Myers, defense shine as Aggies come up with big MWC win


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LOGAN — Following its first back-to-back losses since 2013, Utah State turned to sophomore quarterback Kent Myers and a seemingly revitalized defense to earn an important win in its first conference game of the year.

After two straight Pac-12 opponents dealt the Aggies losses, an impressive homecoming night 33-18 win over Colorado State put Utah State (2-2, 1-0) in a tie atop the Mountain West Conference Mountain Division Saturday night.

Myers made plays when the Aggies needed him to all night. He started things off with a 42-yard touchdown pass. Later, he beat two Ram defenders to the end zone on a 26-yard scoring run and gained 15 yards to set up another Utah State field goal when it looked like he was going to be bottled up behind the line of scrimmage.

His 191 yards on the ground obliterated the former single-game rushing record by an Aggie quarterback, and his decision-making was excellent, even though heavy rain made conditions less than favorable.

While Myers still has progress to make to become the type of passer who could lead Utah State to a MWC championship, he seldom made any mistakes.

The young quarterback's play had to be a welcome sign for a defense that, at times, looked exhausted two weeks ago in a 31-17 loss at Washington.

And the Aggie defense made huge plays to aid its offense all night. The group, led by senior linebacker Kyler Fackrell's outstanding night, forced a season-high three turnovers and came up with three sacks.

Utah State managed only two field goals off the takeaways, but the defense continuously proved that the weather was the only thing that was going to stop it from getting consistent pressure on the passer.

Fackrell, in his fifth season as an Aggie, set a career-high with four quarterback hurries, and had it not been for a few drops and a referee getting in Jalen Davis' way, the secondary could've had many more than the one interception Davis came up with at the end of the game.

Maybe it was the rest the bye week offered, or perhaps it's down to Myers and the veteran defensive leaders reigniting the team, but Utah State turned in its most complete performance of the season versus Colorado State.

Whatever the cause for the improved effort, the big win comes at a crucial point in the Aggies' campaign.

Utah State travels to Fresno State next week before a primetime matchup with reigning conference champion Boise State at home.


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.

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