Utah State rolls past Colorado State behind strong defense

Hillstead threw for a touchdown, ran for another and added 44 receiving yards as Utah State earned its second straight win. Making his first start since the season opener, he finished with 173 passing yards and 79 rushing yards. Backup Grady Brosterhous was sidelined by an injury, coach Bronco Mendenhall said.

The Aggies scored on each of their first three possessions and led 17-0 at halftime. Colorado State had only 67 yards by then, including minus-5 rushing yards, and crossed midfield on three plays. Nehemiah Washington scored on a 31-yard run, followed by an 18-yard touchdown run from Hillstead.

Javen Jacobs extended Utah State’s lead with a 12-yard rushing score. The Rams answered with a 75-yard drive capped by Durell Robinson’s 6-yard run, but Hillstead later connected with Kaina Watson for a 7-yard touchdown. Colorado State’s final score came on a 21-yard pass from Hauss Hejny to Cedric Ross.

Utah State gained 464 yards and held the ball for 36 minutes. Receiver Anthony Garcia caught 11 passes for 121 yards, while the Aggies recovered two fumbles and committed none. Their defense recorded two sacks and eight tackles for loss; Colorado State finished with 263 yards, including 77 rushing.

The win lifted Utah State to 4-5 overall and 3-2 in the Pac-12. The Aggies host Fresno State next Saturday. Colorado State, now 3-6 and 1-4, is set to host No. 20 Boise State.