USU Football’s struggle continues losing to UNLV 34-24
LOGAN — Utah State Football’s woes continued as they lost their third straight game 34-24. UNLV defeated USU for the first time since 2008.
“Came up short and really, too little, too late,” head coach Blake Anderson said.
The Aggies had a few chances in the fourth quarter to make it close, but a fumble on one drive and an interception on another sealed their fate. On the last drive of the game, in particular, the Aggies made it into field-goal range but opted to shoot for a touchdown while trailing by 10.
“With the time where it was, it felt like we were in a position to go for a touchdown,” Anderson said. “Had we had that happen on the earlier drive, absolutely, we would have kicked the field goal and try to make it a touchdown game.”
It was another rough day for quarterback Logan Bonner. He threw five interceptions and fumbled. It was the first time the UNLV defense intercepted a quarterback five times since 1992.
Bonner finished with 313 yards on 27 completions with three touchdowns.
Part of the passing game’s struggle was the receivers’ ability to create separation, forcing Bonner to make tight throws. Anderson said they will have to review those struggles with film.
Wide receiver Terrell Vaughn scored more than half of USU’s points on two touchdown receptions. He tallied 74 yards on six receptions.
“I felt pretty good stepping up,” Vaughn said. “I worked hard all week and in the off week we had.”
Wide receiver Justin McGriff got over the century mark for the first time this season. He finished with 103 yards on six receptions with an athletic grab in the corner of the endzone for the Aggies’ first touchdown.
Penalties were also a problem with the Aggies backing up 98 yards because of yellow flags. USU has the most penalty yards this season in the Mountain West Conference with 364.
The Aggie defense did a solid job against a potent UNLV rushing attack. Last week, the Rebels rushed for more than 300 yards. This time around, the Aggies kept them to 103 yards. Running back Aidan Robbins led the Rebels with 81 yards and a touchdown but was kept to 2.3 yards per carry.
“I thought we played downhill really well,” Anderson said. “We took the fight to them. Challenged our guys of being more physical than them upfront and for most of the night we were.”
Defensive tackle Hale Motu’apuaka credited the scout team for getting them ready for UNLV’s rushers. Quarterback Chase Tuatagaloa was named scout team player of the week for his ability to display the scrambling ability of UNLV quarterback Doug Brumfield, according to Motu’apuaka.
“I’m really proud of the boys and how we played… against the run,” Motu’apuaka said. “Credit to our coaches that coach the scout team and our defensive coaches.”
Motu’apuaka had an excellent game himself setting a career-high with two sacks. He also recorded career-highs with seven total tackles and 2.5 tackles-for-loss.
“Grateful that I had a pretty good game but at the end of the day, it’s about winning,” Motu’apuaka said. “It’s just heartbreaking that we weren’t able to get the W.”
Linebackers MJ Tafisi and AJ Vongphachanh tied for the team lead in tackles, each recording 10. They also combined for 3.5 tackles-for-loss and a pass breakup.
With the loss, Utah State drops to 1-3 on the season and 0-1 in conference play.
The Aggies have a short week before they take on BYU in the Battle for the Old Wagon Wheel. The game will kick off on Thursday at 6 p.m. You can listen to it on Aggie Radio 92.3 FM or watch the broadcast on ESPN.
Featured image by Heidi Bingham.