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PROVO -- The Aggies came to Provo this weekend with nothing but high hopes, but those hopes were dashed after a late touchdown with just eleven seconds left giving the Cougars of BYU a 27-24 victory.
Here is a look at the night's top performers:
Riley Nelson - BYU Senior QB: Inserted in the third quarter, the USU transfer Nelson took control of the BYU offense and led them back into the game. After sophomore quarterback Jake Heaps was removed after badly missing receivers, Nelson gave the Cougars an added dimension to their offense: the mobile quarterback. The senior QB rushed 11 times for 62 yards (to lead the Cougars) and kept several pass plays alive with his legs. The Aggies were not prepared to chase down Nelson and seemed to wear down later in the game. The game winning touchdown pass from Nelson to sophomore tight end Marcus Matthews was a true tip drill after the pass bounced off the hands of sophomore wide receiver Cody Hoffman. It's safe to say though, that without Nelson, BYU would not have been able to come away with the win. Nelson finished 10-14 with 144 yards and two passing scores (including the game winner).
Robert Turbin - USU Junior RB: Turbin was able to give the Aggies a quick 7-0 lead on the first offensive play from scrimmage on a an 80-yard touchdown run, finishing with 9 carries for 123 yards and one rushing score. Not only was Turbin able to run successfully against the BYU front seven, but also was a threat catching the ball out of the backfield. Early in the second half the Aggies ran a perfect screen play to Turbin for a 24-yard touchdown. Although the BYU defense game planned around the junior, he was able to break through and have a big game. Turbin also created holes in the defense for other USU offensive players. True-freshman quarterback Chuckie Keeton thrived off play-action and on quarterback option runs. Turbin will be a force to reckon with on the next level as well.
Chuckie Keeton - USU Freshman QB: Keeton was poised and ready for his second primetime televised game throwing for 122 yards on 13 for 25 completing a pass to eight different receivers. Of course, Keeton needed to have a big game after his big talk Thursday night predicting a Utah State victory via Twitter. Unfortunately the defense was unable to hold a late lead for the third time in four games and Keeton's guarantee fell just short.
Marcus Mathews and Cody Hoffman - BYU sophomore TE & WR: Mathews and Hoffman combined for 10 catches, 113 yards and two scores. The two sophomores became Nelson's primary targets and helped lead the improbable comeback. Three of Hoffman's catches came after Nelson entered the ball game, catching three passes for 50 yards and one touchdown. Mathews caught three balls from Nelson for 27 yards and the game-winning score off a tipped pass.
Email: onlinesports@ksl.com
