From the 2020 season to 2021, Utah State football had the glow-up every UConn fan dreams of their own program having. After a 1-5 season in 2020 and the departure of head coach Gary Andersen, the Aggies hired former Arkansas State head coach Blake Anderson and immediately turned things around.
Utah State went 11-1 and won the Mountain West in one of the biggest surprises of the 2021 season, beating conference powerhouse San Diego State in the Mountain West championship, then going on to defeat Oregon State in their bowl.
Utah State retains their starting quarterback, most efficient runner, and most of its offensive line, and have a wealth of depth to draw from on the defensive side of the ball.