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LOGAN -- The Utah State Aggies fans have waited 14 long and dreadful years to see their team make it back to football respectability.
Mark November 26th, 2011 as they day they returned to that status as the Aggies knocked off Nevada 21-17 at Romney Stadium on Saturday.
The win signifies the first time that Utah State has beaten the Wolf Pack in Logan since 1950.
Coaches, players, and fans alike went into a frenzy as time ran out and the loud cheering could be heard even after people left the stadium.
The victory brings Utah State's record to 6-5 on the season, including 3-2 in WAC conference play.
Here are this week's Game Day Grades:
Quarterbacks: B
Adam Kennedy completed 7-of-14 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown, along with an interception. Kennedy's incompletions can't totally be blamed on him, as some of his passes went through the hands of his receivers or were thrown away to prevent a sack. He also rushed 11 times for 43 yards. Kennedy did just enough to help USU to victory.
Running Backs/Full Backs: B-
The running game had 199 yards on the day, which is sub- par by USU's standards. Kerwynn Williams led the backs with 71 yards on nine carries with a touchdown while Robert Turbin rushed 18 times for 65 yards. Michael Smith had 28 yards on 4 carries before leaving the game with an apparent hamstring injury. Nevada shut down the running lanes for the most part, but it wasn't enough against the Aggies.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: B+
It's not too often that you see most of the Utah State offense through the air, however, I think anyone will take what they can get. Matt Austin had two catches for 61 yards and a touchdown. Robert Turbin also caught two passes for 36 yards and a score. Eric Moats has one catch for 53 yards. There were some passes that went through the receivers hands, but the receivers made plays when it mattered most.
Offensive Line: B+
This is a two sided grade as the offensive line did a great job keeping Kennedy upright throughout the game. However, they couldn't seem to create the space necessary for the running game to take full effect. They kept their poise after getting annihilated in the first half by the Nevada defense.
Overall Offense: B
It wasn't pretty, but they got the job done. That's all that matters at this point in the season. In the words of the late Al Davis, "Just win, baby."
Defensive Line: B-
The defensive line had some issues in the first half and later stages of the third quarter. The Nevada offensive line got whatever they wanted and pushed the Aggies around. But, the fourth quarter was a different story as the line pushed back and owned Nevada.
Linebackers: B+
The linebackers had a solid day in keeping the middle coverage of the field in good shape, with the exception of the Lampford Mark 35-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Bobby Wagner had 15 tackles and a key fumble recovery late in the fourth quarter for USU. Kyle Gallagher had 11 tackles, including a game changing sack of Nevada QB Cody Fajardo in the third quarter.
Defensive Backs: D+
The defensive secondary still has a lot of issues to work out. The Nevada receivers burned them up and down the field all day long. Rishard Matthews had a huge day for Nevada, catching 12 passes for 205 yards and one touchdown. McKade Brady did make some nice tackles, 10 in all, for the Aggies. However, the Utah State secondary needs to improve quickly. Their version of defense won't last against any bowl team they might face.
Overall Defense: C+
Like the offense, it wasn't pretty but somehow they got the job done. Kudos to team leaders like Wagner and Gallagher for stepping up in the clutch and showing poise and leadership when their team needed it the most. The Aggies needed a boost and got it from their leaders. There still is some work that needs to be done in order for Utah State to make a significant impact come bowl-time.
Special Teams: A
The special teams gets the highest mark this week because they did not make a mistake and helped out field position wise for the first time in a long time. Kerwynn Williams had three returns for 43 yards while Chuck Jacobs returned one ball for 29 yards. Tyler Bennett had six punts for 255 total yards, a 42.5 yard average, including two punts inside the 20-yard line. Josh Thompson connected on all three of his extra-point attempts as well. The coverage on punt and kickoff returns was spectacular.
Overall Team: B
The "Comeback Aggies" are now 4-0 with Adam Kennedy leading the team under center. Utah State still has many issues to work on, especially on defense, but regardless the "Cinderella" story continues for a team that was 2-5 one month ago. Utah State will look to move to 7-5 next week as they hit the road for their final regular season game as they face New Mexico State.\
