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 Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information.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.
BOISE — Overall - A
As long as Utah State won this game they were going to get an A.
The Aggies had only won one bowl game before their win in Idaho Saturday night and that was all the way back in the early 60's. The game was messy at points, but when all was said and done the Aggies laid a beating on the Toledo Rockets and deserve the A for an incredible game and historic season.
Offense - A-
Now let me explain myself here. Overall the offense looked great and managed to win the game by 26 points, but heading into the fourth quarter the Aggies only led 13-6 and the offense struggled through three quarters. But the O killed it in the fourth and managed to raise their grade from a C all the way to an A-.
Quarterbacks - A
Chuckie Keeton did everything he needed to in this game. The sophomore had a 63-yard TD on the ground, and amassed 229-yards trough the air. He left some of his receivers a little short at times, but he protected the ball and had 0 turnovers, for that he gets an A.
Running Backs - A
I debated this for a long time. As I began writing the article I decided the running backs were going to get an A-. Through three quarters the running backs accounted for just 56-yards on the ground with no TD's and one lost fumble. In those three quarters I had the running backs flunking out, then the fourth quarter happened.
In the fourth alone Kerwynn Williams gained 198-yards and had three touchdowns. Joe Hill also had a 23-yard TD run late in the fourth.
Thanks to Williams' insane fourth the running backs finished with 261-yards and four touchdowns.
So, with all of that I was going to give the backs an A-, but watching firsthand what Williams did in the fourth there is no way I can give them anything but an A.
Receivers - B
The receivers looked pretty sharp for the Aggies, but nothing too stand out. No huge plays or jaw-dropping moments, but they held their blocks, ran solid routes and did what was needed.
Matt Austin finished with a team high 77-yards on six catches. Not a bad day.
Offensive Line - A-
The men in the trenches protected their QB and opened holes for their running backs. The Toledo D-line was stifled all day and couldn't seem to get across the line of scrimmage.
The reason the big guys up front get an A- is because they didn't start opening up those huge holes for the running backs until late in the game.
Defense - A
The Aggie defense has been solid all year and the bowl game was no exception. With solid play across the field the Aggie D held the Toledo Rockets to under 200-yards rushing, 200-yards passing and zero TD's.
Defensive Line - A
The D-line pushed around the Toledo offensive line all day and Bojay Filimoeatu had a huge game.
With the help of Filimoeatu the D-line had a strong day and an overall A.
Linebackers - A
The linebackers looked sharp and caused all sorts of havoc on the Toledo O.
Kyler Fackrell picked up an interception at a key moment thanks to a tipped pass from fellow linebacker Jake Doughty. Doughty had a few tipped passes in the game as well as some QB hurries.
Secondary - A-
The Aggies' defensive backs played a tough game and continually knocked down passes, played tight coverages and safety Brain Suite picked off a late pass.
The reason they get an A- is because some silly mistakes and penalties cost them at times.
Special Teams - B-
This one is tricky because punter Tyler Brett had some great kicks and placekicker Nick Diaz was perfect on the day with both PAT's and FG's.
The reason the special teams get knocked all the way down to a B- is because the kickoff team gave up a long 87-yard return for a TD. That will always hurt your score.
