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New Mexico head coach Bronco Mendenhall reacts after a play during game against Auburn, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. | Butch Dill
Bronco Mendenhall doesn’t believe Utah State is the team that its record says it is.
At 1-5, Utah State is one of the more woeful teams in the Mountain West Conference, ahead of only Air Force in the conference standings, simply by virtue of having played — and lost — one fewer conference game.
Current ESPN projections have the Aggies winning only two more games this season and USU has only a 2.8% chance to turn around its season and become bowl eligible.
Don’t tell Mendenhall that.
Ahead of the meeting between New Mexico and Utah State Saturday afternoon in Logan, Mendenhall is a firm believer that the Aggies’ start to the season doesn’t accurately convey what type of team it is.
“As you simply track their season to this point, yeah, their scheduling approach certainly has been challenging for them,” Mendenhall said. “And so there are teams where you can look at their record and say that is indicative (of who they are). Or there are teams you look at who they are playing and then their record isn’t quite as meaningful. I’d say that is the case with Utah State.”
To Mendenhall’s point, the Aggies have played arguably the most difficult first-half schedule in program history, with games against Robert Morris, USC, Utah, Boise State and UNLV. Those last four teams have a combined 17 wins this season, compared to only seven losses.
USU hasn’t played particularly well against any of those opponents — save for Utah — outside of flashes here and there.
Those flashes have been notable, though, particularly on offense.
After six games, Utah State has proven explosive on offense, compared to MW teams and the entire country.
Currently, Utah State ranks:
Second in…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/bronco-mendenhall-said-aggies-193457117.html
Author : Deseret News
Publish date : 2024-10-15 19:34:57
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