The Hive Sports

Photos and article by: Samuel Pluim

OVERVIEW: Utah State from beginning to end was near flawless on both sides of the ball to put away McNeese State 48-7. The Aggies at the start had some minor faults but they quickly moved past those to let everyone know that Utah State is the bigger, faster, stronger team.

The Utah State offense in total had 627 yards with 7 touchdowns. The Aggies had 293 yards passing and 334 rushing averaging 8.4 yards per play to Mcneesse States 3.5 yards per play. The Aggie Defense held McNeese to one score and allowed only 239 yards in total offense.

THE OFFENSE:

Bryson Barnes was the engine powering the offense down the field with both his arm and his legs. Barnes threw for 3 touchdowns and contributed big to the rushing attack with 128 yards on the ground tallying 2 rushing touchdowns himself. With 70% completion on his throws Barnes was dominant throughout the game and it was on display as he made deep passes for touchdowns and maneuvered through defenders for scores when he rushed. Every drive it was more evident that Barnes would be the one to make a play to keep the ball moving downfield. At one point he appeared to be a lead blocker helping his teammate round the corner and go up the sideline to gain yards.The Aggie offense all together looked hungry. The offensive line imposed their will throughout the game making big holes not just allowing Barnes to flourish but also running-back Myles Davis. For the first time in several years the Aggies had two players rush for over 100 yards in a single game. The other running backs in the stable did their part and showed that the rushing attack might make them difficult for the team in upcoming Conference play.

THE DEFENSE:

Highlighting the Defense was Linebacker William Holmes with 2 sacks and 6.5 tackles. He made McNeese State uncomfortable throughout the night. When he wasn’t making the play, he was causing chaos for McNeese State making it possible for teammates to make the tackles. In only his second year ever playing football, he could very well improve to be a force for the Aggie defense as the season progresses.The Aggie defense was unrelenting and didn’t let up. They only gave up one score and held the Cowboys to minimal yardage. The only time that McNeese seemed to gain ground was in the 4th quarter when the Aggies subbed in younger players. Outside of that if this defense can stay healthy they are looking as though they could be formidable.

THE COACH:

Bronco Mendenhall after the game praised his QB saying “He’s exceptional in every way….He’s tough and he’s relentless in his preparation. He’s exceptional and is exactly what Utah State needs as a football program any era, any time as the leader and the style of play. He represents us perfectly well.” With Bronco having Barnes as his QB it looks as though he has the leader he needs on and off the field to keep the team pointed in the right direction moving forward.Bronco being the Head Coach of the Aggies has the obvious duty of leading the team with the game schematics as well as building the teams identity and character. Watching his team play it is clear he can game plan for the opponents and prepare his team to win games. Fans don’t see his practices though so how can one know how he builds his team’s identity and character?

In the close of the game players gathered in front of their fellow students to cheer, thank them and sing the school fight songs. When they did this it appeared at one point as a cheer/song ended that some players were ready to go to the locker room. However Bronco told them it wasn’t over as they needed to stay and finish. So that’s exactly what they did. Sang the last fight song and thanked their fellow students for coming to the game and cheering them on.As small as this moment was, it showed what Bronco is doing as Head Coach. He is focused on the small details and the community that the team is representing. All players needed to be there and show thanks to their fans

GOING FORWARD:

The optimism for the Aggies grows. The offense is scoring with a leader at QB that will put the team on his back and do whatever is necessary for the win. Defense is playing better and better each game with one of the best players still young to the game. And the Head Coach is keeping his players attentive to the small details even when the game clock isn’t ticking.

As a whole the team looks to surpass preseason predictions if they keep on the trajectory they have started the season on. With all these things clicking, it makes sense why Utah State fans are eager to see what the team can do against number 20 ranked Vanderbuilt next week and conference play after that.