Utah State took down San Jose State 35-30 on Friday night in Logan. Bryson Barnes was 22 of 31 (71%) and threw for 326 yards and a touchdown. The leading rusher for the Aggies was Bryson Barnes, as he went for 54 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. The leading receiver for Utah State was quarterback Anthony Garcia, who caught three passes for 121 yards and a touchdown. The leading tackler for Utah State was Bronson Olevao Jr., who had five solo tackles and 14 total tackles.

One of the biggest plays of the game for Utah State was when Bryson Barnes hit Anthony Garcia for a 74-yard touchdown, and this was a turning point in the game, as Utah State built on a 10-9 lead. Bryson Barnes also had a 30-yard pass to Javen Jacobs, a 27-yard pass to Brady Boyd, a 32-yard pass to Anthony Garcia, and a 37-yard pass to Braden Pegan. Utah State was able to create explosive plays, so what caused this game to be so close? Walker Eget passed for 340 yards and two touchdowns. Steve Chavez-Soto had 102 rushing yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. Receiver Leland Smith had four receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown. Taniela Latu had nine total tackles.

While Bryson Barnes and Anthony Garcia were able to have strong performances, one of the big winners of the Game was kicker Tanner Rinker, who hit field goals of 31 yards, 45 yards, and 44 yards. Without those field goals, the outcome of the game is absolutely in question. Utah State, in a tight game in the 4th quarter, was able to rally and pull off an important conference win as they got back on track after a tough trip at Hawaii.

First Downs: SJSU: 23; USU: 19

3rd-Down Efficiency: SJSU: 9-17 (53%); USU: 5-16 (31%)

Total Yards: SJSU: 534 yards; USU: 461 Yards

Passing Yards: SJSU: 340 yards; USU: 331 yards

Rushing Yards: SJSUL 194 yards; USU: 130 yards

Penalties: USU: 6-65; SJSU: 8-65

Turnovers: USU: 0; SJSU: 1

Time of Possession: SJSU: 30:13; USU: 29:47

Utah State trailed in many of the statistical categories, which made this game closer. The biggest difference in this game seems to be that Utah State was able to take advantage of the offensive possessions they had with big passing plays. The 3rd-down conversion rate is still a problem. That is something that will continue to be addressed. 6 penalties is better than Utah State has done in previous games, but the Aggies can still cut back on that number as well. The problem for the Utah State offense right now does not seem to be the passing game; it seems to be getting a consistent run game going. Rushing for 130 yards as a team with the quarterback leading the way is not necessarily a good look for Utah State. Against teams like New Mexico, UNLV, Fresno State, and Boise State, Utah State needs to be able to run the ball. This could also turn into a big difference maker for the Aggies because it could also open up more chances for explosive plays in the passing game. Utah State is essentially two wins a way from bowl eligibity, which is very achieveable at this point. However, Utah State isn’t just in position for bowl eligibility. They are in a position to compete for a spot in the Mountian West title game, especially if they only have one loss in conference play heading into the Boise State game.

Utah State still has a lot to figure out and improve on, and it starts on Saturday against a New Mexico team that has not lost at home and beat UCLA on the road.