USU Football outmatched by physical Memphis squad in First Responder Bowl
DALLAS — Utah State Football lost their last game of the season 38-10 to Memphis on Tuesday in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl. The Aggies fell to 6-7 on the season and 6-10 all-time in bowl games.
“Just physically did not match up well against them, did not play our best ball and just could not create enough offense to really give ourselves a chance to win,” head coach Blake Anderson said.
After a slow first quarter, the Aggies tied the Tigers 3-3 when placekicker Connor Coles hit a career-long 53-yard field goal. From there on, it was all Memphis as they scored 21 unanswered points to finish the first half. USU gave up four passes of 15 or more yards, including two touchdown receptions of 15 and 22 yards by wide receiver Eddie Lewis.
“We had a terrible second quarter,” Anderson said. “We gave up explosive throws and did not cover well in one-on-one situations and just offensively could not get anything going at all.”
The Aggies were able to recover on defense in the third quarter, but could not sustain any drives on offense as the quarter ended with no points for either squad.
“It’s been a frustrating year offensively,” Anderson said. “We could not get anything generated offensively at all and it just was anemic.”
During the third quarter, quarterback Cooper Legas sustained a leg injury that sidelined him for the rest of the game. True freshman quarterback Bishop Davenport took over and after a three and out, threw his first-career touchdown pass to wide receiver Brian Cobbs —who got past one defender to score from 44 yards out — cutting Memphis’ lead to 24-10 with 11 minutes left in the game.
USU tried a surprise onside kick after the touchdown, but it was recovered by the Tigers. Memphis would go on to score two more touchdowns including a 48-yard rush — courtesy of running back Jevyon Ducker — while Davenport and quarterback Levi Williams each threw interceptions on the last two Aggie drives.
On the bright side, the Utah State defensive line showed up to play. It was Texans defensive tackle Poukesi Vakauta and defensive end Byron Vaughns, joined by DT Hale Motu’apuka and DE Daniel Grzesiak giving the Tiger offensive line trouble all game. The Aggies combined for five sacks and 14 tackles in the loss. Grzesiak also forced a fumble, which would be Memphis’ only turnover.
Running back Calvin Tyler Jr. eclipsed 2,000 yards for his USU career as he picked up 79 yards on 16 attempts. He is just the 11th Aggie to pass that mark. Tyler will now train and prepare in hopes of continuing his football career at the professional level.
“It’s been a blessing playing college football,” Tyler said. “I’m thankful. I got to thank the good lord for everything.”
The sights of Utah State now turn toward recruiting and spring ball to prep for next season.
Featured image by Phil Weber from the Boise State game.