The Utah State Aggies and the San Diego State Aztecs meet Saturday in college football action from Snapdragon Stadium. Utah State is sitting at 3-5 overall this year and coming out of an open week. The Aggies last appeared in a 21-point loss to San Jose State. As for San Diego State, they’re 3-5 on the season and coming off a bye as well. The Aztecs fell to Nevada in a low-scoring affair back on October 21. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.
Utah State Aggies
The Aggies have managed wins over Idaho State, UConn and Colorado State so far this year, but outside of that it’s been a futile run. The good news is that Utah State is scoring well so far (35.3 points per game and 37 total touchdowns) but they’re also giving up a lot of points on the other side. The Aggies have 25 passing scores with 13 picks so far alongside 10 rush touchdowns and 4.6 yards per carry.
In their last outing back on October 21 versus San Jose State, the Aggies had the game tied up at the break 14-14. Utah State gave up 28 points from there and took the loss 42-21, though. QB McCae Hillstead finished with 160 yards, two scores and two interceptions. Davon Booth led the rush with 43 yards and Jalen Royals caught four balls for 60 yards and a TD.
Utah State Aggies Team Facts
- The favorite has won 14 of Utah State’s last 15 games.
- Utah State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last seven road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Each of Utah State’s last four games as a favorite have gone OVER the total points line.
San Diego State Aztecs
Over on the Aztecs’ side, they opened up with consecutive wins this year but have since gone just 1-5 overall. Part of the issue is a tricky schedule; another part is highly inconsistent performance. San Diego State averages just 19.6 points per game this year with 18 touchdowns. The passing attack has been a disappointment so far with six scores versus seven interceptions overall.
San Diego State took a rough loss versus a struggling Nevada team 6-0 in their most recent outing. Jalen Mayden threw for just 47 yards and also led the rush with 52 yards. Mekhi Shaw was tops in receiving with a lone 19-yard catch. The Aztecs’ defense was good however, holding the Wolf Pack to 242 yards total (98 passing) and 3-of-12 on third-down tries.
San Diego State Aztecs Team Facts
- San Diego State has won four of its last five November games as a home underdog.
- The road team has covered the spread in each of the last four games between Utah State and San Diego State.
- Nine of San Diego State’s last 10 November home games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Utah State rank 21st among FBS teams for points per game this season (35.3).
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’m going to stay with Utah State in this one. Granted, there’s not a lot of intrigue involved here but a rested Aggies team should be firmly in control if they play to their capabilities. Utah State has managed 21 or more points in each of the last seven games, with 32 or more in five of those outings. The Aggies have been giving up a truckload of points on the other side, though: 33 or more points in five of the last six games.
As for San Diego State, they’ve scored 10 points or fewer in four of their last six games. Granted, three of those matchups were against ranked teams but there’s not much excuse for a goose egg at home against Nevada. The Aztecs should play better here after some extra preparation but I don’t think they’ll cover/win.