FRESNO, California – The Utah State Aggies football program is ticketed for a bowl game after battling back in the second half for a 28-17 win over Fresno State.
The Aggies (6-5, 4-3 MW) took on the Fresno State Bulldogs (7-4, 4-3 MW) on Saturday, November 22.
𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐤. 𝐍𝐨 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐞!#AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/zdpeb8hiYS
— USU Football (@USUFootball) November 23, 2025
First Half
After trading punts, Fresno State broke the deadlock when Rayshon Luke took a handoff and burst 69 yards for a touchdown.
Two more punts followed before Utah State found its offensive footing.
Following a Bulldog turnover on downs, offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven dove deep into the playbook for a scoring play.
On 1st and 10, Barnes lateralled to Anthony Garcia in the flat. Garcia looked downfield before lofting a spiral into the end zone that Brady Boyd came down with for a 24-yard touchdown.
Barnes ➡️ Garcia ➡️ Boyd for 6️⃣!
📺 @CBSSportsNet pic.twitter.com/V8gbiZvL9e
— USU Football (@USUFootball) November 23, 2025
Fresno State regained the lead in the second period when Dylan Lynch nailed a 30-yard field goal for a 10-7 advantage.
After trading empty possessions, the Bulldogs added a late touchdown when E.J. Warner connected with Jahlil McClain for a 43-yard touchdown.
USU kicker Tanner Rinker missed a 46-yard attempt to end the half, trailing 17-7. It was Rinker’s fourth miss in his past six attempts after beginning the season 10-of-10.
Second Half
Fresno State began the final 30 minutes with a three-and-out punt before Utah State produced its best drive of the night to that point.
Barnes piloted a 15-play 75-yard drive that ended with Anthony Garcia’s second touchdown pass of the day, this one coming to Barnes with the Bulldogs’ defense nowhere in the area.
Dial it up ➡️ Aggie Special!
📺 @CBSSportsNet pic.twitter.com/VsyikU6WgZ
— USU Football (@USUFootball) November 23, 2025
Utah State got the football back with a chance to take the lead, but Miles Davis fumbled deep in Aggie territory, giving the ball back to Fresno State.
USU got the ball back two plays later on Bronson Olevao Jr’s second interception in as many weeks.
Right place. Right time. @BronsonOlevao with the INT!
📺 @CBSSportsNet pic.twitter.com/Eyvu8wcZ3B
— USU Football (@USUFootball) November 23, 2025
The Aggies moved 80 yards in 15 plays, taking a 21-17 lead when Javen Jacobs broke a 19-yard TD run right up the middle.
ALL DETERMINATION 😤@_JavenJacobs
📺 @CBSSportsNet pic.twitter.com/lohDUCaZrc
— USU Football (@USUFootball) November 23, 2025
USU’s defense held firm, forcing a huge three-and-out to get the football back.
An exhausted Bryson Barnes moved his team into the red zone before handing off to Jacobs for a 19-yard TD that gave the Aggies a 28-17 lead with 6:05 to play.
.@_JavenJacobs has OFFICIALLY taken over!
📺 @CBSSportsNet pic.twitter.com/tVlVJe16Kd
— USU Football (@USUFootball) November 23, 2025
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Utah State wraps up the 2025 regular season against the Boise State Broncos at Maverik Stadium on Friday, November 28. Kickoff is at 2 p.m. MT on CBS.
Listen to USU football games on KSL Sports Zone with Scott Garrard and former Aggie QB Kevin White on the call.
Find KSL Sports coverage of Utah State University Athletics here.
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Brian Preece is a KSLSports.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball here. Find Brian on X, Instagram, and BlueSky at @bpreece24.