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LOGAN — After downing the UTSA Roadrunners 48-17 this past Saturday, the Utah State Aggies (7-2, 3-0 WAC) have their best record since 1978. The Aggies were once again led by sophomore quarterback Chuckie Keeton, who threw for 340 yards and three touchdowns.
As impressive as the Roadrunners’ quarterback, freshman Ryan Polite, was (21-36, 248 yards, 1 TD) the Aggies displayed the “bend-but-don’t-break” style of defense they are beginning to be known for. The Aggies gave up just 51 yards on the ground and recorded two interceptions to go along with two sacks.
"Defensively, I would say we played very good,” said head coach Gary Andersen. “I ask them every week to play great defense. When you plan to win that is the No. 1 goal — a great defense — and I think that was great defense”
Looking ahead, the Aggies have No. 25 Louisiana Tech on the horizon. But Utah State cannot get ahead of itself. Standing in the way of the Aggies and an 8-2 record is first-year Division I opponent Texas State. The Bobcats are currently 3-4 on the season (1-1 WAC) and are coming off a loss to San Jose State in which they were leading 20-17 at the half.
Andersen realizes this will not be an easy win for the Aggies.
"This will be a big challenge for us," he said. "It's a good football team we are playing. Texas State is very good in option football. They are very physical up front and their running backs run very hard. It's a very good scheme.”
Utah State not only needs to worry about the Bobcat offense, but the defense as well.
“On the defensive side of the football, they'll pressure you at times,” Andersen said of Texas State. “They'll come after you at times and get you in unconventional downs, if you will. They are unpredictable, which I think every good defense is unpredictable.”
The Aggies should be 8-2 come Saturday night and head into the matchup with Louisiana Tech with the WAC Championship on the line. The Bulldogs play host to UTSA this weekend and will then meet up with Texas State in Bobcat Stadium during USU’s bye week.
With so few weeks remaining in the season, the Aggies cannot afford to take one snap off or it could cost them. Don’t expect the Bobcats to trip up Andersen’s squad, but keeping focus this week and then through the bye week is paramount for the Aggies.
Justin McKissick is a ksl.com contributor originally from the San Francisco Bay area. He has been covering USU sports since 2011. Follow him on Twitter: @justin_sr.
