USU looks to continue momentum in San Diego
The Utah State football team travels to southern California on Friday to take on the San Diego State Aztecs following a monumental beat-down of Boise State.
USU, now 4-2 and a perfect 3-0 in conference play, has won 13 of its last 15 games on the road against Mountain West opponents but can’t afford to take the Aztecs, also 4-2 and 3-0 in the MW, lightly.
“San Diego State has won three in a row and they have a lot of confidence,” said head coach Matt Wells following the win against Boise State. “They are extremely physical. It will be a really good game. It features the leaders in each division at 3-0.”
The Aggie offense has been stellar against Mountain West opponents this season, averaging 47 points and 417 total yards and not a single turnover.
Senior wide receiver Hunter Sharp has been a huge reason for Utah State’s success on offense.
“The best thing that Hunter Sharp does is he makes competitive catches, which is a tremendous quality for a wide receiver,” added Matt Wells. “He’s got strong hands, he’s got strong forearms and he can highpoint a football.”
Sharp is averaging just over 12 receiving yards per game this season with 278 total receiving yards from 23 receptions.
Kent Myers has been phenomenal as the Aggies’ starting quarterback with an 8-1 career record. Myers completed 17 of 24 passes against a strong Boise State defense last week and currently averages seven yards per carry when running the football.
“It’s just all about trust,” Sharp said. “Kent has put in the work, and it’s his time to shine. I’m always there, and I don’t mind catching the ball.”
The Aggie defense has been dominant.
Utah State ranks fourth in the nation for both forced turnovers with 18 and turnover margin, which is at a staggering plus 10 for USU.
“Our defenders have prepared all through spring, all through training camp and even in-season on a daily basis,” Wells said. “We are ripping, stripping, forcing turnovers and learning how to recover turnovers. Our defensive line does it, our cornerbacks do it, our safeties do it.”
San Diego State’s defense has proven itself strong, as well. The Aztecs rank No. 10 in rush defense, No. 13 in total defense and No. 27 in scoring defense. Aztec linebackers Calvin Munson and Jake Fely look to create problems for the Aggie offense.
“He’s big-time impressive. Munson and Fely are the heart and soul of that defense,” Wells said. “Munson and Fely are awesome players, and I have a lot of respect for them. You don’t see them miss tackles, and they can cover backs in space. They’re really, really good players.”
Junior running back Donnel Pumphrey has stood out offensively for San Diego State as a dual threat. Pumphrey has 729 total rushing yards and 249 receiving yards on the season. He has scored eight touchdowns this year and averages nearly five yards per carry.
Friday’s game will be played at Qualcomm Stadium at 8:30 p.m. Mountain Time. For Aggie fans unable to travel, the game is available on ESPN2.
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