Utah State Fades After Quick Start Against Nevada, Suffers Third Straight Loss

RENO, Nevada – The Utah State offense disappeared after jumping out to a quick 9-0 lead against the Nevada Wolfpack and the Aggies fell to 0-3 on the season.

Nevada hosted Utah State at Mackay Stadium in Reno, Nevada on Thursday, November 5.

The Aggies took a early 2-0 lead after sacking Nevada quarterback Carson Strong for a safety on the Wolf Pack’s second offensive possession of the game.

SAFETY 🔥@USUFootball's @aj_v25 comes up with a huge play to put the first points on the board pic.twitter.com/72NTuB2JUo

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 6, 2020

On USU’s third offensive series, quarterback Jason Shelley marched the Aggies 61 yards down the field and into the end zone on four-yard touchdown pass to Justin McGriff.

TD No. ☝️ for @JustincliftM. #AggiesAllTheWayhttps://t.co/vhzgU5tehs

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 6, 2020

After that, the Aggie offense disappeared.

After taking an early 9-0 lead, @USUFootball allowed @NevadaFootball to score 34 consecutive points. The Aggies are now 0-3 on the season.

FINAL

Aggies 9
Wolf Pack 34

Read more on the @kslsports app.#AggiesAllTheWay

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 6, 2020

Utah State punted of 10 of its 12 possessions of the game.

Aside from the early touchdown drive, the Aggies punted on fourth down on every series except for their final possession of the game, when they turned of the ball over on downs with 4:08 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Shelley ended the contest throwing 15/27 for 96 yards and a touchdown. He added seven carries for 34 yards with his legs.

In the third quarter, USU subbed in Andrew Peasley for a few series at quarterback.

Peasley went 1/7 for five yards before Shelley was inserted back into the game in the fourth quarter.

Strong led the Nevada offense throwing 36/52 for 411 yards and three touchdowns.

KEEP FEEDING HIM 😤😤

Strong hits Doubs for a 54-yard Wolf Pack TD. pic.twitter.com/geiJPn2Eg9

— Nevada Football (@NevadaFootball) November 6, 2020

Wolf Pack wide receiver Romeo Doubs was on the other end of seven of Strong’s completions. Doubs had 137 receiving yards and a trio of touchdown catches.

RomeoDoubs_LastDanceMeme_Version2.mp4#BattleBorn // #NevadaGrit pic.twitter.com/xsSUVjxC6z

— Nevada Football (@NevadaFootball) November 6, 2020

Nevada running back Toa Taua ran the ball 12 times for 107 yards and a touchdown.

Here's a serotonin boost brought to you by Toa Taua!

Taua with the 60-yard run.

Q3 5:46 | Nevada 28, Utah State 9#BattleBorn // #NevadaGrit pic.twitter.com/OpePQbkKY0

— Nevada Football (@NevadaFootball) November 6, 2020

With the result, Nevada improved to 3-0 and Utah State fell to 0-3 on the season.

It’s the first time the Aggies have begun a season with three straight losses since 2008.

END 3️⃣ | 🔵🔵🔵⚪️

After 3 quarters, Nevada leads 31-9. #AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/sgRuF7MmNI

— USU Football (@USUFootball) November 6, 2020

Utah State’s next game is against the Fresno State Bulldogs on Saturday, November 14. Kickoff time has not been announced. The game will broadcast on FS2.