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LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- Even though Utah State had clinched, and accepted, a bowl berth, there was still one more regular season game to be played.
It took the Aggies a good three and a half quarters to figure that part out before eventually knocking off New Mexico State 24-21 on the road.
The win moves Utah State to 7-5 on the season, including 5-2 in the WAC conference.
Here are this week's Game Day Grades:
Quarterbacks: B+
Adam Kennedy was an efficient 12-for-16 passing for 123 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing 15 times for 95 yards. He had two mistakes in the game with an interception and a fumble. Overall, however, he did a nice job of managing the offense and running the play that was called in.
Running Backs/Full Backs: B+
The running backs ran all over the NMSU defense, gaining 392 total yards on the day overall. Michael Smith had 18 carries for 121 yards while Robert Turbin had 98 yards on 25 attempts. Kerwynn Williams 12 times for 68 yards as well. USU was unable to get into the end zone via the ground game against a porous NMSU defense.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: A
Stanley Morrison caught four passes for 60 yards while Matt Austin had a big day once again for USU, catching five balls for 36 yards and two touchdowns. Robert Turbin also had one catch for 21 yards and a score. For the opportunities that they were given, the receiving corps definitely took advantage.
Offensive Line: A
The offensive line deserves recognition for what they did against NMSU, even if it doesn't show up on a stats sheet. Adam Kennedy stayed upright for most of the day while opening up the run game to the amount of 392 yards. The O- line needs to keep playing like this, especially as they move forward into the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
Overall Offense: B+
The offense did a decent job of keeping Utah State's seven-win regular season hopes alive. Their grade could be much higher had the offense not stalled under the conservative play-calling of offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin. That being in mind, USU has now won five straight games thanks to late drives by the offense.
Defensive Line: B-
The defensive line really could not get the push they wanted against NMSU, especially against hobbled QB Matt Christian. They allowed 145 yards on the ground total, but only 65 yards to RB Kenny Turner. The line's lack of a push against NMSU also hurt USU in the passing game, as they gave up 252 yards to Matt Christian.
Linebackers: B+
The linebacking corps held a lot of the defense together at critical stretches of the game. Both Bobby Wagner and Kyle Gallagher helped the Blue Aggies maintain poise during big plays, with Wagner coming up with a huge sack and Gallagher an interception near the end of the first half.
Defensive Backs: D
For some reason, Utah State's secondary REALLY struggles. At times, the secondary seemed non-existent out on the field, as they were torched for 252 yards passing. Taveon Rogers had six receptions for 73 yards while Todd Lee had 4 catches for 54 yards. Kemonte Bateman had 2 receptions for 54 yards and a score for NMSU. It was not a good day for the secondary. The only bright spot? Nevin Lawson's interception to seal the win for Utah State, which actually happened to be the secondary's first interception of the season.
Overall Defense: C+
Once again, the defense did just enough to win and made the big stops when they really needed them. Wagner and Gallagher held the defense together but what seemed like sheer will-power at times. Fortunately for USU, they now have a couple of weeks to rest and get ready for their bowl game.
Special Teams: A-
The special teams did their job once again today as Tyler Bennett had four punts averaging 43.3 yards, including a long of 67 yards. Josh Thompson connected on his only field goal attempt and was 3-for-3 on extra points. Chuck Jacobs had two kick returns for 49 yards while Chris Harris also had two returns for 37 yards.
Overall Team: C+
Somehow, the Aggies did it once again. They came back from a deficit to win their fifth straight game, something that hasn't been done since 1993. Utah State would run the ball once, run the ball twice, and keep on running. It was like watching Tim Tebow out on the field at times; you could sense that the comeback was happening, so don't blink or you will miss it. The Aggies improve to 7-5 on the season and will now prepare for the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise, Idaho.
