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LOGAN — Utah State was one of the biggest surprises in college football last season. They finished the season ranked 16th in the nation with an 11-2 record, their first outright conference championship in 76 years and the second bowl win in school history.
What will they do for an encore?
It will be tough to beat 2012 when you consider they will be making the transition to the Mountain West Conference and will make the transition from Gary Andersen to Matt Wells as head coach.
The schedule makers didn't do them any favors. There are road games against Utah, Air Force, USC and San Jose State in the first month of the season. Then, there are home games against BYU and Boise State — all in the first seven weeks of the season.
We will find out quickly just how far this program has come.
Here are some key facts about the Utah State Aggies in 2013 as they try to continue the momentum from the best season in school history.
- The Aggies return 18 starters from last years team, Eight on offense, seven on defense and three on special teams
- Chuckie Keeton set single season school records for touchdown passes (27), passing yards (3,372), total offense (3992) and completion percentage (.676) and is on the Heisman Trophy Watch List.
- All five starters on the offensive line return including preseason 1st team all-conference center Tyler Larsen.
- The Utah State offense had 72 explosive plays last season (plays over 20-yards) including 10 rushes and eight passes for 50 yards or more.
- The defense returns three All-WAC linebackers in Jake Doughty, Zach Vigil and preseason 1st team all-conference linebacker Kyler Fackrell.
- Utah State outscored its opponents 138-9 last season and were the only team in the country that didn't allow a first quarter touchdown the entire year.
- The Aggies went 3-0 in 2012 against teams who are now currently in the Mountain West (Colorado State, UNLV, San Jose State).
SportsBeat College Football Preview: 2013 Utah State Aggies is an in-depth half hour program featuring Utah State football. You can watch it in the video player above.
