by Daniel Olsen
When the Utah State Aggies made the 1172 mile journey to face the Hawkeyes, they had visions of a fun college football game in a traditional Big 10 venue that might even result in an upset over the #25 Iowa Hawkeyes. That proved not to be the case as USU fell 24-14 at Kinnick Stadium.
First Two Possessions
The Hawkeyes didn’t waste any time with the Aggies as they gained excellent field position on a 54-yard kickoff return. They followed that with a drive that resulted in a touchdown after just two plays in less than a minute. Michigan transfer QB Cade McNamara connected with Seth Anderson for a 36-yard touchdown reception that proved to be an unusual occasion for the Hawkeyes.
It didn’t get any better for the Aggies as they failed to convert a first down in both of their first two possessions. Iowa then took some more time off the clock in their second touchdown drive in as many tries. After an 11-play drive that lasted 4:31, the Aggies found themselves in a 14-0 hole against a traditionally formidable defense.
Missed Opportunities
While this was a tough way to start, the Aggies eventually settled in on defense. Unfortunately, the lack of discipline in some possessions might have cost them the chance to come back and really give themselves a shot to win the game.
Penalties were a glaring issue as the Aggies committed 10 penalties which cost them 91 yards. From unnecessary roughness, to offsides, the Aggies couldn’t seem to find away to stay from the yellow flags in a ferocious sea of yellow and black Hawkeyes fans that didn’t make it easy with the noisy environment they created.
The Aggies had several chances to create turnovers but dropped a couple balls that they could have intercepted. While it wasn’t a turnover, a tipped punt gave them excellent field possession on one play in the first half. They couldn’t convert on that either though. As yours truly predicted, the team that wins the turnover battle usually wins the game:
Bright Spots
Now that the venting session is over, it’s time to talk about the rays of hope in this game that could light the path for the Aggies as they get ready for their home opener next week.
The Aggies outscored their opponent in the final three quarters 14-10. When they are disciplined on defense, they look like a scrappy bunch despite losing a majority of that side of the ball to the transfer portal last year. MJ Tafisi was the tackle leader with 12 on the day.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Aggies did pick up a late touchdown run after the game was out of reach. USU actually outgained Iowa 329-284 in total yards. Terrell Vaughn was the receiving leader with 93 yards and the lone touchdown of the day. Running back Rahsul Faison was the rushing leader with 59 yards and was responsible for the two-point conversion on the touchdown drive.
On special teams, the Aggies were perfect in kicking. William Testa connected on a 32-yard field goal to get the Aggies on the board in the second quarter, and Elliott Nimrod showed off the long game with a 45-yard connection in the third quarter.
The Aggies looked decent in all three phases of the game. While it wasn’t good enough to win against a Top 25 team, don’t write them off on bowl eligibility yet. Most outlets don’t have the Aggies projected to make a bowl game, but they certainly looked capable especially as the schedule eases up.
Next up: Home Opener
The home opener might look easy on paper but don’t chalk this one up as a win just yet. The Idaho State Bengals gave San Diego State all they could handle in a 28-36 loss in Snapdragon Stadium. The Aggies can’t afford to overlook an FCS team, especially after what happened in their last matchup against another team from the Big Sky Conference.
The Aggies will kick off their first game at Maverik Stadium at 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2023. It will be a stripe out, so it will be fun for friends and family to gather together in color coordination with their respective sections to cheer on the Aggie Blue and Fighting White.
Featured image via Jeffrey Becker, USA TODAY Sports
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