Aggies face steep climb at No. 19 Washington after turnover-plagued opener

SALT LAKE CITY – The task doesn’t get any easier for the Utah State Aggies in Week 2.

Following a season-opening clunker against Idaho State, Utah State will face No. 19 Washington in Seattle on Saturday.

The matchup is a measuring-stick moment for Bronco Mendenhall’s program in its inaugural Pac-12 season. The Aggies head to Husky Stadium at 0-1, trying to fix an offense that finished minus-4 in turnover differential while preparing for one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country.

RELATED: How to watch, stream, and listen to Utah State football at Washington Huskies

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To right the ship, Mendenhall’s group needs to shore up the offensive line, eliminate penalties, and find a way to slow down NFL hopeful quarterback Demond Williams Jr.

The Aggies entered the season with high hopes, but starting quarterback McCae Hillstead was limited by an injury to his throwing arm that led to three interceptions and an uncharacteristically inaccurate performance from the redshirt junior.

Javen Jacobs stepped up late in the first half and into the third quarter, finishing the day with a career-high 20 carries for 80 yards. Eli Wood also set career highs with six catches for 90 yards and a touchdown, but the turnover woes proved too much to overcome.

 

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The defense acquitted itself surprisingly well despite facing regular short fields and a trigger-happy Idaho State passing attack, giving up just 10 points off four Aggie turnovers.

Following the loss, Hillstead remains atop the quarterback depth chart, with Mendenhall saying a Grady Brosterhous package remains part of the weekly offense.

Team captain and starting guard George Maile remains out with an injury suffered in practice last week, while Outland Trophy nominee Jimmy Liston will apparently return to center after playing a majority of his snaps at tackle against Idaho State. Jackson Nelson, Utah State’s highest-rated offensive lineman according to Pro Football Focus in Week 1, is not listed on the depth chart, and redshirt freshman Kauasi Hansen is in line to make his first start as an Aggie.

Huskies take down Washington State in Apple Cup opener

Washington didn’t need the pomp and circumstance of an end-of-season rivalry week matchup to get up for Washington State, prevailing 24-10 in the season opener.

The Huskies were the better team from the opening snap, relying on the size and speed that comes with a Power Four recruiting class, controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and leaning on their electric dual-threat quarterback whenever a play needed to be made.

Washington outgained the Cougars 402-242 while averaging better than six yards per play and scoring on four of six red zone chances.

RELATED: Pac-12 power rankings for Week 2

 

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Williams looked bigger than his listed 5-foot-11, 190 pounds and stood up to the punishment that comes with being the central focus of a defense. Whether handing off, running or passing, the junior is a quick decision-maker who isn’t afraid to take a deep shot when the coverage allows.

He completed 68.7% of his passes and finished with 329 yards of total offense and two touchdowns.

A massive offensive line did a strong job of keeping the pocket clean in Week 1, allowing downfield threats Dezmen Roebuck, Chris Lawson and Rashid Williams to run loose. Washington’s offense relies on an assortment of screens and quick-game passing, leaning on yards after the catch for explosive plays.

Former Oregon running back Jayden Limar was effective on his 12 carries, finishing with 50 yards and a touchdown, but he and backup running back Quaid Carr will both be out with injuries.

Washington’s defense is a disciplined group led by inside linebacker Jacob Manu and his 11 tackles. The defensive front showed an ability to create pressure while rushing only four — something Utah State will have to solve if it wants to keep the game close.

Washington State quarterback Caden Pinnick, who has a similar frame to Hillstead, was frequently forced from the pocket and looked glaringly small against the Husky front.

Husky defenders did an excellent job of pursuing the ball carrier, using their speed to gang-tackle at every opportunity. This is an aggressive group that shows well physically and likes to hit in the secondary.

Utah State won’t lack for motivation. But motivation doesn’t block edge rushers or erase a minus-4 turnover margin. For the Aggies to make this one competitive, Hillstead’s arm has to be right, the reshuffled offensive line has to hold, and the defense has to keep performing as it did in Week 1.

That’s a tall order against a top-20 team in its own building.

Week 2 | Utah State Aggies @ Washington Huskies

Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026

Venue: Husky Stadium

Location: Seattle, Washington

Kickoff: 1:30 p.m. MT

What channel is Utah State football on?

The USU football game against Washington is available on the Big Ten Network.

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— USU Football (@USUFootball) September 11, 2026

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