USU Kicks Off Mountain West With 21st Ranked Boise State
USU plays its first Mountain West game in Boise against the 21st-ranked team, Boise State. Boise’s record is 3-1, 0-0 in the Mountain West, and they will host the Aggies on Saturday, October 5, at 5 p.m. In the series where both teams faced each other, the Aggies trail 23-5. That record also includes a 3-11 record on the road. The statistics favor the Broncos winning, as they have won their last eight meetings with the Aggies. The last time USU took down Boise State was in Logan in 2015, where the Aggies won 52-26. Thus far, the teams have met with the Aggies 1-3 in the series and Boise State 3-1 in the Mountain West.
The first game these two teams played against each other was back on October 15, 1975. Boise hosted the Aggies, where USU won 42-19. Things have changed over the years. Boise State won last year when these two teams met 45-10 in Logan. Before that, when the teams met in Boise, the Broncos beat the Aggies 42-23.
Changes This Year
This year’s meeting will mark the first time since 2019 and the 10th time in the last 18 meetings that the Broncos are nationally ranked. Utah State and Boise State have won two of the last three Mountain West Championships, with USU winning the title in 2021 and BSU winning in 2023.
There are also staffing changes this year to consider. Interim Head Coach Nate Dreiling, elevated from defensive coordinator on July 2, is the youngest head coach at the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level at 33. Dreiling, the 10th coach in program history to win his first game as head coach, is one of only two interim head coaches in the nation, along with Fresno State’s Tim Skipper.
Ranking Matters
Utah State is 6-68 all-time against Associated Press-ranked teams but has won five of its last 19 games, including a 46-13 win at No. 19 San Diego State in the 2021 Mountain West Championship Game, its last win against an AP top 25 team. The highest-ranked team USU has ever defeated was No. 18 BYU (35-20) in 2014.
Utah State is playing a nationally ranked team for the third time this season as it lost at No. 13 USC (48-0) and lost at home to No. 12 Utah (38-21). It is the sixth time in school history that USU has played at least three nationally ranked teams in the same season, along with the 1991, 2001, 2007, 2008, and 2009 campaigns. The school record for the number of nationally ranked teams played in a season is four during the 2001 and 2008 campaigns.
USU is playing a nationally ranked Boise State team for the 10th time in the last 18 meetings in the series, dating back to the 2006 season. USU is 1-8 in those previous nine meetings, which includes a 52-26 home win against No. 21 Boise State on Oct. 16, 2015. The Aggies are 3-3 in its last six road games and have scored at least 30 points in each road win. Over the last three-plus years, USU is 12-9 (.571) in road games.
Mountain West’s First Game
The Aggies will be starting Mountain West play against Boise State for the second time in its 12 years in the league, as BSU posted a 42-13 home win against USU in 2020. USU is 52-34 (.605) all-time in Mountain West play, including a 24-18 (.571) road record. USU is 8-4 in its last 12 MW road games and 22-17 (.594) in its last 39 road games overall.
USU (52-33) has the third-best record against Mountain West opponents (including championship games) since joining the league in 2013. Boise State (73-17) had the best record then, while San Diego State (60-28) had the second-best record.
Does this young USU-staffed team and coach have what it takes to change the stats heading north to Boise and pull off the near impossible beating the Broncos? Or will history repeat itself, and Boise beat the Aggies this weekend?
For More Great Content
Craving top-tier content that covers it all? From electrifying sports highlights and insider entertainment news to expert gaming tips and sharp betting advice, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our curated articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the lowdown on gaming strategies that could level up your play. Plus, our betting advice will sharpen your edge and boost your chances of winning big. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, our content is your go-to source for all things exciting and relevant. Don’t miss out; explore now and power up your knowledge! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.
