College Football Preview: Utah State

Utah State Aggies

2015 Results: 6-7 (5-3, 3rd in Mountain)

Lost to Akron in Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Returning Starters: 6 OFF, 3 DEF, 2 SP

2016 Schedule

September

1st WEBER STATE

10th at Southern Cal

17th ARKANSAS STATE

24th AIR FORCE

October

1st at Boise State

8th at Colorado State

22nd FRESNO STATE

29th SAN DIEGO STATE

November

5th at Wyoming

12th NEW MEXICO

19th at Nevada

26th at Brigham Young

The Aggies featured one of the conferences top defenses. Ranked 17th nationally, they will face a lot of turnovers on the defensive side as a few have moved on to the professional level. This year's defense will be a huge rebuilding process seeing as the Aggies will have a new defensive coordinator. 

Offense won't be a problem for Utah State. They return 6 starters, but have 10 players with starting experience. Quarterback Kent Myers will come into this season as his first starting full time. He filled in for Chuckie Keeton and excelled. Along with Myers, two more of last year's top rushers return. Devante Mays and LaJuan Hunt return. The three combined last season for over 1,600 yards. Three return on the offensive line that will be able to open the holes for the Aggies' rushing attack. Seniors Andrew Rodriguez and Wyatt Houston return to lead a new group of receivers.

The defense will need to rebuild. Only three return from 2015 which saw one of the best defenses they've had in Logan in a long time. It is very likely that all starting jobs will be open to competition when fall comes around. Only five positions are expected to be fill with seniors. It could be a long season with this unproven defense. Similar to UNLV, Utah State will need to be ready for some shootouts if their defense doesn't get going quickly.

Player to Watch: Kent Myers

Myers will lead the Aggies on offense. The dual threat quarterback is one of the most athletic players in the conference. Last season, Myers threw for 1,593 yards, 16 TDs, and only three interceptions. He also ran for 966 yards. There's not much that he can't do.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/10 at Southern Cal

The USC game will be a tough way to open the season, but it should get the Aggies a lot of exposure. The Trojans will have a defense needing rebuilt like Utah State. This could be a high scoring affair, and if it turns out like that, it could be anyone's game.

What to Expect

The Aggies will put up a lot of points, but their defense will give up nearly as much. They lost too much to pick up right where they left off. It is had to imagine that they will keep their five year bowl streak alive.

Prediction

4-8 (2-6, MWC)

-Dug

@chansm1th