Pound and ground was on display. The offensive line and Nick Bawden were out in force. Utah State’s defensive line and linebackers were walking backwards the entire game. 400 rushing yards is phenomenal. 14 passing yards? Not so much.
Donnel Pumphrey runs the ball on 32 occasions for 223 yards (7 yards per carry). Juwan Washington shows the future with a line of 14/143 for almost 10 yards per carry. Oy vey! Plus, Mr. Washington scores twice. The offense registering 7 for 14 on third down conversions is further proof a good night on the field. As was 4 red zone scores.
Dominating Utah State at Logan in the rain is testament to preparation and a lot of hard work on the practice field. This game was ripe for difficulty, especially with the Aggies scoring on their first possession. Alas, difficulty was not the case. Maybe for Utah State.
A big night for John Baron. 4/4! Nice range from 21 yards to a maximum of 43 yards. Change nothing.
The defense was the usual blur of chaos. 3 sacks, Malik Smith’s interception and touchdown, and Aztec tackling resulting in 23 yards lost at the expense of the Aggies’ offense. 11/26 is reflective of a quarterback struggling. Utah State averaged a paltry 2.5 yards per carry. A hand shake to Ron Smith on substantial playing time in the defensive backfield and the tipped pass in the fourth quarter that fell to the ground. Given the effective play of Kyaha Tezino and Jay Henderson at linebacker, Randy Ricks’ injury is not as problematic as first thought.
Back to the Q this Saturday. The Rainbow flies in from the islands. Hawaii is much improved.
7-1/4-0.
tipmypitch 