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SALT LAKE CITY — 310. No, that's not my weight, but the total yards Utah State quarterback Chuckie Keeton was accountable for in Utah's 27-20 overtime loss to the Aggies last season.
Keeton had a terrific performance, completing 22 passes for 216 yards with two touchdowns, while adding an additional 94 yards on the ground.
"He's a great quarterback. I think he's an elite guy," Utah defensive coordinator Kalani Sitake said. "He gets better every time you watch him. He just keeps improving."
That loss, while not directly, ended up costing the Utes a shot at a bowl game, snapping a streak of nine straight post-season appearances.
It also ended the Utes' 12-game winning streak against the Aggies.
Needless to say, Utah's focus is on one thing - Utah State.
"We always circle the opener," head coach Kyle Whittingham said. "That is our primary focus."
Utah State's strength was Utah's primary weakness in 2012 - mobile quarterbacks. The Utes struggled against a slew of dual threat stars that based most of their success on their ability to extend plays and scramble for first downs.
As a result, containing Keeton is priority one, two, three and four according to Whittingham.
"He is a great competitor, and I have all the respect in the world for him," Whittingham added.
Chuckie Keeton QB Stats
| Year | Att | Comp | Pct. | Yards | Yards/Att | TD | Int | Rating | Att/G | Yards/G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 407 | 275 | 67.6 | 3373 | 8.3 | 27 | 9 | 154.65 | 31.3 | 259.5 |
| 2011 | 174 | 106 | 60.9 | 1200 | 6.9 | 11 | 2 | 137.41 | 17.4 | 120.0 |
"He's tough to slow down and can really throw the ball well," Utah linebacker Brian Blechen said. "Any time you think you have him he can run."
"We have to contain him. We can't let him get out of the pocket," Utah defensive tackle Tenny Palepoi said. "He's dangerous in the run game."
Last season's loss in Logan is still hits hard with the coaches and players, who hope the outcome is different in the friendly confines of Rice-Eccles.
"We have to be ready," Palepoi said. "They are very good and over the course of the season last year they got even better."
"This year (Utah State will) be coming in looking to do the same thing as last year. For us it's time for some redemption," Blechen stated.
