The Hive Sports

by Daniel Olsen

The Junior Aggies stampeded onto Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium, and the USU football team traded touchdown drives of their own with New Mexico in a game that combined for 95 points. Unfortunately with 45 they were on the losing end in this one. Why are the Aggies on the verge of missing bowl eligibility? It’s time to look at three key points in the game.

Scoring in the first quarter

Before looking at the bad moments, it’s important to realize USU improved on their first quarter production. After scoring just 10 combined first quarter points in their first two conference games, they passed that to take an early 14 point lead.

They did so off rushing touchdowns from Spencer Petras and Rahsul Faison respectively. It looked at first like another year where the Aggies would continue their win streak over the Lobos that has continued since the loss in 2016.

Defensive Struggles

This has been a tough area of the game for the Aggies all the year. While their offense is more than capable, the defense has struggled more than people realized. If this was even an average defense the Aggies would have at least a couple more wins under their belt.

USU has allowed 50 or more points in their last three games. They allow the second most points per game in college football at 43.9 per game. Only Kent State allows more.

The Ugly: Turnover on Downs

The team with the ball last looked like the inevitable winner. That was the reasoning for USU’s choice to go for it on fourth and short. It felt like a predictable run play and they couldn’t get enough push for a first down. With excellent field position, the Lobos were able to get a touchdown with just over a minute remaining.

USU ends the seven game win streak over New Mexico with this loss and will have a chance to travel to Albuquerque for revenge next season. After that, the future of this rivalry might be jeopardy with the conference realignment taking the Aggies to the PAC-12. The Aggies are seeking their first FBS win this season as they travel to Laramie to face a similarly struggling 1-6 Wyoming.

Featured image courtesy Joe Oliver