Estimated read time: 3-4 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 Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information.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.
RUSTON, LA — The Utah State Aggies pulled off a tough road victory against the explosive offense of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, winning 48-41 in overtime.
Quarterback: A+
Saturday's performance from Chuckie Keeton was arguably his best performance of his career. Keeton absolutely dominated the game, finding open receivers, facilitating the run and making plays as well. Keeton ended the game going 20-of-34 for 340 yards and two touchdowns. He added two touchdowns of his own and 121 rushing yards.
Running Backs: A+
Kerwynn Williams got it done Saturday night, muscling his way in for the game-winning touchdown. However, the final drive was only the peak of his great performance. Williams set the tone early on the Aggies' opening drive, scoring an 83-yard touchdown off a screen pass from Keeton.
Receivers: A
Williams was the team's leading receiver, but it was an all-around performance for multiple guys. Keeton kept the offense moving on great plays from Chuck Jacobs, Matt Austin and Travis Reynolds, who combined for 178 yards. Kellen Bartlett also caught a one-yard touchdown pass.
Offensive Line: A
The offensive line helped Keeton all day. While Keeton is able to scramble and make plays for himself, the offensive line certainly gave him the protection he needed. Additionally, the line gave Williams the holes and blocks needed to get some big yards.
Overall Offense: A-
Overall, the offense was great. The fourth quarter was a struggle, but should not be the deciding factor in the grade. Louisiana Tech played tremendous defense in the last part of the game and made it extremely difficult for Utah State to move the ball.
Defensive Line: B+
The defensive line put a lot of pressure on Colby Cameron early on, stalling Louisiana Tech's potent offense. Additionally, the d-line made it difficult for the run game to progress in the first half. The second half was a different story. While the d-line still put pressure on Cameron, there was the explosiveness of the first half.
Linebackers: B+
The linebackers made it difficult for Louisiana Tech to get anything done early. But as with the rest of the defense, the coverage was a little weak in the second half. Fortunately for the Aggies, linebacker Jake Doughty intercepted a pass from Cameron, which was a major turnover that ultimately helped the Aggies win.
Secondary: B+
The secondary got worked in the second half as Cameron took shots downfield at Quinton Patton. The coverage was there most of the time, but Cameron was able to put points on the board quickly by getting the deep pass time and time again. Corner Will Davis gets tons of credit for breaking Cameron's perfect record by intercepting the ball.
Overall, though, the secondary played tremendous defense against a potent offense that can strike at will.
Overall Defense: B+
The defense was lights out in the first half, allowing the Aggies to take a dominant lead. However, as the game progressed, it was easy to see the exhaustion set in. The Aggies' lead was quickly erased because the defense was not able to stop the quick offense. But when it really came down to needing a stop, the Aggies did not disappoint. Tough game, but a great performance.
Special Teams: A-
Overall, the special teams did a tremendous job. There was the missed field goal early on in the game, but that was all forgiven by the made field goals later on. And the recovered fumble on the kick return made a big difference in the game's outcome.
Overall Team: A-
The Aggies put together a great performance. Sure, they made it a close game at the end, but considering the explosive offense of Louisiana Tech, the game was great. The Bulldogs style of play did not make it easy for the Aggies, but credit must be given for holding on and getting the victory.
