Utah State Beat Fresno State 17-10 in Logan as Hillstead Runs for a Touchdown

Utah State defeated Fresno State 17-10 on Saturday night, November 7, 2026, at Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium in Logan, Utah. The Aggies scored all 14 of their first half points in the second quarter, kept Fresno State out of the end zone until late in the game, and held on after the Bulldogs finally scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Fourteen points in the second quarter

The first quarter ended scoreless. Utah State then scored 14 points in the second quarter and led 14-0 at halftime, while Fresno State did not score at all before the break.

Fresno State got on the board with three points in the third quarter. Utah State answered with three points in the fourth quarter, and Fresno State scored seven points in the fourth, its only touchdown of the night, to close the final margin to 17-10.

Hillstead does it with his legs

Utah State quarterback McCae Hillstead completed 9 of 14 passes for 117 yards, with no touchdowns and no interceptions. His bigger contribution came on the ground: he ran 12 times for 56 yards and one touchdown, the rushing score that gives this low scoring game its decisive play.

Fresno State quarterback Jayden Mandal completed 22 of 39 passes for 262 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions. Mandal ran seven times for minus 10 yards.

Fresno gains more yards, Utah State runs the ball

Fresno State finished with 278 total yards to 269 for Utah State, and first downs were even at 15 each. The difference was on the ground. Utah State rushed for 152 yards on 41 attempts, while Fresno State rushed for only 16 yards on 27 attempts and had to rely almost entirely on Mandal and the passing game, which produced 262 of its 278 yards.

Utah State passing produced 117 yards, exactly Hillstead's total, so the Aggies won with balance between a short passing night and a steady run game rather than with big plays through the air.

Records move the other way

Fresno State came into the game at 5-3 and Utah State came in at 3-5. The result moves Utah State to 4-5 and Fresno State to 5-4, a home win in Logan that brings the Aggies within one game of .500 after a difficult start to the season was reflected in that 3-5 mark.