Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
LOGAN — Utah State got its first win of 2014, returning home after a humbling 38-7 loss at Tennessee on the opening weekend of the college football season.
The defense and special teams showcased a strong game for the Aggies, who needed it in the otherwise dormant offensive performance. A win is a win, and they all count the same when advancing toward bowl eligibility. But head coach Matt Wells’ team will have plenty to work on as it looks to turn things around before a date with Wake Forest next week.
The result
This one wasn’t much in doubt, even before the game. Utah State leads the overall series 14-2, and the Aggies have won 12 of their last 14 games at Romney Stadium since 2011. But after a disappointing regular-season opener at Tennessee, Utah State needed a victory — and got it.
The defense
Holding an opponent scoreless in two quarters and 13 points until mop-up time is a good outing, regardless of the opponent. For the third straight year, the hallmark of this Utah State squad appears to be the defensive spine of the team, especially brothers Zach and Nick Vigil at linebacker.
Chuckie Keeton’s legs
Keeton was the Aggies’ leading rusher with 79 yards and a touchdown on eight carries, including a long run with a 26-yard scamper on a broken play in the second quarter.
JoJo Natson
The senior leader did work in the receiving game, finishing with six catches for 59 yards. But Natson flourished in the return game, sprinting home 54 yards for a punt return touchdown with 90 seconds left in the first half. The Florida native finished with 58 yards and a score on two returns, and also led the wide receivers.
The rest of the wideouts
For the second straight game, Utah State failed to showcase its depth at wide receiver. JoJo Natson began to show flashes of what a senior leader should be at wideout, but with a team-high 59 yards and the only wideout with more than 20 yards receiving.
Keeton’s arm
After offseason surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament, Keeton’s recovery seems to have affected his throwing motion, going 13-for-30 with no touchdowns and an interception against a soft Idaho State secondary. The Aggies were able to mask the lack of a passing game by focusing on the run and getting a few defensive and special teams scores — but they won’t be able to do that against teams like BYU, Boise State and the meat of Utah State’s schedule.
The offensive line
Despite two drives that went for time-chugging touchdowns, the Utah State offense was stop-and-go all night. The Aggies converted on only four of 14 third downs and settled for field goals early against an Idaho State team that won six games in its past three seasons. The mostly new O-line propelled an offense that barely outgained FCS Idaho State, 427 yards to 408.
Who's Scoring?
Utah State has yet to score a first-quarter touchdown in 2014, though it did tack on two field goals by Nick Diaz in the opening quarter against the Bengals. The offense moved the ball well against Idaho State but couldn’t convert when it counted most. Keeton was 6-for-19 for 51 yards and an interception in the first half, and Utah State turned to the ground game to get any momentum on the offensive side of the ball. Joe Hill and Rashad Hall each scored a touchdown, but it was hardly the cleanest offensive showing for the Aggies, who had 14 penalties for 160 yards.
