COLUMN: Football debrief
The Good: The USU running game was dynamic a week after struggling to get started against Oklahoma. The Aggies had four different players score rushing touchdowns against Idaho State for just the second time since 1993. USU finished with a total of 274 rushing yards, averaging 6.0 yards per carry. In contrast, the Aggie rush defense stonewalled ISU to just two yards per rush and only 49 net rushing yards on the game.
The Bad: In a season that had already seen many of its big-name stars go down to injury, Utah State will need all the help it can from second-string performers as the leaves begin to change. The team may not be a deep as it needs to be, however, and a fourth quarter ISU surge against USU’s number-two offense and defense exposed the Aggies’ second-string performers. Backup quarterback Jeremy Higgins tossed a pick which led to an ISU touchdown, while backup running backs Josh Flores and Joey DeMartino both had fumbles. Concern wasn’t limited to the offense, either. USU backup defense surrendered a disheartening 131 yards passing in the fourth quarter.
The Ugly: Penalties. The very mention of the word brought out an angry response from Gary Andersen is his postgame presser. The second-year headman said USU could not be competitive in future games if the team continues to make such mistakes. Altogether, the Aggies gave up 98 yards on 10 penalties, including a key personal foul on the game’s first series that allowed ISU to jump out to a 3-0 lead.
Play of the Game: Receiver Eric Moats doesn’t get a lot of press, but he has quietly become the most dependable of USU’s receivers. The Air Force Academy transfer caught three balls for 65 yards on Saturday, with none more impactful than his 15-yard touchdown reception on a seam route from Diondre Borel. Coming on a third-and-goal from the ISU 15-yard line, the catch killed any hope of an ISU comeback and proved Moats’ courage in going over the middle will become invaluable for the Aggies the rest of the season.
Thank God for: The fact that USU is not BYU or Virginia Tech. The Cougars lost in embarrassing fashion to Air Force on Saturday, while the Hokies were upset by James Madison.
Next on Tap: The Fresno State Bulldogs (1-0) come to town after a bye week and will provide plenty of challenges in an early-season WAC showdown. Fresno posted an impressive win over Cincinnati in week one, and even received 48 votes in the AP Top 25 poll released yesterday (a mark good for No. 27 in the country). The Bulldogs overwhelmed the Bearcats in the season opener, and registered eight sacks during the game while holding Cincinnati to just 15 yards rushing. The Bulldogs have not lost to USU since falling 13-12 in Logan in 2006.
– adamnettina@gmail.com