Idaho State BengalsvsUtah State Aggies
IDST 29/USU 17
Things to say
Idaho State beat Utah State 29-17 on the road at Maverik Stadium.
01
opener
Idaho State walked into Logan and took it, 29-17. Utah State's an FBS team losing to an FCS team at home to open the year. Not a great look for the Aggies.
02
key player
McCae Hillstead threw for two touchdowns but tossed three picks — you can't win giving it away three times. The two scores are basically garbage-time cover.
03
hot take
Utah State's already 0-1 and the offense couldn't get out of its own way. When your quarterback's turning it over that much, the defense can only bail you out so long.
04
deep cut
Idaho State's Nathan Reynolds put up seventeen tackles by himself. That's a linebacker living in the backfield all night.
05
exit
Long year ahead for the Aggies if they can't protect the ball — I'll be watching how they bounce back next week.
The recap
Idaho State walked into Maverik Stadium and mugged the FBS host, sending Utah State home 29-17 to open 0-1. The turning point was ugly: McCae Hillstead threw for two scores but coughed up three picks, and every time the Aggies clawed to a 17-16 lead, the Bengals answered.
Mason Lindberg was automatic with four field goals while Jordan Cooke managed the game and hit Chedon James for the dagger. Utah State couldn't stop turning it over, and an FCS team covered any spread you could've dreamed up.