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LOGAN — Heading into the month of November, Utah State head coach Gary Andersen had to be feeling the heat rising on his seat. Four weeks later the Aggies have won four straight and are now bowl eligible for the first time since 1997.
This is the sort of football Aggie faithful were expecting heading into the season and are excited to finally see it happen.
Robert Turbin, Utah State RB: Turbin was once again central to the Aggies' game plan and victory. Not only did Turbin carry the ball 18 times for 61 yards, but his third quarter touchdown catch gave him 50 scores in his career, setting a Utah State record. When the Aggie offense needs tough yards, Turbin was ready and able to fight for yards and move the chains.
While the other USU running backs — senior Michael Smith and junior Kerwynn Williams who rushed for a combined 99 yards — are talented, this would be a very different football team without the 5-foot-10 junior from Fremont, Calif.
With the clock winding down in the fourth and the Aggies clinging to a four-point lead, it was Turbin who led the charge up the middle gaining first downs when the Aggies desperately needing to hold onto the ball. Andersen joins his Aggie faithful in their desires to see Turbin don the No. 5 next year in Logan.
Cody Fajardo, Nevada QB: Until the freshman was replaced late in the game due to an ankle injury, Fajardo was able to move the ball when and where he wanted to. The Nevada QB was just the sort of athlete that gives the USU defense trouble: able to make plays with his arm and legs. When senior Tyler Lantrip was forced into action, USU senior linebacker Bobby Wagner and his defensive colleges were able to slow down the Wolf Pack offense just enough to come away with the victory. Fajardo finished the game 19-of-25 with 181 yards passing and rushed for another 45 yards on 10 carries. This young man will have a successful career in Reno, Nev., but the Aggies aren't likely to suffer due to Nevada moving to the Mountain West Conference next season.
Matt Austin, Utah State WR: If someone googled the word "clutch," Matt Austin's picture would come up. When Kennedy was in trouble, it was Austin who answered the call. Austin caught just two passes, but those two went for 61 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown toss where Austin just did manage to keep his toes in bounds for the score. Great way for Austin to finish Senior Day in Logan.
Rishard Matthews, Nevada WR: We've seen the Utah State secondary struggle all season long, but no one quite took advantage of them the way Matthews did. The 6-2 wide receiver finished the day with an astounding 12 catches for 205 yards and a touchdown. The Aggies simply had no answer for Matthews and how he was able to make so many big plays is a complete mystery to Aggie fans.
Lampford Mark, Nevada RB: After the expulsion of leading rusher Mike Ball, Mark knew his name was to be called exclusively and the senior took advantage. Mark rushed the ball 22 times for 110 yards and a touchdown. The Utah State front seven was pushed around for most of the game allowing big holes to open up, but when they needed it the most, the Aggies were able to stifle Mark and keep him from the big yardage the Wold Pack needed.
Adam Kennedy, Utah State QB: While Kennedy might not be the most talented quarterback on the roster or the one with the most potential, he certainly is a winner. Kennedy had an impact in each game the Aggies won.
After entering for Keeton, Kennedy orchestrated the come- from-behind victory over Hawaii and has since gone undefeated. Kennedy has simply refused to let the Aggies lose. It would be no stretch to say that Utah State is now bowl eligible for the first time sine 1997 because of Kennedy. The junior finished the game against Nevada throwing for 140 yards on 7-of-14 passing, including one touchdown and one interception as well as running for 41 yards. It's not pretty, but it's a winning formula and Andersen will not complain.
Justin McKissick is a KSL.com contributor originally from the San Francisco Bay Area. He is currently seeking a communications degree. Justin has been covering USU sports since 2011. Follow him on Twitter: @justin_sr.
