by Daniel Olsen
Utah State entered the Homecoming weekend with a 2-3 record and a desire to get back to .500 both in conference play and on the season. It wasn’t always easy, but the Aggies found a way to dominate when it mattered enough route to a 44-24 victory.
First Quarter woes continue
For some reason the Aggies still haven’t figured out how to get early touchdowns on FBS opponents. They chipped in a field goal but that was it as they took an early 17-3 first quarter deficit. Where is the first quarter counter at now? See for yourself:
This is their first score against an FBS opponent this season (in first quarters) and the first score since a touchdown they scored against FCS opponent Idaho State. The Aggies will look for some instant offense when they welcome Fresno State to town on Friday the 13th. They can’t have any less luck in first quarters than they do now so maybe it will be just Fresno’s luck (or lack thereof) that gets them on the scoreboard early this week.
Ike Larsen Shines Again
The turnover margin really made the difference for Utah State. Ike Larsen was a major factor in the amazing defensive performance with two interceptions of his own. Those led to seven points that tied the game at 17-17 at the end of the first half. After the first quarter, the Rams only managed one more touchdown the rest of the game.
Aggies score for Stephen Kotsanlee
Near the end of the game, USU punter Stephen Kotsanlee took a nasty hit that fired up the USU sideline. Rather than get any more penalties, Coach Anderson and the team decided to try and put an exclamation point on the game. Kotsanlee pumped up the team before being carted off and the Aggies score on the very next play.
This was an emotional storybook ending where the team rallied around the senior punter who has been with the Aggies through tough times as well as championship moments. Utah State will need to get Ryan Marks ready to be the full-time punter as it is likely that Kotsanlee is out for the season based on what Coach Anderson observed.
Halfway Point Review
How have the Aggies fared so far this season? maybe some fans were expecting at least 4-5 wins by now, but 3-3 is better now than the start last year. 2-2 in the non-conference isn’t bad, but the Aggies might like to have the close loss to James Madison back after that rough first quarter likely cost them the game before they came storming back. Money game wins don’t come by too often, but the Aggies still had a puncher’s chance vs Iowa and just couldn’t close.
The 1-1 conference record still keeps them in the conference championship conversation, but it doesn’t get any easier. The Aggies could maybe afford only one loss going forward, but they would need some help especially with the removal of divisions. Air Force, the one team that beat them, remains undefeated both in the conference and the season.
The Aggies get a passing grade as they are projected to get a bowl game now, but their goal going forward should be to at least go 3-1 in non-conference games to give them more momentum going into Mountain West play.
Featured image and gallery images below courtesy Joe Oliver, The Hive Sports
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