Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
San Antonio, Texas -- Watching scary movies tends to be the popular thing to do this time of year with Halloween right around the corner. "Child's Play" is a famous scary movie featuring Chucky the Doll. "Want to play?" is what Chucky always asked before handling his business. Watching Utah State film is exactly like watching "Child's Play" with starting quarterback Chuckie Keeton as the main star. Before handling his business, he could probably post the same question; want to play? This is just as scary for anyone trying to defend against this premier quarterback.
On Saturday afternoon, Keeton once again posted up amazing numbers against UTSA before being pulled in the fourth quarter to avoid any injuries. Keeton threw for 340 yards and three touchdowns and even rushed for a yard for good measure. Although Keeton threw an interception in the endzone, he still controlled the ball well and protected the ball to defeat the Roadrunners 48-17. But this was more than just a great game from the sophomore quarterback. This was a statement. And although he wouldn't admit it, I'll go on and say that he is the best quarterback in Utah.
BYU seems to have a pair of back-up quarterbacks in Taysom Hill and Riley Nelson and Utah had the same issue after Jordan Wynn went down early in the season. Keeton has been consistent throughout the season, averaging 224 passing yards a game, including a career-high 404-yard game against UNLV back in September. Keeton has a 151.2 quarterback rating leading Jon Hays, Utah has 130.5, and Riley Nelson, BYU, 114.9.
Keeton has tremendous feet as well. On Saturday, Keeton's O-line failed him a couple times but was able to move around the pressure and complete a couple passes that went for larger yardage than expected. Keeton also has three touchdowns rushing, including a 76-yard touchdown run last week against New Mexico State. Keeton has 357 rushing yards this season and 650 career rushing yards in two years. Nelson and Hays have 428 rushing yards in that same span.
Keeton has better numbers overall than his in-state competition and had taken his team to a 7-2 record on the year with an undefeated conference record of 3-0. Chuckie wants to play. And he came to play.
