Utah State Basketball: A Model of Consistent Success

BOISE, Idaho – It’s a question that resurfaces every year: how does Utah State men’s basketball consistently achieve success, regardless of the coach at the helm? The Aggies are currently on their fourth coach since 2018, Jerrod Calhoun, who’s in his second year. Remarkably, they’ve secured 20-win seasons in six of the past seven years and have earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament each time – boasting 26 or more victories in five of those seasons. And now, the Aggies have once again surpassed the 20-win mark.

Following Ryan Odom’s departure in 2023, Danny Sprinkle stepped in, inheriting a roster that had lost all scoring from the previous season. Despite this challenge, USU achieved a stellar 28-7 record, prompting Sprinkle’s move to Washington. Calhoun continued the winning tradition, going 26-8 last season and currently holding a 22-3 record, positioning the Aggies in first place in the Mountain West going into tonight’s game against Boise State in Logan.

What’s Ahead in Round 2 vs. USU?

The Broncos face a significant challenge tonight: matching the Aggies’ intensity and proving that last Friday’s performance – where they squandered leads of 23 and 17 points in an overtime loss to UNLV – was an anomaly. While Boise State isn’t necessarily playing for pride, the Utah State game presents an opportunity for redemption.

After the UNLV loss, RJ Keene expressed the Broncos’ feeling of “complacency” after building a substantial lead and emphasized the need to “set aside our egos.” It’s unlikely Boise State will approach the game in Logan with the same mindset after being thoroughly defeated by the Aggies last month.

Currently, the Broncos hold a 7-7 record and sit in seventh place in the Mountain West.

The Role of Analytics in Utah State’s Strategy

Utah State’s dominant finish against Memphis last Saturday raises questions about their strategic approach. USU defeated the Tigers 99-75 and, with the game already in hand, continued to score, adding 13 points in the final 1½ minutes, culminating in a tomahawk dunk at the buzzer. Memphis coach Penny Hardaway voiced his disapproval, stating the Aggies should have shown more “class” and refrained from continuing to score.

However, Utah State’s rationale was to improve their KenPom and NCAA NET ratings, crucial metrics for NCAA Tournament positioning. While a more conservative approach could have been taken, the Aggies prioritized maximizing their statistical profile.

Strausser Returns to Boise State

Chris Strausser, a familiar face in Boise, has been named Senior Offensive Analyst for Boise State football. Strausser’s expertise lies in offensive line coaching, having previously served in that role for Boise State under Dan Hawkins (2001-05) and Chris Petersen (2007-13). He also followed Coach Pete to Washington and most recently coached the offensive line for the Houston Texans (2023-24). This is a valuable addition to the Broncos’ staff.

Pac-12 Schedule Analysis

According to Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News, Boise State has one of the easiest football schedules in the Pac-12, suggesting the conference provided them with a favorable arrangement. Wilner highlights the opener against Oregon as a key matchup, drawing comparisons to their previous encounter. He also emphasizes the importance of the game against Memphis as a potential playoff contender for the Group of Six.

Future NFL Stars: Jeanty and Kubiak

Klint Kubiak appears to be a promising addition to the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense, potentially pairing No. 1 draft pick Fernando Mendoza with former Boise State star Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers. Experts believe Kubiak’s coaching can unlock Jeanty’s full potential, refining his outside zone reads and reducing negative plays.

Sacramento State’s Risky Move

Sacramento State’s recent move to the MAC in football is facing scrutiny. The Hornets are attempting to offset significant entry fees and travel costs without immediate conference revenue, relying on optimistic economic impact projections. Critics question the feasibility of these projections, particularly considering the potential for low attendance at midweek games.

Team Idaho Shines

While awaiting Hilary Knight and Team USA’s pursuit of Olympic gold in Milan, we celebrate Jaelin Kauf’s two silver medals in moguls and dual moguls. Kauf, with ties to Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah, represents the spirit of Team Idaho. Alpine skier Breezy Johnson, raised in Victor, also adds to the state’s athletic achievements.

Idaho Steelheads Face Challenges

The Idaho Steelheads are navigating a difficult stretch without leading scorer Brendan Hoffman, who has been called up to the AHL’s Texas Stars. They’ve dropped two of three games without him, scoring only two goals in the losses.

College of Idaho’s Tournament Push

The College of Idaho is preparing for crucial games against Oregon Tech and Southern Oregon to secure their position in the Cascade Conference tournament. A sweep would give the Yotes a 20-win season.

A Look Back: Jared Allen’s Legacy

February 18th marks the 10-year anniversary of Jared Allen’s retirement. The former Idaho State great enjoyed a stellar 12-year NFL career, recording 136 sacks and earning five Pro Bowl selections.