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LOGAN — After one of the biggest wins in recent Utah State program history, the Aggies return home for homecoming weekend to open Mountain West play against Air Force.
But these aren’t the same Falcons of the past few years. Air Force, once beholden to a nine-game in-conference losing streak, is now 1-1 in Mountain West play with a win over conference power Boise State. The Falcons also come into Logan confident after going up 1-0 in the Commander-in-Chief Trophy race, given annually to the nation’s top service academy team.
Utah State will have its share of confidence boosters Saturday night for its conference opener, an 8:15 p.m. kickoff, that will be broadcast on ESPNU. With two teams playing well at the right time, this game could see a lot of points.
Here are five keys to follow for Utah State (3-2, 0-0 MW) to score at least one more point than Air Force (4-1, 1-1 MW).
It’s become a staple in Air Force’s triple-option offense for longer than many of the current Aggies have been lacing up their pads: the Falcons like to run, and they will do it often. This year’s cadets are averaging nearly 300 yards on the ground, led by running back Jacobi Owens with 633 yards and four touchdowns. Utah State’s top-10 ranked run defense allowed only 154 yards a week ago at BYU, and the Aggies hope to hold another opponent well below their season rushing average.
Air Force quarterback Kale Pearson has proven to be a true dual threat, completing 60 percent of his passes for 7.8 yards per attempt. The senior from Tulsa, Oklahoma, has thrown for 629 yards and has ran for 261 yards and three touchdowns. Pearson was at his best on the ground in the takedown of the Broncos, running for 127 yards and a score in a bruising game of throwback, smash-mouth football. Utah State will likely get acquainted with the quarterback quickly — for better or worse.
When Darell Garretson came on as the full-time starter for injured quarterback Chuckie Keeton, he immediately began showing his arm strength. If last week’s career-high 327-yard and 72 percent completion effort continues, the Aggies will be difficult to outscore.
Utah State unveiled a rare, potential two-way star last week in linebacker/running back Nick Vigil. The sophomore from Plain City led his team in tackles and rushing, putting up 57 yards and a touchdown on offense and nine tackles on the defensive side. Through bouts of vomit and seemingly endless cramps, Vigil played a game for the ages — and earned himself a spot on both sides of the line going forward.
The Falcons aren’t just football players, they are also United States military cadets, and it shows in their discipline. The academy players average only 5.2 penalties per game, nearly half that of Utah State. If the Aggies can keep calm and control drives on their end, Air Force’s unique offense won’t be as much of a problem as it has for other opponents.
