By Daniel Olsen

Utah State staved off a late Fresno State push to claim a 17–10 win, locking up their second consecutive victory and improving to 4-5 overall. On a day when USU basketball lit up the scoreboard for 94 points vs Omaha a few hours prior, it was a defensive slugfest for the Aggie football team.

The Aggies found success in the rushing attack with 152 yards on the ground and only allowed 16 rushing yards to a Fresno team that had run for 190 yards in a win vs Oregon State the previous week.

“We had a specific target this game,” Coach Mendenhall said. “We knew that would end up controlling the game at a different level vs this opponent. While it might not light up the scoreboard, you do what you can to win. I liked the way we were blocking up front, and the running backs were physical and tough. They did a nice job.”

After a scoreless first quarter, Utah State went up quickly after Sesi Vailahi and McCae Hillstead each took turns with short scampers into the end zone. Fresno would not score until the third quarter when they connected on a 32-yard field goal. The 43-yard field goal of their own put the Aggies up by two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Fresno would score a late touchdown but ran out of time as the onside kick attempt was not successful.

Featured image courtesy USU Athletics.

“Fresno State’s a tough football team with a strong and winning culture,” Coach Bronco Mendenhall said. “Really proud of our football team. They are resilient and keep showing up. They stay united and believe in each other. It’s gratifying to see them have another win against a really good opponent.”

Utah State was noted by Fresno’s coach as well as the whole conference as the best defense in the league.

“As a defense we take pride in stopping the run, stopping the pass, and not letting anyone score,” Tyree Morris said. “We set goals and I feel like we’ve been meeting them. We take pride in those goals and take them to heart.”

USU is now tied for second in the conference with an opportunity to play in the PAC-12 championship game if they can win out and get a little help. The Aggies will head to San Diego to play the Aztecs at Snapdragon Stadium today. The game will be broadcast on USA Network at 7:30 PM Mountain Time.