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LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- As the Utah State Aggies traveled to Las Cruces, NM, many thought the touted “Aggie Bowl” could be a trap game for USU. Early, it seemed to be the type of game that USU would let slip through it’s fingers. As the game wore on, that was not to be the case. Here’s a quick look back at who made this game exciting:
Utah State Running Game:
Clearly head coach Gary Andersen and offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin had a game plan heading into this one. Simply put: run, run and run some more. The Aggies ran for a combined 393 yards on 72 carries. The Aggies were led by senior back Michael Smith who ran for 121 yards while junior Robert Turbin ran for 98 yards.
Where Utah State may have surprised some people is at the quarterback position. We all knew that freshman Chuckie Keeton could run the football, but junior Adam Kennedy ran for an impressive 95 yards on 15 carries. The majority of Kennedy’s runs were on option reads that he was able to run to seeming perfection.
Junior back Kerwyn Williams did not want to be left out of the party running for 68 yards himself and junior wide receiver Chuck Jacobs tossed in an end around for 12 yards.
An interesting fact: this was the first game the Aggies did not score a touchdown on the ground. Utah State may have only thrown for 123 yards, but all three of their touchdowns were through the air.
Matt Christian, NMSU Quarterback:
The senior quarterback played his heart out in the final game of his career. Christian threw for an impressive 252 yards including a 51-yard scoring toss to junior Kemonte Bateman. Christian also added 48 yards and a score on the ground.
The senior showed his ability to see the field against USU, completing a pass to seven different receivers while Utah State blanketed NMSU’s most talented pass catcher, senior Taveon Rodgers.
While the outcome may not have been what he wanted, no one can say he didn’t give it his all. This was certainly a game Christian can be proud to leave as his legacy in Las Cruces.
Utah State Defense:
Although Utah State allowed 252 yards through the air and a surprising 145 yards on the ground, this was still a game of field position and the defense stood strong when they needed to.
Senior linebacker Kyle Gallagher recorded his first interception of the season late in the first half inside USU’s own five-yard line keeping NMSU out of the endzone and sophomore Nevin Lawson did the same picking off Christian’s Hail Mary pass as time expired.
As long as USU can continue playing like this as well as tighten up a few screws, an eight-win season and a bowl trophy could be on it’s way to Logan very soon.
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.
