Washington State University travels to Utah State on Friday night to face the Aggies in a matchup between the two lowest-scoring offenses in the Pac-12, according to a October 5 report. Both programs aim to rebound from conference-opening losses occurring this past Saturday.
Washington State enters the game following a 26-6 home loss to Fresno State, a performance first-year coach Kirby Moore described as not good enough. The loss resulted in constant booing from home fans during the second half and leaves the Cougars on the verge of losing postseason bowl eligibility.
Utah State is coming off a 37-18 loss to Boise State. Despite the result, coach Bronco Mendenhall stated he was encouraged by the performance of key playmakers who accumulated 345 yards of offense.
The Aggies' offense is currently utilizing two quarterbacks. While McCae Hillstead earned the starting job during the spring game, a forearm injury and three interceptions in a 29-17 loss to Idaho State led to Grady Brosterhous taking the position. Brosterhous, a graduate transfer from Virginia, has recorded 764 passing yards and six touchdowns, along with 232 rushing yards. Mendenhall noted he will continue to reintroduce Hillstead to the offensive lineup.
The Utah State defense is anchored by linebacker Bronson Olevao Jr., who is in his fifth and final season with the program. Olevao, an all-Mountain West Conference honorable mention last year, recorded 90 tackles and a sack against Washington State during the 2024 season. He has also recorded seven tackles against the Cougars in a bowl game.
Utah native Bronco Mendenhall is currently in his second season of a six-year contract with Utah State. He ranks fourth among active FBS coaches with 147 wins. His previous coaching tenure includes 11 seasons at BYU, where he led the Cougars to a bowl game every season, as well as stints at Virginia and New Mexico.
The game between Washington State and Utah State is scheduled for Friday night.
