by Daniel Olsen | Despite a defensive masterclass that stifled the nation’s top-ranked offense, Utah State suffered a heartbreaking 20-17 setback against Texas State in San Marcos.

The bad news is that this Texas State defense ranked outside the top 100 in scoring defense prior to this week. Utah State continued to struggle on that side of the ball. The Aggies managed just one touchdown in the game.

However, they did convert the two point attempt to tie the game with around 8 minutes to go. The Aggies had the bend don’t break defense, but it broke just enough for the Bobcats to convert a field goal in their retro Homecoming uniforms to go up by a field goal with 2 minutes to go. The USU defense showed their aptitude for holding their opponent to around three touchdowns, while the offense showed their ineptitude for scoring.

Despite the continued offensive struggles, the special teams was at least great until it wasn’t. Aggie kicker Ali Afrookhteh went 3 for 3 and nearly 4 for 4 until the timeout iced his practice kick. He then missed and the Aggies failed to convert on the opportunity to send the game to overtime.

“Texas State maximized the substitution match,” Coach Mendenhall said when referring to a delay of game penalty that pushed the Aggies back in the final drive. Utah State still had the chance to win as the kick attempt was on the edge of their maximum range at 48 yards.

Penalties were once again a story for Utah State in a critical loss. “I’d be okay if I thought they were pass interference,” Coach Mendenhall said. “But I didn’t think either one was.” The discipline continued to be a deficiency that still hasn’t been mitigated by the coaching staff in the second year. There were a total of six penalties which all played a part in most of the scoring drives for Texas State with the exception of the punt return for a touchdown.

Neither team committed a turnover so this really was about which team refused to break on chunk plays. USU’s one and only touchdown was a six yard pass to Javen Jacobs. The 100 yard kickoff return was the chunk play that the Texas State Bobcats needed.

Utah State will have questions to answer prior to their Halloween matchup with Colorado State. The Rams enter the contest with a 3-4 record off of a shootout with San Diego state while the Aggies will look to get a home win and keep the bowl hopes alive and avoid a sudden death win or stay home situation. The game will be broadcast on USA Network at 1:30 pm mountain time. The Aggies will be wearing their blackout uniforms.

Image courtesy USU Athletics.