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Logan • Utah State's defense can cross the country's leading rusher off its list of opposing running backs, but that's not to say the Aggies' life will get much easier in the coming weeks.
San Diego State's Donnel Pumphrey visited Maverik Stadium on Friday night, launching a series of the Mountain West's top running backs that will challenge USU. The Aggies also will meet BYU's Jamaal Williams to conclude the regular season Nov 26 in Provo.
Utah State entered the game ranked sixth in the MW in rushing defense, allowing 151.6 yards.
"Coming into the season, one of our goals was to … have a defense that can stop the run," Aggie linebacker Derek Larsen said prior to facing the Aztecs. "This is going to be a test for us this week, because San Diego State, that's what they do."
Pumphrey, who rushed for 181 yards against Utah State in San Diego last October, gained 151 yards on 22 carries in the first half — including a 44-yard burst in the second quarter.
Next week, the Aggies will go against Wyoming's Brian Hill, who ranks No. 2 in the conference and ran for 201 yards in a loss in Logan last season. Then come New Mexico's Tyrone Owens (No. 5) and Nevada's James Butler (No. 4).
The Aggies already have faced Boise State's Jeremy McNichols (No. 3), who posted 132 rushing yards and caught a 61-yard touchdown pass against Utah State. The MW's top five rushers all rank 30th or higher in the country and Williams is fourth.
Mays, Leavitt return
Utah State running back Devante Mays gained 10 yards on only his second carry since Sept. 10, when he was injured at USC. Mays was caught for a 4-yard loss on his next run.
Aggie safety Dallin Leavitt made his first start since Sept. 24 against Air Force and made six tackles in the first half. Utah State lost defensive backs Jalen Davis and Jontrell Rocquemore to injuries in the half.
Home-field advantage
Utah State coach Matt Wells came into Friday's game with an 18-4 record in home games (including 12-2 in MW contests), and the Aggies won the last eight home games in the Gary Andersen era.
Wells' only losses in conference play in Logan were to Boise State in 2013 and Air Force in September, as the Aggies usually thrive against teams from lower elevation.
The altitude becomes more of a factor when home teams such as Utah State use an accelerated offensive tempo, San Diego State coach Rocky Long said: "If they're not a fast-paced team, it makes no difference whatsoever."
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