Estimated read time: 4-5 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 Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information.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.
LOGAN -- Coming off last week's games, the Utah State Aggies and the Bulldogs of Fresno State would seem to be moving in two different directions. The Aggies took down the Wyoming Cowboys 63-19, while Fresno State fell hard to #5 ranked Boise State Broncos. This would seem like another easy USU blowout, but as the Aggie faithful know: there are no sure things. Utah State flexed their offensive muscles against Wyoming, but the conference schedule is now upon the Aggies and head coach Gary Andersen will need another big game from his top horses.
What did we learn about USU against Wyoming?
When true-freshman quarterback Chuckie Keeton is playing well, the Aggies are successful. Keeton threw for 213 yards on 15 of 20 passing and five touchdowns, easily the best performance of his young (and bright) career. Junior running back Robert Turbin had yet another solid performance rushing for 113 yards and catching the ball out of the backfield for another 19, scoring twice (once on the ground and once through the air), but senior running back Michael Smith was also able to score twice on eight carries for 51 yards. Smith's only reception went for 53 yards and another score. Not only did Keeton throw TD passes to his running backs, but he also completed scoring tosses to tight ends sophomore D.J. Tialavea and senior Tarren Lloyd, as well as junior wide receiver Stanley Morrison.
Quarterback pressure equals victory for the Aggies. Although USU only recorded one official sack, the Aggies were in freshman quarterback Brett Smith's face all night, causing him to scramble and make poor throws. Utah State's reputation as run stoppers forced Smith to throw the ball 46 times (completing 28, one interception) for 265 yards but resulted in zero touchdowns. In fact, after scoring the first 12 points of the game (all before Keeton and the offense even took the field), the Cowboys only managed seven more points all night (being shut out in the second half entirely). Senior linebackers Bobby Wagner and Kyle Gallagher lead a very solid defensive squad.
What questions do we have about USU?
The question that needs to be answered is: can USU win close games? While many in Logan are thinking this, don't expect this question to be answered in the upcoming game against Fresno State. The Aggies should be able to control the Bulldogs as well.
What can USU expect from Fresno State?
Fresno will try and remain a balanced team against Coach Andersen's men, at the same time taking their chances down field. The Bulldog's speedy receiving core led to Gary Andersen imputing a new defensive scheme in place: the nickel defense. Sophomore quarterback Derek Carr loves to throw to fellow underclassmen wide receivers Jalen Saunders (sophomore) and Josh Harder (freshman).
Carr has thrown for over 1400 yards on the season and ten touchdowns. The success Carr has had through the air is an effective way to open running lanes for junior running back Robbie Rouse. While Rouse may not be Robert Turbin, he has managed to rush for an impressive 4.7 yards per carry average so far this season.
What can we expect from USU vs. Fresno State?
While this game may not be the areal show that the Wyoming game was, quarterback Chuckie Keeton should be able to take advantage of weaknesses that Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore made painfully obvious this past week. The USU running backs should also be able to find holes to run though behind the Aggies stellar offensive line. The unheralded core of defensive-linemen should also eat up blocks and make enough plays to help the linebackers of Utah State roam free and be heroes. Aggie faithful can expect another victory for the Aggies, their first on the road this season as well as the first conference victory.
Miscellaneous:
- Robert Turbin rushed for over 100-yards for the fourth straight game against the Cowboys and the twelfth time in his career.
- Turbin needs only four points to take over the number three spot on USU's Career Points list and six for the number two spot. Turbin enters the game with 242 points scored.
- The Aggies are seeking their first win in Fresno since 1980 having lost the previous five played at Bulldog Stadium.
Conclusion:
The Aggies look to begin their 2011 WAC schedule with a victory and, unless they are able to find the banana peel for the fourth time this season, will return home to Logan a .500 team. Utah State still hase the opportunity to take home the conference crown, but as Coach Andersen would surely say: it's still one game at a time.
Email: onlinesports@ksl.com
