Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Utah State Football: Preview, predictions for Aggies’ 2019 season

By Steven Hamner

(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
BOISE, ID – NOVEMBER 24: Running back Alexander Mattison #22 of the Boise State Broncos is wrapped up by safety Jontrell Rocquemore #3 of the Utah State Aggies during first half action on November 24, 2018 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID – NOVEMBER 24: Running back Alexander Mattison #22 of the Boise State Broncos is wrapped up by safety Jontrell Rocquemore #3 of the Utah State Aggies during first half action on November 24, 2018 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Loren Orr/Getty Images) /

Defense looking to build off solid 2018 season

In 2017, Utah State’s defense gave up right under 27 points per game. Last year, the Aggies gave up just over 22 points per game as their defense came close to giving up five points per game less in 2018 than in 2017.

The improved defense was evident throughout the season and the stats could have been even better if the Aggies didn’t take their foot off the pedal against teams late in the game. Seven of their 11 wins were by at least 25 points and the defense only allowed more than 30 points three times all of last season. Michigan State and Boise State were two of the three teams that scored more than 30 points on the Aggies last year.

While Utah State loses some solid starters from last year, they still return more than half of their starters including their first-team All-Mountain West linebacker David Woodward. He has NFL talent and had more than 130 tackles last year with 7.5 tackles for loss.

The Aggies also return their 2018 leader in sacks, Tipa Galeai, as well as their 2018 interceptions leader, DJ Williams (tied for the team lead with Aaron Wade in 2018).

So even though they do lose some valuable production, the Aggies’ defense should be solid again and has the potential to take the next step as a defense.

Home/Mountain West