Utah State players to Alabama: We could beat you

Even before a 61-19 home win against New Mexico that led Utah State University to a No. 18 national ranking, some Aggies were already setting their sights higher.

How much higher?

"I believe we are really a good team," Utah State place kicker Taylor Hintze said. “We'll definitely go toe-to-toe with Alabama, and definitely shock some people."

And yes, Hintze is talking about that Alabama. The defending national champions. The No. 1-ranked University of Alabama Crimson Tide.

That sort of talk will remain talk this season. The two teams have only faced off twice in history — Alabama won both of those contests. And while Utah State is scheduled to play Alabama, that game won’t come until 2022.

Alabama's offense averages 54.1 points per game, which is the best in the nation. The 4th-ranked Aggies offense falls slightly behind with 47.7 points per game. Utah State and Alabama are also both ranked top 15 in the FBS for defensive touchdowns.

The two teams' schedules are a bit different, of course. Alabama is slogging its way through the Power 5 Southeastern Conference and has handily beaten the only ranked team it has played this season – then-22nd-ranked Texas A&M. Utah State plays in the considerably less tough Mountain West Conference; its single loss this season came to its only Power 5 opponent, then-11th-ranked Michigan State.

No team has come within three scores of Alabama this season, but that doesn't faze Aggies cornerback Deante Fortenberry.

"I don't got no doubts in no team we play against," Fortenberry said.

Fortenberry said he and his teammates treat every game like they would if they were playing Alabama.

"We just take each game like it's the biggest game," Fortenberry said. "We always say this game is the game of the week."