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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Utah State wrapped up the opening weekend of college football with a 38-7 loss at Tennessee on the debut weekend of the SEC Network. The game marked the first appearance for senior quarterback Chuckie Keeton since Oct. 4 against BYU, and the first game for running back Joe Hill since one week previous against San Jose State.
The Aggies’ first trip to Neyland Stadium ended with a mark in the loss column and a potential season-changing injury on the defensive side of the ball. But it wasn’t all bad. We’ll start with the good news.
• Chuckie Keeton looks healthy again — at least there’s that. When the senior signal caller wasn’t spending time on the ground, he showed flashes of his former self. He appears to be recovered from surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the offseason, and the Aggies will need him to turn this season around. But the Aggies will also need to help Keeton in making plays, whether with his arm or his feet, if they want to find success this year.
• The Aggies’ front seven are as good as advertised, holding the Vols to 17 points in the first half when the SEC squad could have had many, many more. B.J. Larsen was explosive on the offensive line, and the tandem of Zach and Nick Vigil should prove fruitful for Utah State’s hopes this season; the younger Nick had 15 tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack in a standout effort. The Volunteer defense eventually wore down Utah State, but only after the defense spent a lot of extra time on the field.
• One of the deeper receiving classes in Utah State recent history went awry in the first half, with seven total catches (including two from Hill). The Aggies will need increased production out of veterans JoJo Natson, Ronald Butler and Brandon Swindall, as well as newcomers like Hunter Sharp in order to move the ball and take pressure off Keeton and the ground game. Sharp had a 37-yard touchdown catch from Keeton in the second half for Utah State's only score, but it was just his second catch of the game after several drops.
• The defensive secondary came into the game with a lot of question marks, and it left with several moments of inconsistency. Senior safety Brian Suite was a strong anchor in the back, but the cornerbacks were shaky at times, allowing Tennessee quarterback Justin Worley to complete 13 straight passes in the second half.
• Utah State’s rebuilt offensive line, which returned only one starter in senior left tackle Kevin Whimpey, was less than impressive in its season debut. The group hasn’t jelled, and it showed with only 14 rushing yards by players not named Chuckie Keeton in the first half.
• All-America candidate linebacker Kyler Fackrell missed the entire second half after suffering a knee injury in the opening half hour. Fackrell was seen icing his knee on the bench after halftime, and Utah State’s defense will take a hit if he misses any substantial time this year.
