Statesman Sports Staff Predictions: Utah State vs. Washington State

Utah State Football opens their season at Washingotn State at 9 P.M. on Saturday night. You can listen to the game live on 92.3 FM Aggie Radio or watch it on the Pac-12 Network.

Entering Blake Anderson’s first game as head coach, the question is whether or not the Aggies can prove they’re a competitive football program after failing to do so last season. Under second year coach Nick Rolovich, Washington State looks to build off a dismal 1-3 2020 season.

The Cougars are big favorites. Ceasars Sportsbook has Washington State favored by 17.5 points, and has the over under at 66.5 points. Here are the predictions from our four staff members on what will happen on Saturday night in Pullman.

Parker Ballantyne

I think this game is going to look like two very different games all at the same time. Washington State has a very respected offense with a promising ability to run the ball. Utah State, on the other hand, has a talented defense projected to be difficult to run against. I think there will be a high level of play when the WSU offense and USU defense are on the field.

When the roles are switched, Utah States offense has a lot of question marks and will go up against a very uncertain Washington State defense. If Utah State can stop WSU’s offense and find a way to take advantage of the Cougars unstable defense things look good for the Aggies. If WSU can run around Utah State and the Aggies offense can’t figure it out early, it could be a long night. All things considered, this should be a pretty close game either way.

Prediction: Washington State 30, Utah State 24

Nathan Dunn 

In the first game of a new head coaching era, scheduling a P5 team on the road in the first game of the season is a tough get. I think Utah State will keep it relatively close throughout the first half, but I think the Cougars talent on offense will help Washington State close the game out in the 3rd quarter. The Aggies will have a stronger defense in 2021, but the offensive line still worries me.

Preditcion: Washington State 38, Utah State 21

Jake Ellis 

There are a lot of questions coming into this matchup. The main thing I’m wondering is if USU’s defensive front will be able to limit senior runningback Max Borghi. WSU’s secondary is their big question mark against the Aggies new pass heavy offense. USU has an opportunity for an upset and I think the Aggies have it in them.

Prediction: Utah State 38, Washington State 31

Jacob Nielson

We’ve spoke extsenively about how USU Football has upgraded in nearly every facet over the offseason. Now’s their chance to prove it to everyone. The Aggies have yet to announce a starting quarterback, but the presumed starter is junior Logan Bonner. He’ll need to facilite the fast paced offense and help the Aggies find their rythmn. Defensively, Utah State needs to figure out how to slow down Borghi and an expereinced Cougar offensive front.

I think Utah State has enough weapons to move the ball on offense, and will get stops on the defensive end. But in the first game implementing the new offense, I expect the Aggies to make some crucial mistakes, and the Cougars to capatilize off of them. After WSU establishes the run early, starter quarterback Jarret Guarantano will have opportunites to make big plays with his arm in the second half and give the Cougars the edge.

Prediction Washington State 27, Utah State 17.

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