Utah State secured a 17-10 victory over Fresno State on Saturday night at Maverik Stadium in Logan, Utah. The win marks the third victory for the Aggies in four attempts.
The Aggie defense recorded 10 tackles-for-loss, the highest total for the team since 2024. Senior defensive tackle Ronnie Mageo led the effort with a career-high 3.5 tackles-for-loss and 1.5 sacks. Junior linebacker Asher Cunningham contributed 2.0 tackles-for-loss, while senior safety Brevin Hamblin and graduate linebacker Bronson Olevao Jr. each recorded 1.5 tackles-for-loss.
Defensively, Utah State limited Fresno State to 16 rushing yards, the fewest allowed by the team since 2021. This performance continued a streak in which the Aggies have held their last three opponents to under 100 rushing yards.
Junior quarterback McCae Hillstead led the offense with 117 passing yards on 9-of-14 completions and 56 rushing yards, including a touchdown. Hillstead's scoring run included a 12-yard scramble in the second quarter following a 37-yard pass to graduate wide receiver Anthony Garcia.
Senior running back Sesi Vailahi scored his first touchdown as an Aggie on a two-yard run. Later in the fourth quarter, senior kicker Kian Afrookhteh converted a 43-yard field goal to extend the lead to 17-3. Freshman wide receiver Kaina Watson secured the victory by catching an onside kick attempt in the final minutes of the game.
The Utah State football team moves to a 4-5 overall record and 3-2 in Pac-12 play following the win. Fresno State moves to 5-4 overall and 2-3 in conference play.
Utah State is scheduled to travel to San Diego State on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. (MT). That game will be broadcast on USA Network.
