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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah State’s football program is riding a wave of popularity and acclaim across the country right now.
And if former Aggies star Bobby Wagner continues to perform like he did for the Seattle Seahawks on "Sunday Night Football," the school’s profile will continue to grow.
Wagner recorded seven tackles and a pass break-up in Seattle’s dominating 29-3 victory over San Francisco.
Fellow Utah State and Seattle teammate Robert Turbin saw snaps at running back for the Seahawks, rushing for 31 yards and averaging 5.2 yards per carry.
Weber State’s Paul McQuistan also started at left guard for the Seahawks.
If Sunday night belonged to the Aggies, Sunday afternoon belonged to the University of Utah as several former Utes found themselves with big roles in close games across the league.
Notably, Alex Smith helped the Chiefs match their 2013 win total with a 17-16 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Smith’s stat line was efficient as he completed 21 of 36 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns. Smith also showcased his rushing ability, leading the team with 57 rushing yards.
Former Utah cornerback Sean Smith also made four tackles for the Chiefs’ defense.
A handful of former Utah defensive players played a big part in the Miami Dolphins' 24-20 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Paul Soliai had four tackles, Derrick Shelby had three tackles and a sack, and Koa Misi also had three tackles.
All-Pro safety Eric Weddle performed well as the San Diego Chargers downed the Philadelphia Eagles, 33-30, on the road. Weddle made three tackles and broke up a pass.
Other Ute performances include Paul Kruger’s three tackles in a Cleveland loss to Baltimore, Star Lotulelei’s three tackles in a Carolina loss to Buffalo, and Steve Smith’s five-reception, 52-yard day for the Panthers. Brice McCain also had a tackle for Houston in its 30-24 overtime victory over Tennessee.
Former Utah offensive lineman Zane Beadles started for Denver against the New York Giants and played a critical role in keeping Peyton Manning upright against the Giants’ tough defensive line. The Broncos beat New York, 41-23.
BYU’s contingent of NFL players had a rough Sunday, as Ziggy Ansah and Bryan Kehl were the only impact players to take the field. Ansah had one tackle in a 25-21 Detroit loss at Arizona, and Kehl also had a tackle for Washington in the Redskins’ loss at Green Bay.
Former Cougar Brett Keisel will play for Pittsburgh on "Monday Night Football" as the Steelers take on the Bengals. Hebron Fangupo is also expected to play for Pittsburgh.
Baltimore’s Haloti Ngata, who prepped at Highland High School in Salt Lake City, recorded three tackles in the Ravens’ win over the Browns. Former Timpview star Stephen Paea made two tackles for Chicago as the Bears came from behind to beat the Minnesota Vikings, 31-30.
Cottonwood’s Stanley Havili caught two passes for 12 yards in an Indianapolis loss.
