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Logan • Utah State's offense was shorthanded Friday night at Maverik Stadium.

Senior running back Devante Mays did not play against Arkansas State after being listed as questionable. He limped off the field in the third quarter of last week's 45-7 loss at USC and did not return.

At his Monday press conference, Utah State coach Matt Wells said Mays' availability would be a "game-time decision."

Mays rushed for 208 yards and three touchdowns in Utah State's season-opening 45-6 win over Weber State. But he managed only 24 yards on eight carries before being injured against USC.

Meanwhile, senior cornerback Daniel Gray did not start but played against Arkansas State. He was injured while making a tackle in the first quarter against the Trojans and was carried off the field on a stretcher.

All precautionary x-rays were negative, Wells said, and Gray ended up playing in the 28th game of his career at Utah State.

Arkansas State's grad transfer

Arkansas State quarterback Chad Voytik is a graduate transfer from Pitt, where he was the starter in 2014 and played in seven games last season.

According to NCAA rules, players who earn their degree before completing their athletic eligibility are allowed to transfer without having to sit out a year.

"I have a favorable impression of grad transfers because I think Utah State has benefitted," Wells said.

Recent examples of grad transfers who have excelled for the Aggies include linebacker LT Filiaga and offensive lineman Ben Wysocki.

Filiaga became a two-year starter after leaving the University of Utah. Wysocki was a valuable member of the offense line last season after transferring from UCLA. Both players completed their eligibility last year.

"On the flip side," Wells said, "we've had a few players graduate from here and go play at a lower level. And they've had a good college career. They got to come to Utah State and play a little. But they graduated and moved on and they had a favorable experience — more playing time and better stats, that sort of thing — and I'm for that. You only get one chance."

Wells says rule is on target

College football's targeting rule — and how it's being called — has already become a controversial issue this season.

Wells, however, is a supporter.

"I think the officials are doing a good job managing that," he said. "It's absolutely good for the game because it's taken target zones lower. … If it's for the safety of the players, I'm for it. It's good."

Wells likes the fact targeting calls can be changed after officials look at replays.

"There's a lot of technology now and the way they can use it — to either put one on that is egregious or take it off — is the right thing to do," he said. "… Hopefully [future] studies will show there are less concussions and less injuries."

Briefly:

Utah State's first three games of the year have started at 6 p.m., 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. (local time). … Only three players from Arkansas have ever played for Utah State. The group includes defensive end John Matthews (1962-64), quarterback David Strock (2004) and defensive end Antonio May (2009). … Arkansas State senior defensive back Money Hunter has a famous father. He is the son of former professional baseball player Torii Hunter, who spent 19 years in the big leagues and was a five-time All-Star. On his way up the ladder in 1998, Torii Hunter hit .337 in 26 games for the Triple-A Salt Lake Bees.

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