The Stars Are Aligning: Boise State takes on Utah State, needing a win and dominoes to fall its way

BOISE STATE BRONCOS AT UTAH STATE AGGIES

Location: Logan, Utah (Maverik Stadium)

Date/Time: Friday, November 28th at 2:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)

Television: CBS

Streaming: CBS Sports App

Radio: KBOI 670 AM/KBOI 93.1 FM (Bronco Radio Network)

Head-to-Head: Boise State leads the all-time series 24-5, winning the last nine matchups. The Aggies’ last win came in 2015 in a 52-26 rout at Merlin Olsen Field. Last year, the Broncos put up over half-a-hundred on The Blue as they won 62-30.

TALE OF THE TAPE

Boise State: 7-4 (5-2 in MW), Utah State: 6-5 (4-3 in MW)

Mountain West vs. Mountain West

BSU: Head Coach Spencer Danielson (2nd Full Year, 22-7 Overall Record)

USU: Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall (1st Year at Utah State, 146-93 Overall Record)

Last Week

BSU: Defended The Blue fiercely against Colorado State via a 49-21 final. Quarterback Max Cutforth was given much more rope and took full advantage with a 239-yard performance. While he didn’t find his way into the endzone, it allowed Boise State’s quartet of running backs to combine for all six of the team’s touchdowns. Running back Sire Gaines led the way with 149 rushing yards, averaging 6.8 yards per carry, while wide receiver Latrell Caples served as top dog on the perimeter with seven catches for 70 yards. Cornerback Jeremiah Earby had a career day with two interceptions and a fumble recover.

USU: Took a sledgehammer to Fresno State’s Mountain West championship aspirations. Quarterback Bryson Barnes was an absolute warrior last weekend as he carried the Aggies with 150 passing yards and 113 rushing yards. Backup quarterback Anthony Garcia did great in his few spots of relief, passing for two touchdowns. Running back Javen Jacobs also punched in two scores on the ground. Overall, the 11-point win in Fresno was an all-out gritty effort that best represents the evolution of this team under year one Bronco Mendenhall.

What Allows Boise State to Win Saturday?

Keep trusting Max Cutforth to make the right reads.

The difference in strategy between Boise State’s loss to San Diego State and their win against Colorado State was night and day.

They let Cutforth throw the pigskin around the yard.

Granted, the gap between the Aztecs and Rams’ defenses are more than substantial, but the idea that Boise State would win any game by, for example, running on 22 consecutive plays, was farcical against any opponent.

And we were able to see with our own eyes that the Nampa native is indeed capable of being a serviceable quarterback in the absence of Maddux Madsen.

Discounting the debacle in San Diego, Cutforth made some nice pitch-and-catches last week and, more importantly, didn’t turn the ball over.

In turn, Boise State’s running attack returned to its best form with 279 team yards to show for it.

There was speculation as to whether quarterbacks coach Zak Hill had more influence on play-calling side of things, but head coach Spencer Danielson dismissed the rumor.

On Black Friday, it will be crucial for the Broncos to control the tempo and limit explosive plays by Bryson Barnes and company.

After all, Utah State is an impressive 5-0 at home this year with wins including:

• 28-16 over UTEP

• 49-30 over Air Force

• 48-7 over McNeese State (FCS)

• 30-25 over San Jose State

• 51-14 over Nevada

On Senior Day, the Aggie contingent would love nothing better than to extinguish Boise State’s Mountain West title hopes.

What Allows Utah State to Win Saturday?

Ride the magic and chutzpah of QB Bryson Barnes.

The former Utah Ute is a contender and, if not, the favorite to be named the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year.

A senior from the Beehive State via Milford, Barnes has thrown for over 2,500 yards and ran for over 600 yards – all while battling nagging bumps and bruises along the way.

At times, he has quite literally limped his way to the finish line.

There haven’t been many games in 2025 where Utah State has dominated from start to finish, but that’s where the grit of this team has propelled them to victories of the lunch pail variety.

The running attack in the last few weeks has been pedestrian at best with no running back topping over 70 yards since the Aggies’ 33-14 loss to New Mexico back in late October.

Two receivers have accounted for the vast majority of the team’s production – Braden Pegan and Brady Boyd. The pair are responsible for 12 of Utah State’s 24 receiving touchdowns and 1,527 of the Aggies’ 2,832 team receiving yards.

And despite their production stemming from a small core of players, Utah State is perfectly content with that.

They have a chance to end a nine-game losing streak and spoil the Broncos’ season.

If there is any coach-player pairing that could do it, it’s the combo of Mendenhall and Barnes.

Who Pulls Out The Win?

This feels like a game that is going to be close from start to finish.

Both teams will be extremely motivated.

There is a brewing rivalry with each year that passes in a bevy of sports, especially on the hardwood.

It is going to be a fun one.

With the Mountain West implications weighing heavy on Boise State, I see the Broncos pulling it out late thanks to none other than the heroics of Max Cutforth.

Petterson’s Prediction: Boise State to Win Outright, Boise State to Cover, and Take the Over.

FanDuel Odds: Boise State -2.5, Total of 55.5

Let us at the Mountain West Connection know your prediction for Boise State’s regular season finale against Utah State in the comments!