Utah State vs. Nevada: By the Numbers

1 – Savon Scarver’s rank in the NCAA for Kickoff Return Touchdowns 

Savon Scarver cut through the Nevada Wolf Pack’s kicking team in Utah State’s most recent victory last weekend and racked up 119 yards and a touchdown, with just two kick returns. This gave him his second-highest average return and his highest total kick return yards of any game this season (Sports Reference). His first return tied his career-high, the Mountain West record and the NCAA record for yards at 100. This was his second 100-yard return, and second returning touchdown this season.

Scarver established himself as one of the preeminent return men in the NCAA and is currently the co-NCAA leader for touchdowns on kick returns. His performance on Saturday put him in a very good position to set a new career-high for touchdowns on kick returns and solidify his place atop the NCAA leaderboards.

USU wide receiver Savon Scarver recorded 119 total kick return yards and scored a TD on just two returns. Credit- Wade Denniston

8.4 – Gerold Brights average yards per run

Gerold Bright has not been having his best season statistically, but on Saturday the senior running back broke out of the backfield time and again, posting his highest yards per run this season at 8.4. He did this on 15 attempts and gained a total of 126 yards rushing against a Nevada defense that allows an average of 133 rushing yards per game.

His longest run of the night came with 11:27 left in the fourth quarter when he broke through Nevada’s defensive line and ran for a 67-yard touchdown, his longest run of the season, and the second-longest by any running back at any University in the state of Utah this season, behind only Zack Moss at 91. Bright also earned two rushing touchdowns, giving him four on the year and tying him with Jaylen Warren as the team leader in touchdowns.

USU plays Nevada state on a cold night in Logan. USU won 36 -10. 10/19/2019. Photo by Samuel Woubshet.

7 – How Many Fewer Penalties Utah State Had Than Nevada

Utah State stayed disciplined against the Wolf Pack, being called for only six penalties for a total of 52 yards, while Nevada was called for 13 penalties costing them 110 yards. This has been a common theme throughout the season, as the Aggies are only averaging 5.8 penalties and 50 yards per game. While not their best showing this season, they were still able to keep a competitive edge over the Wolf Pack that helped them throughout the game. For comparison, Nevada is averaging 9.1 penalties, resulting in an average of 75 yards per game. Not only were the Aggies well-disciplined, but they also got into Nevada’s head and forced the Wolf Pack to go beyond their averages.

USU quarterback Jordan Love runs past a Nevada defender. 10/19/2019. Photo by Samuel Woubshet.

91.9 – Jordan Love’s Passer Efficiency Rating

Last year Jordan love had a spectacular season, averaging 274 passing yards a game and established himself as a Heisman candidate. This season, however, he has had a difficult time adjusting to opposing defenses and has not looked comfortable in the system. Saturday was no exception, as Love threw for a meager 169 yards on 31 attempts. He did throw for a touchdown, but he also threw an interception. His lackluster play resulted in a passer efficiency rating of 91.9, his second-lowest of the season, with the lowest coming in Utah State’s recent loss to LSU.

To put this into perspective, Love’s average passer efficiency rating last season was 158.3. This year, Love is not only competing with his opponents but is competing against the high expectations he set for himself last year. Showings like this raise some concerns, but for now, they are statistical anomalies and should be treated as such.

Aggie linebacker David Woodward is currently fourth in the NCAA in tackles. Photo by Tyson Bybee

41 – The Number of Tackles Between David Woodward and the Next Highest Tackler on Utah State

Junior linebacker David Woodward recorded 11 tackles against Nevada, amounting to what was his second-lowest number of tackles on the season. The performance gave him 82 tackles on the season, and put him in an interesting position. Woodward has twice as many tackles then the next highest Utah State defender this season. That’s right, double.

The next highest Utah State defender is linebacker Kevin Meitzenheimer, with 41. Saturday’s outing helped bring Woodward up fourth on the NCAA’s leaderboard for tackles, a spot that is impressive considering he only trails players who have not had their bye week yet. Of all defenders in the NCAA who have played at least six games, Woodward trails only California Golden Bear Evan Weaver.

Woodward is having a remarkable season and the league is taking notice.

Up next for the Aggies is a trip to Colorado Springs, Colorado to take on the Air Force Falcons on Saturday. The game kicks off at 8:15 and will air on ESPN2.