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LOGAN -- The Utah State Aggies have played three very difficult games in which they lost and won two absolute blowouts. After allowing twelve points in the first five minutes of the game, the Aggies only allowed one other score and defeated the Cowboys of Wyoming 63-19. This is exactly the sort of game the Aggies and head coach Gary Andersen needed. Here's a look back on how Utah State was able to walk away with this one.
Observation 1:
True-freshman quarterback Chuckie Keeton had a career game. As for Utah State: as Keeton goes, so goes USU. The Aggie quarterback finished the first half with 213 yards passing and five touchdowns, doubling his season total, on 15-20 passing. Junior running back Robert Turbin is the most reliable and most talented member of the USU offense but without a quality game from Keeton, USU can't seem to pull out a victory. Offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin had a game plan centered around what helps Keeton be successful: short easy passes and screens to both receivers and backs. Look for the Aggies to build off this game and have a successful season.
Observation 2:
The Cowboys are clearly not the best team in the Mountain West and the good news for the Aggies is that they most likely won't face an opponent much better for the rest of the season. The biggest challenge facing Utah State will be Hawai'i in Honolulu. The Rainbow Warriors have just the sort of offense that could give head coach and defensive coordinator Gary Andersen trouble. Until then, the Aggies should stay aggressive and expect big games from USU stars.
Observation 3:
When the Aggies are successful in putting pressure on the quarterback, they are a dangerous team. The Aggies recorded only one official sack (thanks to freshman quarterback Brett Smith's legs and elusiveness) but they were in the backfield all night long causing two turnovers by the Cowboys (one interception and one fumble recovery). The defense is led by senior linebackers Bobby Wagner and Kyle Gallagher who had 11 and 5 tackles respectively. Wagner also recorded the Aggies first interception of the season with 13 seconds remaining in the first half. Look for head coach and defensive coordinator Gary Andersen to stay aggressive against opponents for the rest of the season and watch the wins mount up.
Utah State finally had the game we were expecting them to have since the victory over Weber State. The Aggies now have a chance to turn around their 1-3 season and potentially win the WAC. Aggie faithful still have hope in Logan.
Email: onlinesports@ksl.com
