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LOGAN -- The Utah State Aggies took to Merlin Olsen Field in Romney Stadium for their home opener against the Weber State Wildcats looking to build upon the impressive performance they had last week in Auburn but maybe the loss was a little bit more difficult to handle then we all expected. And they began the game a bit out of sync, but finished with a flurry and as the team we all expected to see in Logan this weekend. There were several players to chose from, but these players (and coach) lead the team to victory.
Kerwynn Williams, USU RB: Williams continually gave the Aggies impressive field position on kick-offs and punts. Opening the second half with a huge return for the Weber State 42, only to have it be called back by an Aggie penalty. Nevertheless, Williams provided a spark to the Aggie team when they needed it most.
Utah State Running Backs: After rushing for 210 yards on 22 carries in the first half (capped by a career long 60-yard touchdown run from senior Michael Smith), juniors Robert Turbin and Kerwynn Williams and Smith did not let off the gas pedal leading the charge in the second half rushing for an impressive three scores on the day. Quarterback Chuckie Keeton added a five yard rushing touchdown of his own in the third quarter. Robert Turbin became only the eighth player in Aggie history to rush for 2,000 career rushing yards. It was also the ninth time in Turbin's career where he has rushed for over 100 yards in a game. The Aggies combined for 440 yards against Weber St five rushing touchdowns.
Utah State Defense: Although they didn't play the prettiest game of football (allowing three penalties causing first downs that led to scores) the Aggie defense came out solid in the second game of the season allowing only 30 yards of rushing offense in the first half and only 46 yards overall. As solid as the Aggies are against the run, they are equally as ugly against the pass allowing 108 passing yards in the first half, but came up big in the second half finishing with 167 pass yards allowed.. When it came down to it, the Coach Andersen was able to solidify his team and didn't allow the Wildcats to score in the second half.
Head Coach Gary Andersen: While Coach Andersen wasn't on the field and didn't make the plays, he must have given one of the greatest half-time speeches of all time because the Aggies left the field at the end of the first half and tired and frustrated team and came out a dominate force of nature. A team possessed if you will. Coach Andersen was also able to adjust his defensive play-calling in a way so Weber State was unable to figure out and went scoreless in the entire second half. Give all the credit in the world to the Utah State players and coaches.
When the final gun sounded against the Wildcats the Aggies had put the first half in their rear-view mirror and ended the game with 37 unanswered points and a very convincing win. Solid victory for Gary Andersen and his Utah State Aggies.
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