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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Coming into the 2017 season, the Utah State football team hadn't won a game on the road since Oct. 10, 2015 when the Aggies routed Fresno State, 56-14, at Bulldog Stadium.
However, USU won on the road for the third straight time this year, defeating New Mexico, 24-10, at University Stadium. The win not only marks the third straight road win for the Aggies but also puts them one win away, at 5-5 overall, from becoming bowl eligible.
In a sloppy game, the Utah State defense forced four turnovers, all fumbles, one of which was returned for a touchdown in the fourth quarter and LaJuan Hunt had a two-touchdown day on the ground to help the Aggies come away with the win.
Bend but don't break defensive scheme effective
Some might say that it was frustrating the USU defense was on the field so much (39:07), but the defensive plan of bend-but-don't-break worked to perfection. The Aggie defense forced three turnovers in the first half and held the Lobo offense to just a field goal until late in the game.
New Mexico had 340 yards of total offense but the Aggie defense made plays when it had to.
In the first quarter, after being put in a tough spot following a Jordan Love interception, the Aggie defense forced New Mexico quarterback Lamar Jordan to fumble on the USU 10-yard line to snuff out a potential scoring opportunity for the Lobos.
The same thing happened again in the second quarter. New Mexico was driving and when it appeared they were getting ready to score, USU forced another fumble. Justus Te'i recovered a Richard McQuarley fumble at the USU 12-yard line.
New Mexico finally got on the board with 3:20 to play and the game well in hand. The Aggie defense had a game plan and it worked to perfection.
Offense struggles to take advantage of turnovers
Outside of senior running back LaJuan Hunt Jr., it was a rough day for the USU offense. Jordan Love was 13-of-24 for 114 yards and an interception and no USU receiver had more than 2 receptions. USU had 243 yards of total offense on the day and struggled to take advantage of the four turnovers forced by the defense.
The offense scored just one touchdown following a recovered fumble. It was the first touchdown in the first quarter and had it not been for a fourth down conversion on the drive, the Aggies might not have scored.
With two games left, Hawaii and at Air Force, the USU offense needs to find its rhythm. USU is 6th in the nation in turnovers and so the defense is providing opportunities. Now, it is up to USU to take advantage of those and on Saturday, against a defense that gave up 42 first half points to Wyoming.
LaJuan Hunt Jr. has another impressive afternoon
The senior from Fort Lauderdale racked up 117 yards and two touchdowns on just 14 carries against New Mexico on Saturday. It was the third game of over 100 yards rushing in Hunt's USU career and the second time he has done it in 2017.
Hunt picked up the majority of his yardage on one play right before halftime. The USU offensive line opened a huge hole and Hunt made a guy miss and it was off to the races. 65 yards later, USU had a 14-3 lead and didn't look back.
Without the effective running of Hunt, the USU offense would have been in trouble. Look for head coach Matt Wells to get Hunt the ball more often as USU fights for its bowl-eligibility.
USU is on a bye next week before finishing up the season by hosting Hawaii in an afternoon kickoff on Nov. 18 at Maverik Stadium and then traveling to Colorado Springs to take on Air Force to finish up the regular season on Nov. 25. Kyle McDonald is sports fan who loves the Chicago Cubs. Follow him on Twitter at @kylesportsbias
