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Logan • It's not a mystery.

Utah State's biggest concern going into Friday night's matchup against Arkansas State is the play of its special teams.

The Aggies struggled in nearly every aspect of the kicking game during last weekend's 45-7 loss at USC.

Those woes gave Utah State no chance to upset the Trojans, who blocked a punt to set up their first touchdown. They returned another punt for a 79 yards and another score.

Aggie kicker Brock Warren also missed badly on a 37-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter, when USC owned only a 7-0 lead.

"Special teams was the major liability," coach Matt Wells said at his weekly news conference on Monday. "We have got to get that fixed in a hurry."

Against USC, Wells said, "Our kickoff coverage and kickoff unit, including the kicker, were poor. We have to get better at that. And our punt team didn't do a very good job in multiple areas."

USC blocked Aaron Dalton's punt on Utah State's first possession. The ball was returned to the Aggie six and the Trojans scored three plays later.

"It was a major part of the momentum in the game," Wells said. "You can't have a wash in the kicking game in a game like that. You have to win the kicking game. … It [is] being addressed."

Gray, Mays listed as questionable

Utah State might have dodged a bullet.

Wells said cornerback Daniel Gray and running back Devante Mays are both "questionable" for the Arkansas State game after being injured at USC.

Gray was hurt making a tackle in the first quarter. He did not get up and the training staffs from both schools administered to him on the field. Gray left on a stretcher.

"He's kind of day-to-day," Wells said. "All the X-rays on his neck and everything came back negative but he's kind of day-to-day. I'd say he's questionable."

Utah State safety Jalen Davis said, "That was crazy, what happened to [Gray]. The whole defense was down. We were sad and feeling for him. We knew we needed to go out there and play for him. But we had so many mistakes. That's what killed us. I'm just happy he's OK and moving around now. That's a good thing."

Mays limped off the field after a five-yard gain on Utah State's second possession of the third quarter. He did not return and was seen on crutches along the Aggie sideline. He ended up carrying eight times for 24 yards.

"Same thing," Wells said. "Questionable. We'll have more information back from our doctors after today's practice. But he'll be a game-time decision. Really day-to-day."

ESPNU to carry Air Force game

Utah State's game against Air Force on Sept. 24 at Maverik Stadium will start at 8:15 p.m. and be shown on ESPNU.

The game is the Mountain West Conference opener for both teams, with the Aggies looking to avenge a 35-28 defeat last season at Falcon Stadium.

Air Force has visited Logan only one other time. In 2014, the Aggies rolled to a 34-16 victory.

The Falcons are 2-0 so far this season, with wins over Abilene Christian (37-21) and Georgia State (48-14). They don't play this week.

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Arkansas State at Utah State

P Friday, 7 p.m.

TV • CBS Sports Network