Utah State has a pivotal game at Fresno State on Saturday. If you saw the horrid performances by Utah State the past two Saturdays, you might wonder how it could possibly be pivotal? Of the Aggies’ 4 losses, only 1 has been in the Mountain West. Win in Fresno and Utah State’s ensuing games against Boise State and Wyoming would loom large.
However, the stench of the previous two Saturdays is not easily removed. Two Saturdays ago, the Aggies’ offense mustered 128 yards while being gashed for 448 rushing yards by Air Force. Last Saturday, in front of a geeked-up home crowd, the Aggies’ 2nd-half collapse against rival BYU was just as humbling and even more painful. Playing against a 3rd string QB and a beaten up offensive line, Utah State was only down 21-14 at halftime. Final score: BYU 42, Utah State 14.
After 2 straight disasters, do the Aggies have enough fortitude to win against a Fresno State team that will be sky high after winning in Honolulu with a walk off field goal? Has Gary Andersen lost his team? The Utah State offense is one of the most disappointing units in the country. After a promising opener, a 38-35 heartbreak against Wake Forest, touted QB Jordan Love and his offense have been far, far below expectations. New Offensive Coordinator, Mike Sanford (a flop as Western Kentucky head coach), is clearly on the hot seat. Heck, Love is not even the best QB named Love in the Mountain West — that would be Josh Love at San Jose State. Jordan Love did show signs of life last week as he threw for 394 yards but such seemingly impressive stat was nullified by his 4 turnovers.
How much fight does Utah State have left after collapsing against its biggest rival? Hopefully, a lot more than their head coach, Gary Andersen! Andersen inexplicably walked off, mid-season, in 2017 as Oregon State’s head coach. Not Andersen’s first inexplicable decision as who else would leave Wisconsin for Oregon State?
Coaches always preach that their charges never give up during hard times. From Andersen, that sentiment will ring hollow.