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LOGAN -- After another heartbreaking loss for the Utah State Aggies, it would seem as if the Aggie-faithful have seen every possible way to lose ballgames.
From the outside looking in, it would have seemed that Louisiana Tech gave every change to win the game to the Aggies with their sloppy play and inability to move the ball against the Aggie defense, but Utah State would not be outdone playing equally as sloppy and receiving penalty after penalty that hurt the Aggies and led to their eventual defeat, 24-17.
As the Bulldogs took to the victory formation, there were several stats and players that stood out.
Utah State Defense:
The Aggies may have lost, but the defense played well enough to win. The unfortunate stat for the Utah State defense was their inability to come up with interceptions when they fell in their laps. On three separate occasions the Aggies dropped easy interceptions that could have turned the game the other way. The Aggies held dangerous La Tech senior running back Lennon Creer to an average of 3.6 yards per carry, but could have held him to less if they were able to make tackles in the backfield instead of allowing Creer to wiggle his way back to the line of scrimmage or beyond.
The Utah State defense managed to reach the quarterback several times recording three sacks on the afternoon. They are going to need some help to finish the season strong though.
Ryan Allen, Louisiana Tech punter:
It may seem odd to include a punter as a Top Performer, but it is for sure that Allen contributed greatly to the Bulldog victory. Although he was on the field more then La Tech head coach Sonny Dykes would have liked, his performance was spectacular averaging 53.3 yards per kick on eight punts, with a long of 66 yards. Allen basically took junior kick returner Kerwynn Williams right out of the game, either forcing a fair catch or placing the ball within the Aggie 20 (which he did seven times). Allen gets the MVP for this one.
Louisiana Tech Defense:
A spectacular performance from the La Tech defense put pressure on USU true-freshman quarterback Chuckie Keeton all afternoon long and held the Aggie running backs to just 138 yards on the ground. Keeton may have gained 64 yards rushing, but that was due to the inability of the offensive line to keep the Bulldog front seven from pushing their way through and forcing Keeton to run for his life.
Although Keeton was only sacked two times he took one big hit after another and finished the game limping after twisting his knee for the second game in a row.
Bobby Wagner, Utah State linebacker:
Bobby Wagner is putting in game after game showing why he should be a repeat WAC Defensive Player of the Year. Wagner finished the game with 20 tackles (seven solo) and two sacks. Wagner also had 2.5 tackles for loss. This is one of a few Aggies that has the potential to one day play on Sundays.
Email: onlinesports@ksl.com
