Three Storylines That Could Determine Winner of BYU vs. Utah State

PROVO, Utah – The Old Wagon Wheel is back up for grabs as BYU and Utah State faceoff in Logan on Friday night.

The Cougars and Aggies took a year off in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and both teams will look to continue their hot starts to the 2021 football season.

BYU vs. Utah State

BYU enters the game 4-0, after last week’s win against South Florida. Utah State started 3-0 before a disappointing loss last week to Boise State.

No Cougar Sports Saturday this week, but @Mitch_Harper & @baiamontematt laid down a preview pod for BYU vs Utah State 🔥 #GoCougs #BYUFootball https://t.co/T97l7Fqusg

— Dallen Graff (@lilthoint) September 30, 2021

The Cougars defeated the Aggies 42-14 in 2019 behind the arms of Jaren Hall and Baylor Romney. Here are the three storylines that could determine the winner of BYU vs. Utah State.

Three Storylines to Watch

1) Win the Rivalry Games

BYU and Utah State is a rivalry game, plain and simple. The Old Wagon Wheel may not hold the same intensity as the BYU/Utah rivalry, but this is an important game for the Cougars. Kalani Sitake has a clear goal every year to beat the rivals: Utah, Utah State and Boise State. One down, two to go.

The Aggies are in the first year with new head coach Blake Anderson and are off to a surprising start. Not many people were high on Utah State this season, but an upset win over Washington State to kickoff the season has propelled them to a 3-1 start. The biggest test of the season comes into town on Friday night.

“All of that outside influence goes out the window and we just go to work.”

– @J_tom24 on @KSLunrivaled#GoCougs @BYUfootball #lovewhereyoubank @uccufans #playersclubhttps://t.co/wykKYHKkUw

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 29, 2021

BYU has faced bigger and tougher opponents than they will face in Logan. But you cannot overlook any game in a college football season, especially a game in which “little brother” is gunning to knock you down. The Cougars must stay focused in their first true road atmosphere this season.

2) Pressuring the Quarterback

One of the biggest surprises of the 2021 season for BYU has been the emergence of a pass rush. In the first two games of the season, the Cougars had six sacks and consistently pressured the QB with heavy blitzing. However, in the last two games BYU has just three sacks.

Some of that is due to injury, with key defensive lineman like Tyler Batty and Atunaisa Mahe missing last week’s game against USF. Those players are expected to be back on Friday night and the Cougars must get the pass rush going again.

Ilaisa Tuiaki said that Tyler Batty and Atunaisa Mahe will be back this week for Utah State game.#BYU #BYUFootball

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 27, 2021

The Aggies can air it out on offense, ranking 13th in passing offense this season. With their top players back along the defensive line, we will see if BYU dials up the pressure on Logan Bonner and the offensive line for Utah State.

3) Big Time Plays

The BYU offense this season has been good, but not great. Through three games, the Cougars averaged 25.6 points per game. Last week against South Florida, and with Baylor Romney at the helm, BYU opened up the passing game and the team scored 35 points in the win. Romney had three completions of at least 40 yards, including two to his brother Gunner.

Kalani Sitake said Jaren Hall will be practicing today. Also said Hall will be “most likely ready to play” against Utah State.#BYU #BYUFootball @kslsports

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) September 27, 2021

There’s no word yet on whether Baylor Romney will be making his second straight start, or if Jaren Hall will be making his return this week. Regardless, with the Aggies ranked 104th in passing yards allowed, BYU should see some big-time plays through the air on Friday.

Gunner Romney is one of the best deep threats in the country. Puka Nacua had a 55-yard reception last week. Both quarterbacks have the arm talent to air it out deep and find open targets. Expect to see some big-time plays in this rivalry matchup.

#BYU rolling with “The Giff” against Utah State. ⚪⚪🔵#BYUFootball #GoCougs #BYUvsUSU https://t.co/FB8WXRNobX

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 29, 2021

BYU vs. Utah State goes down in Logan at Maverik Stadium on October 1st. Pre-game coverage begins at 5 p.m. (MDT) on KSL NewsRadio 102.7 FM and 1160 AM. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. (MDT).

Dallen Graff is a KSL Sports Contributor. He is the Producer of Cougar Sports Saturday (SUBSCRIBE) on KSL NewsRadio. Follow him on Twitter.