As Week 4 of the 2025 College Football Regular Season unfolds, the McNeese State Cowboys travel to face the Utah State Aggies. The game will be played on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Merlin Olsen Field At Maverik Stadium in Logan, UT. This nighttime showdown will be broadcast on MWN, providing fans with a chance to see these two teams in action under the lights.
The Cowboys enter this game with a season record of 0-1, having lost their only road game against Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns with a score of 34-10. McNeese State, a team without a conference affiliation, will be looking to bounce back from their early season struggles. Despite a solid passing game against Louisiana-Lafayette, their rushing attack will need improvement if they hope to challenge Utah State.
On the other hand, the Utah State Aggies come in with a 2-1 record, showing strength at home with victories over UTEP Miners and Air Force Falcons. Their offense has been potent, particularly in their recent 49-30 win against Air Force, where they displayed an impressive aerial and ground attack. Utah State, part of the Mountain West Conference, will aim to maintain their home dominance and continue their winning momentum.
Utah State vs McNeese State At a Glance
- Game Location: Merlin Olsen Field At Maverik Stadium in Logan, UT
- Game Date & Time: Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 8:00 PM
- TV Channel: MWN
- McNeese State Record: 0-1 for the season
- Utah State Record: 2-1, with a home record of 2-0
- Game Odds: Utah State favored with a moneyline of -2800
Utah State Aggies: A Road Test Awaits
Offensive Dynamics
The Utah State Aggies have put up 99 points so far this season, positioning them at 34th in scoring nationally. Their passing attack, led primarily by Bryson Barnes, has accumulated 692 yards, ranking 60th. The ground game, while less explosive, has still contributed 393 yards, placing them 84th in rushing.
First downs have been a strong point for Utah State, with 58 on the season, securing them the 30th spot in the country. This suggests a balanced offensive strategy that can control the pace of the game. Bryson Barnes has been pivotal, ranked 49th in passing yards nationally, which highlights his consistency as a leader on the field.
Defensive Insights
Defensively, Utah State has conceded 90 points, placing them 73rd in the nation. However, their ability to pressure the quarterback is noteworthy, with 6 sacks, placing them 9th overall. The secondary has also been a strength, with 4 interceptions, ranking 5th, indicating a knack for creating turnovers.
In addition to interceptions, the Aggies have recovered a fumble, showcasing their opportunistic defense. This ability to create turnovers is a critical component of their strategy, often shifting momentum in their favor. Their defensive prowess was evident in the recent win over Air Force, where they forced two interceptions.
Recent Performances
In their latest outing, Utah State outscored Air Force 49-30, a testament to their potent offense and opportunistic defense. The Aggies displayed a balanced offensive attack with 287 passing yards and 186 rushing yards. Their defense capitalized on Air Force’s mistakes, securing two interceptions without allowing any turnovers themselves.
Their performance against Texas A&M, despite a 44-22 loss, showed their resilience on the road. They managed to gain 172 passing yards and 78 rushing yards. However, defensive lapses allowed Texas A&M to amass 319 passing yards, an area Utah State needs to address.
Key Players
Bryson Barnes is a standout performer, leading the Aggies’ passing game with 689 yards and 5 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to efficiently manage the offense. Running back Miles Davis has also been impactful, with 192 rushing yards and a touchdown, providing balance to their attack. Braden Pegan, with 208 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, is a key target in their aerial assault.
On the defensive side, the Aggies rely on a cohesive unit that excels in creating turnovers. Their ability to pressure quarterbacks, coupled with a ball-hawking secondary, makes them a formidable opponent. The upcoming games will test their defensive resilience, especially in away settings.
Betting Trends
- O/U – As Underdog: Last 9 Games (2024–2025) → 9-0 (100.0%)
- SU – As Favorite: Last 14 Games (2022–2025) → 13-1 (92.9%)
- ATS – All Games: Last 6 Games (2024–2025) → 6-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – Totals ≥ 50: Last 29 Games (2022–2025) → 22-7 (75.9%)
- SU – Home Games: Last 4 Games (2024–2025) → 4-0 (100.0%)
The McNeese State Cowboys: Can They Buck the Odds?
Offensive Overview
The McNeese State Cowboys have struggled offensively in the 2025 season. With only 10 points per game, they rank 95th in points scored. Their passing game hasn’t been much better, ranking 157th with 191 yards per game.
In terms of rushing, the Cowboys are ranked 180th, averaging a mere 47 yards per game. This lack of offensive production has translated into just 14 first downs, placing them 68th overall.
Defensive Analysis
Defensively, McNeese State has been more effective, ranking 20th in points against with 34 points allowed. Their pass rush has been relatively effective with one sack, ranking 14th.
However, the defense has not capitalized on turnovers, with no interceptions or fumbles recovered. This lack of takeaways could be a concern against more potent offenses.
Recent Performance
In their recent game against Louisiana-Lafayette, McNeese State lost 34-10. Despite having more passing yards than their opponents, the Cowboys couldn’t overcome the Ragin’ Cajuns’ 315 rushing yards.
The team struggled with turnovers, committing two fumbles and one interception. This lack of ball security will need to be addressed moving forward.
Key Players
Jake Strong has been a focal point of the offense, leading with 191 passing yards and one touchdown. Despite his efforts, the team needs more offensive production to stay competitive.
On the ground, Tre’Vonte Citizen, Bryce Strong, and Jaylen Thompson have shared rushing duties, but none have made a significant impact. Josh Jackson leads the receiving corps with 83 yards over four receptions.
Betting Trends
- O/U – Totals ≥ 50: Last 3 Games (2022–2024) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – All Games: Last 4 Games (2022–2025) → 3-1 (75.0%)
- O/U – As Underdog: Last 4 Games (2022–2025) → 3-1 (75.0%)
- O/U – Away Games: Last 4 Games (2022–2025) → 3-1 (75.0%)
- O/U – After Loss: Last 4 Games (2022–2025) → 3-1 (75.0%)
- ATS – Totals ≥ 50: Last 4 Games (2021–2024) → 3-1 (75.0%)
- ATS – All Games: Last 3 Games (2023–2025) → 2-1 (66.7%)
- ATS – As Underdog: Last 3 Games (2023–2025) → 2-1 (66.7%)
- ATS – Away Games: Last 3 Games (2023–2025) → 2-1 (66.7%)
- ATS – After Loss: Last 3 Games (2023–2025) → 2-1 (66.7%)
Utah State vs McNeese State Prediction: Over 61.5
Utah State comes into this game with a strong offensive showing, having scored 99 points this season, placing them 34th in the nation for points scored. Their previous game against Air Force ended with a high-scoring 49-30 victory, indicating their capability to put up points. Given Utah State’s offensive prowess and McNeese State’s struggles, the potential for a high-scoring game is evident.
McNeese State has struggled defensively, allowing 34 points in their opening game, which ranks them 20th for points against. This defensive vulnerability may allow Utah State to capitalize and push the total points upward. With a total set at 61.5, Utah State’s home field advantage and scoring capability suggest a game that could exceed this line.
Historical trends also favor the over; Utah State has frequently hit the over in games with totals of 50 or more, going 22-7 in such scenarios over recent seasons. Additionally, Utah State has consistently surpassed the total in home games, achieving a 12-3 record over the past few years.
Considering Utah State’s ability to score efficiently and McNeese State’s defensive struggles, the matchup seems likely to produce a high total score. A projected final score of Utah State 45 – McNeese State 20 supports a play on the over.
- Utah State vs McNeese State Prediction: Over 61.5
- Utah State vs McNeese State Score: Utah State 45 – McNeese State 20
