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AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. — For the second straight week, Utah State had a chance to tie or take the lead in the final minute of a league road game.
Yet after the Aggies drove 69 yards to the Air Force 11-yard line, quarterback Kent Myers was sacked for a 7-yard loss and his fourth-down pass was batted away to seal a 35-28 Falcons win Saturday afternoon.
Social media users took to Twitter to vent their frustration and disbelief that Utah State (5-5, 4-3), once positioned as the odds-on favorite to earn the Mountain Division's conference championship spot following a win over Boise State, is now playing for a post-season invite with home games against BYU and Nevada remaining.
Wow ... really didn't expect bowl eligibility to be an issue two weeks ago. #USU Something isn't right with this team. — Tim Olsen (@TheRealTO) November 14, 2015
The Boise State game was like leaving to go grab the pizzas and then... #AggieFootballpic.twitter.com/foRG28Rjhk — Blaked Potatoes (@BLymanWarrior) November 14, 2015
Utah State knew going into the contest that it would have to slow down Air Force's triple-option offense to have a chance at ending the hosts' 11-game unbeaten streak at home, but the Falcons got the ground game going early and finished with 309 yards on 64 carries.
Sigh...😪 !!!!! — Joey DeMartino (@EYmanITZj0ey) November 14, 2015
What's worse for a defense that almost singlehandedly beat the Broncos five weeks ago to start the Aggies' league title aspirations was the 271 yards surrendered in the passing game.
Air Force quarterback Karson Roberts had only eclipsed 150 yards through the air once in his seven starts this season prior to the game.
Utah State's defense has lost all its swagger, mojo, good vibes, etc. They're just there. Weird. #USUvsAFA — Aaron Peck (@AaronPeck) November 14, 2015
@AggieUp All three phases had their issues, but allowing 600ish yards has to be the biggest factor. Pretty putrid showing by the defense. — Jonny Floyd (@JN_Floyd) November 14, 2015
Roberts connected with Jalen Robinette seven times to torch the Utah State secondary, including a 74-yard touchdown just minutes into the second half.
Air Force's Jalen Robinette with 210 yards receiving today, most in a game by an AFA player since 1978. — Steve Berkowitz (@ByBerkowitz) November 14, 2015
Heading into this game Jalen Robinette had just 11 total receptions https://t.co/HSj70abcRN — Jeremy Mauss (@JeremyMauss) November 14, 2015
It wasn't all awful for the Aggies; Myers threw for a career-high 364 yards, and Hunter Sharp hauled in 13 passes for 193 yards and three touchdowns.
Which was better? The catch, or the run after the catch? https://t.co/w2hxBcUlCT — ESPN CollegeFootball (@ESPNCFB) November 14, 2015
But other than the contributions of Myers and Sharp, there wasn't a lot to get excited about.
USU does have a lack of playmakers and weapons on offense. Really miss JoJo. Outside of Sharp there's nobody to take pressure off QB. — Harry Palmdale (@NoSocksJonny) November 14, 2015
Utah State managed only 75 yards rushing on 23 attempts and Myers was sacked three times, leading some to question the offensive coordinator and the execution along the line of scrimmage.
Probably several somethings. Let's start with Heupel and the O-line and go from there. https://t.co/CLtWGzzdYA — Logan Jones (@Logantj) November 14, 2015
Aggies get a stop; then are stopped by inept play calling. Heupel #facepalm. — Aaron Peck (@AaronPeck) November 14, 2015
Matt Wells' Aggies are currently in a rut, struggling in each facet of the game.
Something needs to change https://t.co/HTnp9lRiQa — AggieUp #1-0thiswk (@AggieUp) November 14, 2015
Lot to knit pick about this game...a lot to work on for sure. I really wish we would have tried to establish the run in the 1st. — FearTheBull (@Call_It_UState) November 14, 2015
And while a return to Logan, where Utah State hasn't lost since 2013, could help the Aggies get back closer to the level they were playing at during an early three-game win streak, they'll have to find other ways to move the ball and improve defensively to have a shot at winning The Old Wagon Wheel.
All that said. USU hasn't lost these last 2 games due to inferior talent. There are some issues with intangibles with this team. — Harry Palmdale (@NoSocksJonny) November 14, 2015
Kyle Spencer is a freelance journalist residing in Orem. You can find him on Twitter @kyledspencer or reach him by email at kspence04@gmail.com.
