Jason Strother – JTS Media
By Laura Strother
Jason Strother – JTS Media
LOGAN, Utah: Utah State’s defense forced two fumbles and held Colorado State to season lows in total offense and rushing yards as the Aggies secured a 31-14 Halloween victory at Maverik Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 31. Quarterback McCae Hillstead directed a turnover-free Utah State offense, while afternoon conditions shifted from clouds to rain to sunshine around the decisive home win.
The Aggies improved to 3-5 overall and 2-2 in Pac-12 play, according to Utah State Athletics’ postgame recap. Colorado State’s offense managed just 263 total yards, the first time the Rams had been held below 300 yards in 2026, and finished with a season-low 77 rushing yards.
Utah State built a 17-0 halftime lead, extended it to 24-0 in the third quarter, then answered Colorado State’s late scoring with a touchdown drive of its own. The Aggies finished with 464 yards of offense, including 247 on the ground, and held the ball for 36 minutes and eight seconds.
Aggies seize control before halftime
Jason Strother – JTS Media
Clouds hung over Maverik Stadium as Utah State opened with a six-play, 75-yard drive. Redshirt freshman running back Nehemiah Washington capped it with a 31-yard touchdown run at 12:26, the first touchdown of his career, giving the Aggies an early 7-0 lead.
Utah State’s next scoring possession covered 73 yards in 12 plays. Kian Afrookhteh converted a 25-yard field goal with 48 seconds left in the first quarter, making it 10-0.
The Aggies added to the lead early in the second. On third-and-14 in the red zone, Hillstead escaped the Rams’ defense and ran 18 yards for his first career rushing touchdown. The seven-play, 78-yard drive put Utah State ahead 17-0 with 11:09 remaining in the half.
Jason Strother – JTS Media
Colorado State found little room to respond. The Rams recorded only 67 total yards before halftime and managed just three snaps across midfield. They finished the first half with minus-5 rushing yards, while Utah State controlled the ball for more than 20 minutes.
Jason Strother – JTS Media
As the weather shifted through the afternoon, Utah State’s approach stayed steady: sustain drives, protect the ball and make the Rams work for every yard. The Aggies’ 17-point halftime cushion reflected that discipline.
Defensive pressure turns into points
Jason Strother – JTS Media
Colorado State opened the second half with a drive into Utah State territory, but the Aggie defense turned the possession into a momentum swing. On fourth down, David Kabongo strip-sacked Rams quarterback Hauss Hejny, and Carson Tujague recovered the fumble at the Utah State 30.
The Aggies converted the takeaway into a 10-play, 70-yard touchdown drive. Javen Jacobs finished it with a 12-yard run at 5:34 of the third quarter, extending the lead to 24-0.
Jason Strother – JTS Media
Colorado State responded with a 10-play, 75-yard drive, capped by Durell Robinson’s six-yard touchdown run with 48 seconds left in the quarter. The Rams’ two-point attempt failed, leaving Utah State ahead 24-6.
Rain and breaks of sunshine added changing texture to the afternoon, but the Aggies continued to disrupt Colorado State’s progress. Utah State finished with a season-high-tying eight tackles for loss. Kabongo and Tujague each recorded a sack and 2.0 tackles for loss. Kabongo also posted a team-high seven tackles and recorded 2.0 TFLs for the third consecutive game, tying his career high. Tujague’s 2.0 TFLs set a career best.
Jason Strother – JTS Media
Bronson Olevao Jr. added a season-high 1.5 tackles for loss, while D’Angelo Mayes and Tevita Tuha recorded one apiece. Mayes and Asher Cunningham each finished with six tackles.
Second fumble sets up the clinching score
Jason Strother – JTS Media
Colorado State threatened again in the fourth quarter, advancing to the Utah State 23 after converting a fourth down. Tuha forced a fumble on a handoff in the backfield, and James Jennette recovered for the Aggies.
Utah State made the Rams pay. Hillstead connected with Anthony Garcia for 17 yards to start the ensuing drive, then guided a 10-play, 71-yard march that ended with a seven-yard touchdown pass to Kaina Watson at 4:53. Watson scored for the second straight week, and Afrookhteh’s extra point pushed the lead to 31-6.
Jason Strother – JTS Media
The Rams added a late touchdown when Hejny found Cedric Ross for a 21-yard score with 2:31 remaining. Colorado State converted the two-point attempt, but its onside kick failed. Utah State ran out the clock to complete the 31-14 win.
The two fumbles were Colorado State’s only turnovers, but both proved costly: the Aggies turned each takeaway into a touchdown. The Rams’ 77 rushing yards and 263 total yards were season lows; their 77-yard rushing total included the negative first-half figure.
Hillstead leads efficient, balanced offense
Jason Strother – JTS Media
Jason Strother – JTS Media
Hillstead completed 17 of 22 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown, with no interceptions.
Jason Strother – JTS Media
He added 79 net yards and a score on 11 carries, providing Utah State with a productive option through the air and on the ground.
His day also included a first: Hillstead caught a 44-yard pass from Garcia, recording the first reception of his career. Garcia, a graduate wide receiver, led the Aggies with a career-high 11 catches for 121 yards, tying his career best in receiving yardage.
Jason Strother – JTS Media
Jacobs carried 14 times for 56 yards and scored on the third-quarter drive. Washington ran three times for 32 yards and a touchdown, while Sesi Vailahi added a career-high 39 yards on four carries. Noah White had a season-best 30 rushing yards and caught one pass for 20 yards.
Utah State produced five scoring drives of at least 70 yards. The first time it had done so since last season’s game at Vanderbilt. Its 464 total yards and 247 rushing yards were season highs. The offense also finished without a turnover, contrasting with the two fumbles that helped shape the game.
The detailed official box score records Utah State’s 36:08 of possession, compared with Colorado State’s 23:52.
Scoring by quarter
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado State | 0 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 14 |
| Utah State | 10 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 31 |
Up next
Utah State remains at home for its lone back-to-back home stand of the season, hosting Fresno State on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m. MT at Maverik Stadium. The game will air on USA Network and coincide with Military and First Responders Appreciation Day.
Colorado State is scheduled to host No. 20 Boise State next Saturday. With the Halloween win, Utah State will carry a defense-driven result, and a turnover-free offensive performance, into its next home matchup.
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