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Logan • Don't expect many penalties during Utah State's game against Air Force on Saturday night at Maverik Stadium.
Through the opening weeks of the season, Aggies and Falcons are two of the least-penalized teams in the Mountain West Conference.
Utah State has been called for 15 penalties totaling 122 yards in three games — an average of 40.7. That's second in the league behind San Diego State.
Air Force has been whistled for only nine penalties totaling 102 yards in two games — an average of 51.0.
"It's been a point of emphasis since training camp," Aggie coach Matt Wells said. "We've probably had more officials at our practices … this year than we've ever had."
Penalties were a huge factor in Utah State's 34-20 win over Arkansas State last week.
The Red Wolves were called for 18 penalties, including four personal fouls, one unsportsmanlike conduct, one roughing the passer and one illegal block.
Utah State was called for six penalties — none in the first quarter, when it built a 17-0 lead.
"I've been proud of our guys and their mental discipline," Wells said. "They held their cool really well [against Arkansas State]. We tried to establish who we were from whistle to whistle. That got relayed to them as the game continued and our guys did a nice job."
Wells knows every team will be penalized, but the important thing is to stay away from the unnecessary ones.
"We have minimized those kind of penalties," he said.
Home sweet home
Utah State has won 25 of its last 28 home games, including 11 straight against Mountain West opponents.
Under Wells, the Aggies are 17-3 in Logan.
"Any time we play in Maverik Stadium, in front of our home crowd, it's a special feeling," he said. "Those students are awesome. They're the best student section in the Mountain West. It's an energy that our players feed off of."
The Aggies and Falcons have played four previous games. Air Force has visited Utah State only once. In 2014, the Aggies rolled to a 34-16 win.
"To play in this venue and defend our turf is something that we take a lot of pride in," Wells said. "… It's a major home-field advantage that, to me, is second-to-none in the Mountain West."
Senior linebacker Brock Carmen calls playing in Maverik Stadium "special" and "a ton of fun."
"You can't [minimize] the energy it gives us," he said. "It motivates you, knowing you have the crowd behind you. You know you have your team and your crowd."
Air Force on the ground
To have a chance against Air Force, Utah State's defense must slow the Falcons' ground game.
The Falcons lead the country in rushing (432.5). They are fifth nationally in total offense (566.5).
"Defensively, we have to have a solid plan, we have to have a sound plan," Wells said. "You have to understand who has the fullback, who has the quarterback and who has pitch every play. You just have to be very sound in your assignments.
"When you're pressuring, you [also] have to be sound. Guys have to be on point and you have to tackle well. You have to have your eyes in the right spot ... against a team like this."
Twitter: @sluhm —
Utah State vs. Air Force
P At Maverik Stadium, Logan
Saturday, 8:15 p.m.
TV • ESPNU