing out last season getting rolled 35-7 after giving up 335 rushing yards. This time around it’s the Mountain West opener, and it’s a big, big deal with Boise State up next and BYU to follow.
With a trip to Washington State to start the season – and with the North Dakota game hardly a layup – it’s going to be a rough start if the Aggies can’t reverse the trend.
– Utah State Schedule Breakdown & Analysis
2020 Utah State Fun Stats
– Passing Yards Per Attempt: Opponents 8.15 – Utah State 4.79
– Time of Possession: Opponents 34:04 – Opponents 25:56
– Red Zone Scores: Opponents 19-of-24 – Utah State 6-of-8