BOISE, Idaho — It was a much different game than the 52-26 rout that Utah State put on Boise State in 2015. The Broncos used trick plays and a strong defensive effort to shut down the Utah State attack and earn the 21-10 win Saturday night at Albertsons Stadium. Here is how the Aggies graded out in the loss.

Offense: C+

The grade is high because of the fact the Aggies were able to move the ball at times against the vaunted Boise State defense. But it is low because of the fact that the Aggies were 4-of-19 on third down and had drive after drive stalled due to penalties and other miscues.

It seemed like there was a brick wall at the Boise 35- or 40-yard line because the Aggies had no trouble getting into Bronco territory. Problem was, they just couldn't get past that part of the field. False start penalties, sacks, tackles for loss all combined to kill Aggie drives.

Kent Myers had a nice night, throwing for 287 yards and a touchdown and rushing for 47 yards to lead the Aggies, but he didn't get much help in crucial points in the game. Aggies have to get better on third down if they are to pick up their first win in conference play next Saturday at Colorado State.

Defense: B+

If it weren't for the USU defense, this game might have turned into a rout. They were on the field for over 31 minutes of the game but held the Boise State offense to less than 400 yards of total offense. They recorded one sack and five tackles for loss. Yes, Boise State running back Jeremy McNichols ran for over 130 yards but most of those came while the Broncos were trying to run out the clock. Considering that McNichols didn't get into the end zone after scoring four touchdowns a week ago says a lot about what the Aggie defense was able to accomplish. Yes, Boise State scored 21 points, but the first touchdown came on a trick play and the third came on a miscommunication in the defensive backfield. But overall, the USU defense played a solid game.

Special Teams: A-

There weren't any spectacular returns or any spectacular plays on the special teams. In fact, the only miscue for the Aggie special teams was when kicker Brock Warren missed a chip-shot field-goal attempt right before the first half ended. He wouldn't have had that opportunity had it not been for a muffed punt recovered by USU's Gerold Bright.

Punter Aaron Dalton did his job of switching field position when it was needed and kicker Jake Thompson made it possible for the USU kicking team to have solid coverage and not allow any big returns on the night.

Coaching: B-

Defensively, the Aggies were on point. They didn't allow much in the running game that Boise State is known for, and outside two of the touchdowns, didn't allow any big plays. They forced the Broncos into seven punts on the night and kept the Aggies in the game. That is the reason for the high grade.

Offensively, it was a struggle. The Aggies had some big plays, especially in their first two drives of the second half, but the rest of those drives stalled because of penalties and other such self-inflicted miscues such as tackles for loss and dropped passes. It is something head coach Matt Wells says is uncharacteristic of the Aggies and something they need to get better at.

Overall: B+

It wasn't a win, but considering that Boise State was a 23-point favorite coming in, it was a solid performance by the Aggies. They continued to battle, the defense kept the Aggies in the game and at times it seemed like the offense had it all figured out. But penalties and stalled drives inside Boise territory hurt. Myers continues to play well and the fact that the Aggies didn't have a turnover for the second time this season shows that they are capable of winning big ballgames. They travel to Fort Collins, Colorado, for a matchup with Colorado State next weekend. It would do the Aggies good to go into the bye week with a solid win.

Kyle McDonald is sports fan who loves the Chicago Cubs and the Utah Valley University Wolverines. He is a communication major at UVU and will graduate in the spring of 2017. Follow him on Twitter at @kylesportsbias

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