Utah State (5–5, 3–3 MWC) heads to Valley Children’s Stadium tonight to face Fresno State (7–3, 4–2 MWC) in a Week 13 Mountain West matchup that pits one of the conference’s most explosive offenses against one of its most disciplined defenses.
Utah State enters averaging 32.9 points per game — 33rd nationally — behind quarterback Bryson Barnes, who has emerged as one of the Mountain West’s most efficient dual-threat producers. Barnes has thrown for 2,352 yards with an 18–3 TD–INT ratio and adds real value on the ground, showcased last week when he rushed for 124 yards against UNLV.
The Aggies sit 30th in passing offense (265.6 YPG) and 62nd in rushing (160.5 YPG), giving them a balanced profile capable of stressing any defense.
Their issue remains on the other side of the ball. Utah State ranks 121st in total defense, giving up 421.6 yards per game, including 175.2 rushing yards (110th) and 246.4 passing yards (111th). Opponents consistently sustain drives — and the Aggies’ own struggles on third down (104th nationally, 35.6% conversion rate) and time of possession (127th, just 27:23 per game) put added stress on a defense already playing on its heels.
Fresno State, meanwhile, brings one of the country’s cleanest defensive resumes. The Bulldogs rank 12th nationally in total defense (289.2 YPG) and top-10 against the pass (163.6 YPG). Their front routinely controls games, allowing just 19.9 points per game — good for 25th in the FBS — and matching up well against Utah State’s vertical threats, including leading receiver Braden Pegan (819 yards).
Offensively, Fresno State has been more inconsistent. The Bulldogs average 343.5 yards per game (103rd nationally), with modest passing production (184.0 YPG). Quarterback E.J. Warner has flashed efficiency but enters with a narrow positive ratio (10 TDs, 9 INTs), and the team sits a troubling 112th in red-zone offense, scoring on just 77.8% of trips. Rayshon Luke (582 rushing yards, 5 TDs) and Josiah Freeman (378 yards, 5 TDs) remain the most reliable weapons.
Still, Fresno State’s methodical style syncs with its strengths. They rank 29th nationally in time of possession (31:38 per game), a sharp contrast to Utah State, and that ball-control edge becomes a major factor late in the season, especially at home.
Both teams enter off contrasting Week 12 results. Fresno State dominated Wyoming 24–3, with their defense smothering the Cowboys and Luke pacing the offense with 92 rushing yards. Utah State nearly upset UNLV but fell 29–26 despite 380 total yards from Barnes alone.
The matchup sets up cleanly: Utah State brings the firepower, Fresno State brings the structure. Whether the Aggies can break the Bulldogs’ defensive rhythm — and avoid getting buried in the possession battle — will go a long way in determining tonight’s outcome.
Prediction
Fresno State has the defensive advantage and home-field edge, but Utah State’s explosive offense keeps this competitive into the fourth quarter. Expect the Bulldogs’ defense to come up with critical stops late, while the Aggies’ attack stalls on a couple of key drives.
Projected Score: Fresno State 27, Utah State 21
How to Watch Utah State vs. Fresno State
Kickoff for tonight’s game between Utah State and Fresno State is set for 10:30 PM Eastern / 7:30 PM Pacific at Valley Children’s Stadium.
The game airs live on CBS Sports Network and streams live on the CBS Sports app and website.
If you’re a cordcutter without a livestreaming subscription, you can watch CBS Sports Network for free by signing up for a trial with FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or DirecTV Stream.
Utah State Aggies vs. Fresno State Bulldogs
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Time: 10:30 PM Eastern / 7:30 PM Pacific
Venue: Valley Children’s Stadium, Fresno, California
TV: CBS Sports Network
Streaming: CBS Sports Network app and website