EAST LANSING -- In many ways, Utah State's last two seasons have mirrored Michigan State's last two seasons.
The Aggies had a surprising fall to a three-win season in 2016, after having won six or more games for five seasons before that.
Last year, Utah State was exceptionally young, with the fourth-most first-time starters in the country. But it still rebounded to win six games and qualify for a bowl.
Now, the Aggies return nearly all of their team from 2017 and do so to significantly higher expectations in the Mountain West conference.
Here's the lowdown on Michigan States opponent for its season-opener next Friday at Spartan Stadium (7 p.