Utah State begins the Bronco Mendenhall era at home against UTEP. The Miners finished the 2024 season 3-9 (3-5), and UTEP hasn’t had a winning season since 2021, similar to Utah State. The Miners started their season on a six-game losing streak, starting against Nebraska in a 40-7 loss and ending against Western Kentucky in a 44-17 loss. The first win of the season for UTEP came against Florida International in a 30-21 win. UTEP would then go on a two-game losing streak to Louisiana Tech (14-10)
and Middle Tennessee (20-13). UTEP then beat Kennesaw State (43-35, 2 OT), lose to Tennessee (56-0), and beat New Mexico State on the road (42-35).
This season, UTEP brings back quarterback Skyler Locklear, who was able to find some success last season, and the Miners also bring in transfer quarterback Malachi Nelson (Boise State), who will be starting for the Miners. UTEP is expected to have an improved offensive line this year, and they add running back Hahsaun Wilson (559 yards at Charlotte). This year on the defensive line, UTEP returns KD Johnson (40 tackles, 3.5 sacks), and the Miners add five transfers to help this unit stay strong. In the linebacker group, UTEP adds five transfers as well and returns Nate Dyman and brings in Micah Davey, who led the FCS in tackles in 2023. In the defensive back room, UTEP returns key production, and they should improve on last season.
This will be an important game in the Group of Six race, especially if the Mountain West Conference wants to be able to establish itself.
Game Information
Date/Time: Saturday, August 30th at 7:30 PM EST
Location: Logan, Utah
TV: CBS Sports Network
Line (Provided by DraftKings Sportsbook: Utah State (-6)
Series History: The Aggies and the Miners have met on three different occasions, and Utah State is 3-0. Utah State won the first meeting on September 17th, 1960, in El Paso in a 20-7 game. Utah State won the second meeting the year after in Logan, 21-6. The Aggies and Miners would not meet again until 2014 in the New Mexico Bowl, which turned into a 21-6 win for the Aggies.
Three Keys to the Game
1. Find continuity on the offensive line
This is something that must be done during Fall camp. Utah State loses production on the offensive line, and they do have players who can step up. The importance is going to be finding continuity. Three players who bring a lot of experience coming into this year that will need to work together are Tavo Motu’apuaka, Trey Andersen, and George Maile. It is also important to think about the backups behind the starters because it is highly unlikely that the entire offensive line stays healthy for the whole year. Some more names to consider on the offensive line are center Jake Eichorn, right tackle Jared Pele, Jimmy Liston (transferred from Purdue), and Elia Migao, who has mainly played for the Aggies on special teams. If this group does not work together, then Bryson Barnes has no time to throw, and Javen Jacobs will have no holes to run through.
2. Get the receivers going
Utah State loses a lot of talent at receiver, including Jalen Royals (55 receptions, 834 yards, six touchdowns), Kyrese White (44 receptions, 526 yards receiving, three touchdowns), Otto Tia (44 receptions, 434 yards, seven touchdowns), Jack Hestera (24 receptions, 340 yards, four touchdowns), and Grant Page (33 receptions, 281 yards, two touchdowns). As mentioned in the season preview for Utah State, the Aggies bring in five transfers, and while none of them were full-time starters at their previous schools, a little experience goes a long way. Corey Thompson Jr. (4 receptions, 60 yards at UNLV), Kahanu Davis (Caught 25 passes for 498 yards and five touhcdowns for Southwest JUCO, appeared in eight games for the Aggies in 2024 as a punt returner), and Brady Boyd (appeared in 26 games for Texas Tech and caught 19 passes for 173 yards and one touchdown). Utah State is going to need the entire unit to create continuity with Bryson Barnes if the Aggies are going to make the explosive plays on offense that Bronco Mendenhall has emphasized and wants to be a part of the identity of the offense. The problem for the receiver room, however, is that Corey Thompson Jr. is out right now due to injury
3. Make a statement on defense
Defensively, Utah State has quite a few players that are going to contribute in defensive end Tyree Morris, nose tackle Gabriel Iniguez, defensive tackle Bo Maile, defensive end Enoka Migao, linebacker Bronson Olevao Jr., linebacker John Miller, strike Brevin Hamblin, cornerback Dylan Tucker, cornerback Bryson Taylor, and boundary safety Noah Avinger. Ike Larsen is going to be missing for the first couple of games of the season due to a violation of team rules. The middle and back half of the defense should be great strengths for the Utah State defense, which is why it is so important for the players in this position group to make plays. To make a statement on defense, there are a few keys to success: stop the run, limit the pass, put the opponent in long down situations, and create turnovers. Utah State has the talent level up front to stop the run and has the experience in the middle of the defense and in the defensive backfield to cover the pass. The defense has a strong opportunity to improve on last season, but textbook tackling and execution are going to be required.
Prediction
Last season, Utah State opened up the season at home against Robert Morris and came away with a 36-14 victory. UTEP is not Robert Morris; they present a different challenge. While not the toughest team that Utah State will likely see this year, the Miners are still expected to be improved from the season before. Utah State needs to get Bryson Barnes and the receivers’ chemistry early within Fall camp. This will not be the same opponent as Robert Morris. Utah State needs to build chemistry quickly with the entire team, and with potential play-making receivers out with injury and Larsen suspended, this does not help matters for the Aggies. Overall though, Utah State has enough returning on the defensive line and in the linebacker room to make a difference. UTEP plays Utah State tough later into the game, but the Aggies pull away late and get an important season-opening win to start the Bronco Mendenhall era.
