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Boise State vs. Utah State: Keys For An Aggies Victory

Aggies are riding a 10-game winning streak.

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Utah State is playing its toughest game of the year

Utah State has been doing what not many other teams have been doing all year and that is winning games and doing so in a dominating fashion. The Aggies have a 10-game winning streak who puts them in the same company as Alabama, Michigan, UCF, Clemson and Notre Dame.

The only real difference is that the Aggies strength of schedule is one of the worst in all of FBS at 125th, per the Sagarin Ratings. With the schedule in front of Utah State, they have been winning and winning big. Saturday night, Utah State will have its toughest matchup since the season-opening loss to Michigan State so this Boise State game will be a tough matchup.

1. Protect Jordan Love

Utah State’s offensive line has had the same starting five outside of just two games this year and that is a key reason that the Aggies are third in the country in sack rate. Quarterback Jordan Love has been sacked only seven times overall and just three in league play.

However, this Boise State pass rush is the best in the conference with 36 total sacks and led by Curtis Weaver who has 9.5 sacks, plus there is Jabril Fraizer with 5.5 and Durant Miles at 4.5 total sacks.

This will be the toughest challenge for this Aggies offensive line and they will need to be on top of their game to limit any sacks allowed.

2. Pressure Brett Rypien

It is very simple to say that putting pressure on the quarterback is key for a team to win, but it is true in most scenarios. In games where Boise State’s quarterback gets hit or sacked he struggles and the Broncos lose. Getting pressure on Rypien is one reason why San Diego State upset the Broncos. The Aztecs sacked Rypien four times and forced him into two picks and he had one of his worst outcomes of the year and completed 21 of 41 for 171 yards and no scores.

Oklahoma State got to Rypien seven times for sacks, but he stood tall in that game and 39 of 56 for 380 yards and three scores. So, it is not a guarantee if Rypien is hit, pressured or hurried that the Broncos will lose.

However, Utah State has a great pass rush with 27 sacks of their own and linebacker Tipa Galeai is just behind Weaver in the league with 7.5 sacks on the year.