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HONOLULU -- The way this season has been for the Utah State Aggies, the assumption would be that the Aggies were the ones who took a large lead into the second half only to lose it with only seconds left in the game.
That was not the case in Hawaii when head coach Gary Andersen decided to rewrite the football script and take the lead with only 11 seconds remaining on the game clock instead of losing it.
This is the sort of second half that the Aggies have been looking for all season. As Coach Andersen said after the game, "we just made big plays."
OBSERVATION #1
For the first time all season Utah State trailed going into the fourth quarter and it just might be what the Aggies needed. After trailing 28-7 at halftime, USU came out of the locker room firing on all cylinders and went on a 21-3 run and cut Hawaii's lead to three. Coach Andersen must have another inspirational speech after saying that the offense couldn't run or throw the ball, "at all."
OBSERVATION #2
After losing to their opponent's second string quarterback four times this season, USU's script change was in the Aggies favor when freshman starting quarterback Chuckie Keeton went down with what appeared to be a serious neck injury. Junior college transfer Adam Kennedy entered the game and in his first play from scrimmage took a knee (to end the first half). After running out of the tunnel for the second half Kennedy gave the ball to junior running back Robert Turbin who ran up the middle for 25 yards setting up a 26-yard touchdown toss to senior wide receiver Matt Austin.
The Aggies were an inspired team after Keeton went down and seemed to be playing for a greater purpose then just a check in the win column.
OBSERVATION #3
A big question in the minds of Aggie-faithful the last few weeks was could the Aggies win close games? Could the Utah State coaching staff figure out what they've been doing wrong and get the Aggies to the finish line? Those questions were answered for this game at least as the Aggies were able to stay aggressive and make the big play when they needed to.
Three times the Aggie defense were able to stop the powerful Hawaii offense on fourth downs and on the other side of the ball Utah State was able to convert two fake punts to first downs.
Coach Andersen and his staff can only hope to build on this momentum and take it back home against the San Jose State Spartans. The Aggies will need to win at least three of their next four games if they hope to become bowl eligible. While it will be difficult, looking at the schedule for the rest of the season Utah State should know that a bowl is still possible.
Email: onlinesports@ksl.com
