Utah State head coach Bronco Mendenhall addressed his team's redzone offense and upcoming matchup against Colorado State in a report published October 26, 2026. Speaking on the DJ & PK podcast, Mendenhall discussed the importance of scoring touchdowns over field goals and the impact of special teams on recent game outcomes.
Mendenhall noted that while the Aggies have been able to move the ball, the inability to convert redzone trips into touchdowns rather than field goals has affected recent results. He stated that the team believed they needed at least one more score to win their previous game, noting that 24 points would have been the minimum required. Additionally, Mendenhall identified a kickoff return for a touchdown as a significant momentum shifter that occurred during a game where the Aggies' defense had previously performed exceptionally well, holding an opponent to 13 points and 250 yards.
Looking ahead to the matchup against Colorado State, Mendenhall observed that the opponent has struggled defensively. Over their last five contests, Colorado State has allowed 54 points per game, including 57 points per game in three league games. He noted that Colorado State recently made a defensive coordinator change during their game against Oregon State.
During the broadcast, Mendenhall also commented on the coaching situation at Michigan involving Jason Beck, a former coordinator for Mendenhall at the University of New Mexico and the University of Utah. Mendenhall described the external criticism regarding Beck as asinine and expressed frustration with the pressures placed on coaches. He further discussed the challenges of the NIL environment, noting how high expectations from financial supporters can create distractions for players and coaching staffs.
The discussion highlighted the increasing complexity of college football management as coaches navigate both competitive parity and the financial components of roster funding.
