USU dominates Colorado State in their best offensive performance of the season.

Utah State would have its best offensive performance of the season in its victory over the Colorado State Rams. Junior quarterback McCae Hillstead would make the second start of the season for the Aggies and led the team to a 31-14 victory.

Hillstead’s last start at quarterback for the Aggies was week one against Idaho State, where he would be benched for Grady Brosterhous. Hillstead was given the starting nod during practice as the team felt Brosterhous needed time to recover from last week’s game against Texas State.

“McKay was ready, and he got his opportunity. Really happy for him to have a chance to remake his debut,” head coach Bronco Mendenhall said. “It was really fun to just be able to celebrate with him, to see what kind of team player he’s been, what kind of teammate, but also how determined he’s been, how focused, waiting for his next chance. He really did a nice job.”

The Aggies opened the game with possession, and they began an efficient opening drive to get the offense moving. In the opening set of downs, Hillstead found open space to get the team rolling, followed by two quick completions to get the Aggies into CSU territory. The drive concluded as running back Nehemiah Washington found a gap in the offensive line for a 31-yard touchdown run.

The Aggie defense was near perfect throughout the first half of the game, allowing just 67 yards and no points in the first half. After a short 37-yard drive, the Rams punted the ball away to end their first drive..

“It’s pretty amazing what we’re able to accomplish in crucial moments of the defense right now, and a lot of it is just speaking these things into existence. We know that we can’t let up points right now, and so when the other team gets down there in scoring range, we really lock in,” said defensive end Carson Tujague. “There’s no greater honor for me than to take the field with these dudes. I love them, and to be able to play with each other and to just go out there and play physical and violent defense is something I’m proud to be a part of.”

The Aggies once again ventured down the field, as Hillstead connected with Garcia for a 27-yard reception to get the Aggies into Ram territory. A pass interference call against the Rams helped the Aggies move into the red zone. The drive did stall inside the 10-yard line, and the Aggies settled for a field goal.

After the Aggie defense forced a three-and-out, the offense took the field once again. Two rushes would get the Aggies to midfield. The Aggies would then run a trick play where Garcia would find Hillstead downfield for a 44-yard completion, getting the Aggies into the red zone. The Aggies would score as Hillstead scrambled for an 18-yard touchdown.

The Rams’ following drive would be limited to just 20 yards by the Aggie defense, and they would punt the ball away again.

The following USU drive would see more chunk plays as Hillstead would find running back Noah White for a 20-yard completion, and then another 14-yard catch for Garcia. The drive would stall near midfield, and the field goal attempt would be no good.

The Rams and Aggies would both trade punts to finish the half, with the Aggies leading 17-0.

In the second half, the Rams seemingly found their stride as they marched down the field all the way to the USU 30-yard line. The Rams would attempt to convert on first down, but safety David Kabongo would force a fumble, recovered by Carson Tujague.

The Aggies would capitalize on the turnover as they would march down the field for another touchdown. The drive featured multiple big receiving plays, as well as a 15-yard rush by Javon Jacobs to get the Aggies to the red zone. Hillstead would scramble to the end zone, but a holding call would take the touchdown off the board. The following play, Jacobs would break away and find the end zone.

The Rams would respond with a touchdown of their own as they moved the ball down the field with the help of a pass interference call on the Aggies.

In the fourth, the Aggies and Rams would trade punts until the Aggies found their footing once again. A 17-yard completion to Garcia would get the Aggies to midfield, and a pass interference call against the Rams would move the Aggies into CSU territory. Hillstead would find Kaina Watson in the end zone for a touchdown.

Garcia’s 121 receiving yards are a career high for him, coming at an important time as the Aggies were missing their leading receiver Eli Wood for today’s game.

“I don’t even know how many times I threw the ball to him today, but I feel like he caught it every single time. He was always getting open; they were playing a lot of man-to-man against us, and he was beating the corner and making plays,” Hillstead said. “It was awesome having him step up. He was really instrumental in us being successful on offense really the whole day.”

The Rams would score another touchdown in the closing minutes of the game, but a failed onside kick would seal the win for the Aggies.

The Aggies 464 yards of total offense is their best performance this season, as well as the first time the Aggies have scored over 30 points this season.

The Aggies will take on Fresno State this coming Saturday at Maverik Stadium.