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LOGAN — In an in-state rivalry game, nothing is impossible. And that was evident in Friday night's game between the Utah Utes and the Utah State Aggies. The Aggies came away with a hard-fought 27-20 victory and bragging rights against the Utes.
While there were several moments in the game where things could have been different for either team, it's hard to argue the blocked punt in the first quarter by the Aggies for a touchdown was a game changer.
Following the blocked punt, the Aggies controlled the momentum. It was at this moment the Utes were exposed and the game was destined to be a win for the Aggies.
"We shot ourselves in the foot numerous times," Utes backup quarterback Jon Hays said following the game.
Our defense definitely stopped their offense for the most part. On offense, we sputtered a little bit, but we scored when we needed to and we came out with a win.
–Chuckie Keeton
The Utes were playing catch up for the remainder of the game and never seemed to really have a handle on the game. The ball was snapped when quarterback Jordan Wynn wasn't looking and a kick return involved two Utes players running into each other while trying to return the ball. It looked like a team that didn't belong on the same field as the Aggies.
"We have to start fast. Instead of getting punched in the mouth, we've got to punch people in the mouth," Utes receiver Kenneth Scott said. "It's like a street fight out there, you've got to punch them in the mouth first. They just gave it to us first and we weren't prepared."
While the second half of the game was completely different for the Utes, it's surprising they were able to remain in the game with how poorly the first half was executed.
"Our defense definitely stopped their offense for the most part," Aggies quarterback Chuckie Keeton said. "On offense, we sputtered a little bit, but we scored when we needed to and we came out with a win."
I feel like we were prepared, we just didn't execute. It's all about executing. It's not about always preparing and getting it off in practice, you've got to go out there and do it on game day.
–John White
"As good as a defensive line that they have, they gave us a great amount of time. I couldn't ask for anything better," added Keeton.
Those expecting a significant victory for the Utes on ESPN2 were sorely disappointed. However, the Aggies looked like a team that had control as a WAC team beat a Pac-12 opponent.
"I feel like we were prepared, we just didn't execute," Utes running back John White said. "It's all about executing. It's not about always preparing and getting it off in practice, you've got to go out there and do it on game day. "
Head coach Gary Anderson and the Aggies put up a good fight and showed they have the discipline for a good season. Additionally, the Aggies may have overcome last year's problem of closing out the game.
The Aggies have a difficult week ahead of them as they prepare for Wisconsin. And the Utes must endure another in-state rivalry game as the BYU Cougars travel to Rice-Eccles Stadium.
