My favorite day of the semester was this last Saturday. At 2 pm, the Aggie football team took on LA Tech in Louisiana. The Aggies wanted a big W and the Aggie fans wanted a Aggie Thanksgiving feast. We got a great game and the atmosphere at the Watch party was electric. There is nothing better than sitting in the best student section in the nation on game-day but the crowd that came to the watch party at the Spectrum Saturday afternoon is a close second. Fathers, sons, and families gathered together and watched the game. Families and kids got to stand with the students and sing the Aggie fight song and the "Scotsman". Basketball players joined the party as Jerrod Shaw, Kyisean Reed and Tenale Roland came out to watch the game and sat with several kids as they signed autographs and enjoyed the success of their school mates.
The Aggies took a big lead early in the game. The USU defense didn't allow a touchdown in the 1st quarter for the 8th time this season. The game couldn't be decided in regulation, and went to overtime. the Aggies pulled off a win 48-41. It started to look like the Aggies of years past as we started to lose our big lead. Twitter went straight cray cray, making Utah State a trending topic before the game was even over. The Aggie defense got a serious gut check and they responded just as they did against University of Utah earlier this season. They stayed strong. They fought with heart and integrity. All of their hard-work payed off. I felt myself breathing harder as my blood pulsed through my veins with each defensive stand. An incredible game by our boys.
Than, Saturday night, the Aggies men basketball team took on Texas A&M Corpus Cristi Islanders in the same Spectrum I spent time in earlier that day watching the football boys play. The Aggie splayed extremely well, as Jerrod Shaw and Preston Medlin led the teams with 17 points. Shaw is starting to nail free-throw line jumpers. Kyisean didn't disappoint as he had electrifying dunks and the Aggies came away with a win, 77-68, moving to 2-1 on the season.
A man in the parking lot after the watch party was so excited for the Aggies. Repeating over and over how the Aggies haven't done this well in football for some time. Utah State has been a basketball school for a long time as Stew Morril has lead the team to a dynasty level of success. Coach Andersen is making his mark and has the whole school hyped about the program. There has never been a better time to be an Aggie than now!
Monday, November 19, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
USU Aggie Round-up
So there hasn't been this much excitement for USU basketball and football at the same time... EVER! The Aggie football boys are having a stellar season and have managed to only lose 2 games this year. They are undefeated in the WAC conference and have a bye this week. However redundant this may sound, this bye week could not have come for a better time for the best college football team in Utah. They prepare to face #14 Louisiana Tech next week and, ultimately, put themselves in first place in the WAC. In a poll put out by CBS news, Utah State is ranked at #25... yes I mean the football team. With a sophomore QB in Keeton and a great supporting cast on both sides of the ball, the Aggies are truly a competitive football team.
To add to all the football hype, the Aggie basketball season is ready to get under way on Saturday night as the Idaho State Bengals come to town as the Aggies first home opponent of the regular season. The Aggies are led by the returning starters on the squad who include Danny Berger, Kyisean Reed, and Preston Medlin. What I m excited about this year is the size the Aggies have acquired. A dominant new post/center in Jerrod Shaw, a transfer student from Oklahoma State University who red shirted for the Aggies last year, brings alot of rebounding and an inside force to the Aggie ballers. Along with Shaw is Jordan Stone and Matt Lopez. Mr. Stone is a very bog and strong man who, as his coaches put it, is very "immature in college basketball". Meaning Stone is so big and strong he's not quite sure how to handle himself and make himself the monster threat down low his coaches know he can be. Coach Morrill said last year that he "likes (Stone's) aggression and his physical game". Stone is only getting better and we'll get to see just how much he'll get to contribute this year. And last bt not least there's Lopez. He is uneligible till the Spring semester for unknown reasons beknownst to me, probably because he was a late transfer to USU as well.
There you have it! A little something to chew on as we head into the home-opener for the USU men's basketball squad. I apologize for the absence and I appreciate you reading!
To add to all the football hype, the Aggie basketball season is ready to get under way on Saturday night as the Idaho State Bengals come to town as the Aggies first home opponent of the regular season. The Aggies are led by the returning starters on the squad who include Danny Berger, Kyisean Reed, and Preston Medlin. What I m excited about this year is the size the Aggies have acquired. A dominant new post/center in Jerrod Shaw, a transfer student from Oklahoma State University who red shirted for the Aggies last year, brings alot of rebounding and an inside force to the Aggie ballers. Along with Shaw is Jordan Stone and Matt Lopez. Mr. Stone is a very bog and strong man who, as his coaches put it, is very "immature in college basketball". Meaning Stone is so big and strong he's not quite sure how to handle himself and make himself the monster threat down low his coaches know he can be. Coach Morrill said last year that he "likes (Stone's) aggression and his physical game". Stone is only getting better and we'll get to see just how much he'll get to contribute this year. And last bt not least there's Lopez. He is uneligible till the Spring semester for unknown reasons beknownst to me, probably because he was a late transfer to USU as well.
There you have it! A little something to chew on as we head into the home-opener for the USU men's basketball squad. I apologize for the absence and I appreciate you reading!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Preview week 8
New Mexico State vs. Utah State. 1 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 20, 2012 at Romney Stadium
Utah State is coming up off a BIG win against WAC opponent San Jose State. I apologize for not giving a prediction/follow-up on that game. If you missed it, USU had a school record of 13 sacks in the game against a San Jose State team that was 4-1 coming into the game. USU came away with a W 49-27.
This week, the Aggie Bowl will take place as the USU Aggies come home after a road trip to SJSU last week and a tough loss in Provo 2 weeks ago. It will be during fall break, but I still expect to see alot of Aggie students in the stands to support the team. I know I'll be there to support.
Let's break this game down, NMSU is 1-5... losing 5 straight games in a row against Ohio, UTEP, UNM, UT-San Antonio, and Idaho. Last year in our bowl game, USU lost to Ohio by ONE point and Ohio, who is very comparable to our Aggies, handled the NMSU Aggies 51-24. NMSU has a sophomore QB, Andrew Manly. He's thrown for 11 TD's... along with 6 INT. His main target is a wide receiver that USU tried to recruit as well, Austin Franklin. His longest pass of the year was an 84 yd play and Franklin averages 17.7 yards per catch and has 7 TD's on the year. In this game, USU will mainly try to hush the passing game of the crimson Aggies. USU's defense still rates #14 in the nation in overall defense, and 3rd in nation in sacks. News to NMSU... you're gonna have a bad time moving the ball down the field.
I look for the USU defense to make another statement in holding the NMSU Aggies to a big fat 0 on the score board. Chuckie Keeton and company have the USU Aggie offense in post-season form as they look for one more win to become bowl eligible.
Prediction:
NMSU 0-USU 38
I hope that USU makes a big statement in this game. They certainly have the opportunity to get a lot of momentum as they get ready to head to UTSA and the Alamodome next week, they currently have the #1 WAC spot in the conference. I am from New Mexico, and sincerely hope the USU Aggies bring the wood this week and hit the Pistol Pete's where it hurts!
Utah State is coming up off a BIG win against WAC opponent San Jose State. I apologize for not giving a prediction/follow-up on that game. If you missed it, USU had a school record of 13 sacks in the game against a San Jose State team that was 4-1 coming into the game. USU came away with a W 49-27.
This week, the Aggie Bowl will take place as the USU Aggies come home after a road trip to SJSU last week and a tough loss in Provo 2 weeks ago. It will be during fall break, but I still expect to see alot of Aggie students in the stands to support the team. I know I'll be there to support.
Let's break this game down, NMSU is 1-5... losing 5 straight games in a row against Ohio, UTEP, UNM, UT-San Antonio, and Idaho. Last year in our bowl game, USU lost to Ohio by ONE point and Ohio, who is very comparable to our Aggies, handled the NMSU Aggies 51-24. NMSU has a sophomore QB, Andrew Manly. He's thrown for 11 TD's... along with 6 INT. His main target is a wide receiver that USU tried to recruit as well, Austin Franklin. His longest pass of the year was an 84 yd play and Franklin averages 17.7 yards per catch and has 7 TD's on the year. In this game, USU will mainly try to hush the passing game of the crimson Aggies. USU's defense still rates #14 in the nation in overall defense, and 3rd in nation in sacks. News to NMSU... you're gonna have a bad time moving the ball down the field.
I look for the USU defense to make another statement in holding the NMSU Aggies to a big fat 0 on the score board. Chuckie Keeton and company have the USU Aggie offense in post-season form as they look for one more win to become bowl eligible.
Prediction:
NMSU 0-USU 38
I hope that USU makes a big statement in this game. They certainly have the opportunity to get a lot of momentum as they get ready to head to UTSA and the Alamodome next week, they currently have the #1 WAC spot in the conference. I am from New Mexico, and sincerely hope the USU Aggies bring the wood this week and hit the Pistol Pete's where it hurts!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Week 6 wrap-up
Outcome USU 3-BYU 6
In possibly the most boring game of the season thus far, the Aggies and Cougars went toe-to-toe in Provolandia, UT. Chuckie Keeton had trouble finding the endzone and getting the ball past the line of scrimmage. BYU's freshman QB Hill proved to have just enough to get by in his big connections with Trevor Hoffman.
The game was extensively defensive minded, with two of the best defenses in the nation fighting. The Aggies' D spent a LONG time on the field after several Aggies' offensive woes and turnovers. But they held their own. BYU had the best defense that USU will probably play all year with Van Noy and Ezequiel Ansah coming off either side. On the left side of the line Kyle Whimpey found himself in his first start covering "Ziggy" Ansah. A tough call in your first appearance. I was impressed, to say the least, with Ansah's performance and effort. He seems to have the strength of linebacker, the speed of a running back, and the size of a offensive lineman. Serious props to the dude for a huge game. Any youngsters out there looking to learn how to play the defensive tackle position should watch Ansah and take notes.
The Aggies still have the main goal insight, that being winning the WAC conference. They start the trip down that road playing a tough San Jose Spartan team who has a 4-1 record, an obvious threat to take away our goal.
Come on Aggies. keep rolling!
In possibly the most boring game of the season thus far, the Aggies and Cougars went toe-to-toe in Provolandia, UT. Chuckie Keeton had trouble finding the endzone and getting the ball past the line of scrimmage. BYU's freshman QB Hill proved to have just enough to get by in his big connections with Trevor Hoffman.
The game was extensively defensive minded, with two of the best defenses in the nation fighting. The Aggies' D spent a LONG time on the field after several Aggies' offensive woes and turnovers. But they held their own. BYU had the best defense that USU will probably play all year with Van Noy and Ezequiel Ansah coming off either side. On the left side of the line Kyle Whimpey found himself in his first start covering "Ziggy" Ansah. A tough call in your first appearance. I was impressed, to say the least, with Ansah's performance and effort. He seems to have the strength of linebacker, the speed of a running back, and the size of a offensive lineman. Serious props to the dude for a huge game. Any youngsters out there looking to learn how to play the defensive tackle position should watch Ansah and take notes.
The Aggies still have the main goal insight, that being winning the WAC conference. They start the trip down that road playing a tough San Jose Spartan team who has a 4-1 record, an obvious threat to take away our goal.
Come on Aggies. keep rolling!
Friday, October 5, 2012
Battle for the Beehive boot preview Week 6
This week, the USU Aggies travel down south to Provo to take on the Cougars of Zooblandia....
This contest will be interesting because of 2 reasons:
1) McKade Brady, a defensive Safety for the Aggies, played for BYU his freshman year. He has ties and personal beef with the team. Last year, he got ejected for a helmet-to-helmet hit on a defenseless player in the 1st quarter. His first opportunity to have a key role against his former team was lost and USU went on to receive a devastating loss.
2) BYU's offense is struggling. Riley Nelson, the betrayer from Logan, is suffering a shoulder injury and will not be up to 100%. True freshman Taysom Hill is the backup and has yet to face a decent defense. He had a great game against Hawaii and Hawaii is ranked 119th in the nation... out of 124 college teams. I guess they're defense isn't the worst, but its PRETTY bad. Mr. Hill will have his hands full with the 19th ranked Aggie defense.
To make things more interesting, the BYU defense is performing exteremely well, with its #4 ranked defense. Chuckie Keeton who, after someone was caught cheating making 2000 votes a day for the O'Brien Quarterback award, is now ranked 4th in the poll. Keeton will have a busy night finding holes an a nearly perfect defense. I'll look for a decent game from Kerwynn Williams, but a stellar performance from Williams partner running back Joe Hill will take place on LaVell Edwards' field. I'm calling 210 total yards from Hill in being the key factor to the Aggies victory tonight.
PREDICTION: USU 20- BYU 14
This is going to be a thriller and a very defensive minded game. With lots of penalty yards on either side, but all in all a well played game and will lead to the first time in 30 years that the Aggies have beat UofU and BYU in the same year.
Go Aggies!
This contest will be interesting because of 2 reasons:
1) McKade Brady, a defensive Safety for the Aggies, played for BYU his freshman year. He has ties and personal beef with the team. Last year, he got ejected for a helmet-to-helmet hit on a defenseless player in the 1st quarter. His first opportunity to have a key role against his former team was lost and USU went on to receive a devastating loss.
2) BYU's offense is struggling. Riley Nelson, the betrayer from Logan, is suffering a shoulder injury and will not be up to 100%. True freshman Taysom Hill is the backup and has yet to face a decent defense. He had a great game against Hawaii and Hawaii is ranked 119th in the nation... out of 124 college teams. I guess they're defense isn't the worst, but its PRETTY bad. Mr. Hill will have his hands full with the 19th ranked Aggie defense.
To make things more interesting, the BYU defense is performing exteremely well, with its #4 ranked defense. Chuckie Keeton who, after someone was caught cheating making 2000 votes a day for the O'Brien Quarterback award, is now ranked 4th in the poll. Keeton will have a busy night finding holes an a nearly perfect defense. I'll look for a decent game from Kerwynn Williams, but a stellar performance from Williams partner running back Joe Hill will take place on LaVell Edwards' field. I'm calling 210 total yards from Hill in being the key factor to the Aggies victory tonight.
PREDICTION: USU 20- BYU 14
This is going to be a thriller and a very defensive minded game. With lots of penalty yards on either side, but all in all a well played game and will lead to the first time in 30 years that the Aggies have beat UofU and BYU in the same year.
Go Aggies!
Monday, October 1, 2012
Week 5 wrap up...
UNLV vs. USU Homecoming 13-35 victory for the Aggies (4-1)
In a white-out crowd, the USU Aggie's did not disappoint AggieNation and had a big win to cap off a great Homecoming week in Logan. Kerwynn Williams had a great night, having 113 yards on 20 carries and 147 yards on 7 receptions and a TD, thats a total of 260 yards all by himself. Chuckie, who still leads the Davey O'Brien Award poll voting at 16% of the total votes, had a career night as suspected, finishing with 402 yards and 4 TD's. One of which was a 74 yard pass play to Kerwynn for an even bigger momentum swing. Our defense kept a tight leash on the Rebels and allowed them to score 6 more points than I originally thought. USU's D is 18th in the nation in points allowed by their opponents, 14.2 ave. points per game.
This week is a HUGE game against those Zoobs from Provo. Time to step it up AggieNation!!
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In a white-out crowd, the USU Aggie's did not disappoint AggieNation and had a big win to cap off a great Homecoming week in Logan. Kerwynn Williams had a great night, having 113 yards on 20 carries and 147 yards on 7 receptions and a TD, thats a total of 260 yards all by himself. Chuckie, who still leads the Davey O'Brien Award poll voting at 16% of the total votes, had a career night as suspected, finishing with 402 yards and 4 TD's. One of which was a 74 yard pass play to Kerwynn for an even bigger momentum swing. Our defense kept a tight leash on the Rebels and allowed them to score 6 more points than I originally thought. USU's D is 18th in the nation in points allowed by their opponents, 14.2 ave. points per game.
This week is a HUGE game against those Zoobs from Provo. Time to step it up AggieNation!!
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Friday, September 28, 2012
Prediction for Week 5
Week 5 Opponent UNLV Rebels
It is Homecoming week at USU and Coach Andersen has asked us to wear our "fighting white" to the game. We will have the chance to be 4-1 with a win over the Rebels.
I would love to say it will be an easy win, but let's face it. It's college football, every game should be played to the max. After a long road trip the last 2 weeks, USU is ready for a big home welcoming of their football team.
UNLV has a decent offense. Their quarterback, Nick Sherry is a freshman and can throw the football. His flaw? He throws the ball in pressured circumstances and into tight spaces. He has 5 INT on the year, but also has 5 TD's on the year. The Freshman threw 3 TD's in a game against Washington State in his 3rd game. I look for the nationally ranked USU defense to step up on their home turf and cause several turnovers, allowing the top QB on the Davie O'Brien poll voting, Chuckie Keeton, to come up big and have a career game against the UNLV Rebels.
Keys to Victory:
I look for the Aggies to have a huge game in a packed stadium at Merlin Olsen Field. Chuckie will throw for 250 yds and the USU defense will have a pick 6.
Go Aggies!
It is Homecoming week at USU and Coach Andersen has asked us to wear our "fighting white" to the game. We will have the chance to be 4-1 with a win over the Rebels.
I would love to say it will be an easy win, but let's face it. It's college football, every game should be played to the max. After a long road trip the last 2 weeks, USU is ready for a big home welcoming of their football team.
UNLV has a decent offense. Their quarterback, Nick Sherry is a freshman and can throw the football. His flaw? He throws the ball in pressured circumstances and into tight spaces. He has 5 INT on the year, but also has 5 TD's on the year. The Freshman threw 3 TD's in a game against Washington State in his 3rd game. I look for the nationally ranked USU defense to step up on their home turf and cause several turnovers, allowing the top QB on the Davie O'Brien poll voting, Chuckie Keeton, to come up big and have a career game against the UNLV Rebels.
Keys to Victory:
- USU's special teams must have a flawless game.
- USU must have an aggressive passing game to allow Kerwynn and Joe Hill to have big yardage gains.
I look for the Aggies to have a huge game in a packed stadium at Merlin Olsen Field. Chuckie will throw for 250 yds and the USU defense will have a pick 6.
Go Aggies!
Monday, September 24, 2012
WHITEOUT!!! Homecoming 2012
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Week 4
Utah State vs. Colorado State 31-19 victory for the Aggies. (3-1)
Few people can recall the last time USU had such a great start to their football season. That's because the Aggies haven't had a starting record this good since 1975 when the Aggies started out at 5-0.
My prediction last week of 35-14 was accurate, but not exact. The Aggies played well in a non-hostile atmosphere in Ft. Collins, CO Saturday evening. Among my keys to victory, I had listed the importance of the O-line protecting Chuckie Keeton. When I saw Chuckie come out for a play after hitting his left hand on the helmet of a rushing defender, I froze up. All I could think about was, "We need Chuckie, we need Chuckie, we need him, we need him, we need CHUCKIE!!!" I panicked at the thought of Chuckie being gone for the rest of the game, or worse, the whole season! This sophomore QB has shown leadership capabilities beyond his years. He was only out a play and came back in to throw for 178 yards, with 23 completions on 30 attempts and a QB rating of 124.2. For those keeping track at home, that rating is higher than BYU's Riley Nelson's QB rating of... -4. Mr. Nelson started his career at USU and is a Logan native. He left for a 2-year LDS mission and upon return signed to play with BYU to the demise of a plethora of USU fans... no matter. Chuckie Keeton is the best QB in the state and I'll make the argument against anyone. He stepped up and played above average against teams like Wisconsin and UofU. I am very pleased with this young man and his performance level.
Kerwynn Williams also had a magnificent running game with 205 rushing yards and 2 TD's, while busting off a huge 54 yard touchdown run. The Rams' defense was less than formidable for Mr. Williams. The UState defensive squad ranks 11th in the nation, moving up two spots from #13 last week and they didn't disappoint in this game holding the Rams to a 8 for 19 3rd down efficiency, and I'll admit, CSU's QB Grayson had quite the game against our defense, but our D held their own and got the W.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK:
The highlight of the week goes to #51 LB Jake Doughty for laying the wood on CSU's kicker Robertson on an on-side kick attempt. Here's the link. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wpzsm7p33js
Few people can recall the last time USU had such a great start to their football season. That's because the Aggies haven't had a starting record this good since 1975 when the Aggies started out at 5-0.
My prediction last week of 35-14 was accurate, but not exact. The Aggies played well in a non-hostile atmosphere in Ft. Collins, CO Saturday evening. Among my keys to victory, I had listed the importance of the O-line protecting Chuckie Keeton. When I saw Chuckie come out for a play after hitting his left hand on the helmet of a rushing defender, I froze up. All I could think about was, "We need Chuckie, we need Chuckie, we need him, we need him, we need CHUCKIE!!!" I panicked at the thought of Chuckie being gone for the rest of the game, or worse, the whole season! This sophomore QB has shown leadership capabilities beyond his years. He was only out a play and came back in to throw for 178 yards, with 23 completions on 30 attempts and a QB rating of 124.2. For those keeping track at home, that rating is higher than BYU's Riley Nelson's QB rating of... -4. Mr. Nelson started his career at USU and is a Logan native. He left for a 2-year LDS mission and upon return signed to play with BYU to the demise of a plethora of USU fans... no matter. Chuckie Keeton is the best QB in the state and I'll make the argument against anyone. He stepped up and played above average against teams like Wisconsin and UofU. I am very pleased with this young man and his performance level.
Kerwynn Williams also had a magnificent running game with 205 rushing yards and 2 TD's, while busting off a huge 54 yard touchdown run. The Rams' defense was less than formidable for Mr. Williams. The UState defensive squad ranks 11th in the nation, moving up two spots from #13 last week and they didn't disappoint in this game holding the Rams to a 8 for 19 3rd down efficiency, and I'll admit, CSU's QB Grayson had quite the game against our defense, but our D held their own and got the W.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK:
The highlight of the week goes to #51 LB Jake Doughty for laying the wood on CSU's kicker Robertson on an on-side kick attempt. Here's the link. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wpzsm7p33js
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Week 4 predictions....
This week, Utah State goes to Ft. Collins, CO to take on the Colorado State Rams. Colorado State has a decent passing game, and Utah State's defensive numbers have them ranked as one of the best defenses in the Nation! Colorado State is coming off of a loss to San Jose State, another Western Athletic Conference team (same conference as USU), 40-20. Last year, Utah State squeaked by with a victory over San Jose State and SJSU's roster hasn't changed too much from last season.
There are some concerns going into this game, USU's backup quarterback, Senior Adam Kennedy, is out indefinitely. Meaning that USU currently has NO solid backup quarterback as they try to keep freshmen red-shirt Jeff Manning a red-shirt. USU's offensive line has got to make it their goal to protect Chuckie Keeton, the best quarterback in Utah this season. Chuckie is light on his feet and gives defenses headaches as he can throw with accuracy and scramble to get first downs.
PREDICTION:
USU 35-CSU 14
I can see the Rams getting a couple deep ball passes off on us, but USU will prevail with a dominant defense and a very successful offense. Not to mention the fact that USU has quite the chip on their shoulder after losing to CSU in our homecoming game last season. Go Aggies!
There are some concerns going into this game, USU's backup quarterback, Senior Adam Kennedy, is out indefinitely. Meaning that USU currently has NO solid backup quarterback as they try to keep freshmen red-shirt Jeff Manning a red-shirt. USU's offensive line has got to make it their goal to protect Chuckie Keeton, the best quarterback in Utah this season. Chuckie is light on his feet and gives defenses headaches as he can throw with accuracy and scramble to get first downs.
PREDICTION:
USU 35-CSU 14
I can see the Rams getting a couple deep ball passes off on us, but USU will prevail with a dominant defense and a very successful offense. Not to mention the fact that USU has quite the chip on their shoulder after losing to CSU in our homecoming game last season. Go Aggies!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
USU football season thus far....
Game 1: Southern Utah University 3-34 victory for the Aggies (1-0)
This game was expected to be the blowout that it was. A top-ranked quarterback in Brad Sorenson looked like an old man out there. He was overcome by the tenacious defense of Utah State which brings me to my main point...
After Bobby Wagner was drafted to the Seattle Seahawks this year, I didn't think the USU defense would be anything near to what it was with Wagner. Where would we find a linebacker? Who would get all the sacks and tackles and turnovers that Wagner helped provide? What I saw in the USU defense that night was scary good. The defense is not so much about one player anymore, but a literal team effort. And, dare I say it, the defense is better this year than last year. Led by Bojay Filimoeatu at linebacker (who had a nationally recognized week against UofU), the Aggies truly are together. I saw unity. I saw hard work ethic. I saw some bad mamma jammas who wont take no crap from nobody!! (Cool Runnings quote). Anyway, it was a solid outing from the Aggies.
In stating that about the past NFL draft, Robert Turbin also got drafted to Seattle, leaving the ground game to Kerwynn Williams and Joe Hill. I had not idea who Joe Hill was until I saw his tackle-breaking strength and his freaky fast speed! Hill had 11 carries for 116 yards and 3 TDs!! That was a big boost to my confidence as a Utah State fan. I think we all have big hopes for the Aggies this year in pursuit of a major bowl bid and a major bowl win!
Game 2: University of Utah 20-27 victory for the Aggies in OT (2-0)
As a college football fan, you drool at the opportunity to see your team take out a powerhouse. The Utes have been a very successful program. Moving to the Pac-12 conference this year, the team was looking to have a run at the conference championship. The Aggies exploited many of the Ute's weaknesses. All week leading up to the game, sports analysts and experts were saying that the Utes' defense was a top defense. That USU would have a difficult time getting much offense going. Regardless, Chuckie Keeton managed to throw for 216 yards and 2 touchdown passes. And Kerwynn Williams ran for 95 yards on 16 carries and added a TD to his tally thus far.
OK, so lets put aside the fact that we had a VERY impressive offense game against the seemingly indestructible Ute defense. Forget about how everyone called UofU winning this game, even some USU students were saying we had NO chance to win the match up. Nevermind that everyone blamed the refs for calling the game in our favor. And all of you who think that the Utes simply weren't playing up to par to have "pity" on us, please spare me the effort it takes to explain the competitive heart found in each and every college football player. They all have worked their hardest to be where they are at and want to win EVERY game. The fact is, USU won. We were underdogs and we rose to the surface. In the rivalry of "the Brothers", the little brother is coming into his own. Coach Gary Anderson and his winning ways are becoming evident in each and every game.
Game 3: University of Wisconsin 16-14 loss for the Aggies, 1st loss of the season (2-1)
Here, the Aggies had the opportunity to get another big win against a Big 10 conference school. Wisconsin has one of the top running backs in the country in Montee Ball. Wisconsin's offensive line had alot of confusion because of the coach change they had and USU had a VERY good chance at taking down one of the countries top college football programs. Every year, Utah State has gone to play big schools at the beginning of their season. That exclusive list includes, Auburn, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Oregon to name a few. It has been a GREAT strategy because we have been able to hang with most of these teams, excluding Oregon. And now we add Wisconsin to that list. Now, I could go on about how close we were to winning each game or focusing on the key elements that USU has been developing, but in all reality, we haven't won a big game. We receive somewhat of recognition from respecting major sports analysts, but after everything is said and done, Utah State has simply come up short. I'm no trying to take anything away from our win over University of Utah. That was a BIG win and gives me hope for this young season.
If there was something we could blame this loss on, we would blame it on our special teams. If you are an Aggie fan, every time the ball is punted or kicked off for our receiving team, you lose your breath and experience vertigo as your stomach turns in knots, hoping that the kick isn't muffed or that the punt isn't fumbled. Our offense is good enough to score from within our own territory 7 times out of 10. But because of our woes on special teams, we lose extra opportunities to win. Such is the case in this game, when the punter, Tyler Bennett, kicked a line drive punt, giving our defense no time to get down field to make a tackle. Meaning that the punt returner was able to run the punt back for a TD, putting Wisconsin up 16-14. And our offense was able to complete a strong final drive, giving our kicker Josh Thompson missed a 37 yard FG try as time expired. Game over. Our efforts to keep our record perfect was ruined.
Rest assured AggieNation, these men are fighters. Don't give up on them yet, I know I haven't. We are just getting started and I am VERY optimistic.
This game was expected to be the blowout that it was. A top-ranked quarterback in Brad Sorenson looked like an old man out there. He was overcome by the tenacious defense of Utah State which brings me to my main point...
After Bobby Wagner was drafted to the Seattle Seahawks this year, I didn't think the USU defense would be anything near to what it was with Wagner. Where would we find a linebacker? Who would get all the sacks and tackles and turnovers that Wagner helped provide? What I saw in the USU defense that night was scary good. The defense is not so much about one player anymore, but a literal team effort. And, dare I say it, the defense is better this year than last year. Led by Bojay Filimoeatu at linebacker (who had a nationally recognized week against UofU), the Aggies truly are together. I saw unity. I saw hard work ethic. I saw some bad mamma jammas who wont take no crap from nobody!! (Cool Runnings quote). Anyway, it was a solid outing from the Aggies.
In stating that about the past NFL draft, Robert Turbin also got drafted to Seattle, leaving the ground game to Kerwynn Williams and Joe Hill. I had not idea who Joe Hill was until I saw his tackle-breaking strength and his freaky fast speed! Hill had 11 carries for 116 yards and 3 TDs!! That was a big boost to my confidence as a Utah State fan. I think we all have big hopes for the Aggies this year in pursuit of a major bowl bid and a major bowl win!
Game 2: University of Utah 20-27 victory for the Aggies in OT (2-0)
As a college football fan, you drool at the opportunity to see your team take out a powerhouse. The Utes have been a very successful program. Moving to the Pac-12 conference this year, the team was looking to have a run at the conference championship. The Aggies exploited many of the Ute's weaknesses. All week leading up to the game, sports analysts and experts were saying that the Utes' defense was a top defense. That USU would have a difficult time getting much offense going. Regardless, Chuckie Keeton managed to throw for 216 yards and 2 touchdown passes. And Kerwynn Williams ran for 95 yards on 16 carries and added a TD to his tally thus far.
OK, so lets put aside the fact that we had a VERY impressive offense game against the seemingly indestructible Ute defense. Forget about how everyone called UofU winning this game, even some USU students were saying we had NO chance to win the match up. Nevermind that everyone blamed the refs for calling the game in our favor. And all of you who think that the Utes simply weren't playing up to par to have "pity" on us, please spare me the effort it takes to explain the competitive heart found in each and every college football player. They all have worked their hardest to be where they are at and want to win EVERY game. The fact is, USU won. We were underdogs and we rose to the surface. In the rivalry of "the Brothers", the little brother is coming into his own. Coach Gary Anderson and his winning ways are becoming evident in each and every game.
Game 3: University of Wisconsin 16-14 loss for the Aggies, 1st loss of the season (2-1)
Here, the Aggies had the opportunity to get another big win against a Big 10 conference school. Wisconsin has one of the top running backs in the country in Montee Ball. Wisconsin's offensive line had alot of confusion because of the coach change they had and USU had a VERY good chance at taking down one of the countries top college football programs. Every year, Utah State has gone to play big schools at the beginning of their season. That exclusive list includes, Auburn, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Oregon to name a few. It has been a GREAT strategy because we have been able to hang with most of these teams, excluding Oregon. And now we add Wisconsin to that list. Now, I could go on about how close we were to winning each game or focusing on the key elements that USU has been developing, but in all reality, we haven't won a big game. We receive somewhat of recognition from respecting major sports analysts, but after everything is said and done, Utah State has simply come up short. I'm no trying to take anything away from our win over University of Utah. That was a BIG win and gives me hope for this young season.
If there was something we could blame this loss on, we would blame it on our special teams. If you are an Aggie fan, every time the ball is punted or kicked off for our receiving team, you lose your breath and experience vertigo as your stomach turns in knots, hoping that the kick isn't muffed or that the punt isn't fumbled. Our offense is good enough to score from within our own territory 7 times out of 10. But because of our woes on special teams, we lose extra opportunities to win. Such is the case in this game, when the punter, Tyler Bennett, kicked a line drive punt, giving our defense no time to get down field to make a tackle. Meaning that the punt returner was able to run the punt back for a TD, putting Wisconsin up 16-14. And our offense was able to complete a strong final drive, giving our kicker Josh Thompson missed a 37 yard FG try as time expired. Game over. Our efforts to keep our record perfect was ruined.
Rest assured AggieNation, these men are fighters. Don't give up on them yet, I know I haven't. We are just getting started and I am VERY optimistic.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Welcome to AggieNation
I am but a simple sports fan. I had my share of experiences of sports involvement and being a fan of the game. I've spent many hours watching ESPN, reading the sports section of newspapers and debating with other fans about teams and strategies.
All in all, I really have no background to write a blog. No excuse to write about the UTAH STATE aggies other than the fact that I am passionate for it. I am going to school at Utah State and I really came just for the field I was majoring in and was wonderfully surprised by student involvement in sports and the success of the athletics here. Logan is a one-of-a-kind place and was recently voted as one of the top-3 college towns in the nation. I enjoy being in Logan and being an Aggie.
Without further delay the following are my thoughts and feelings about USU athletics all rolled into one. Thank you for taking the time to read it, share it with your friends, parents, family members, your dog/cat/gia pet and enjoy!
All in all, I really have no background to write a blog. No excuse to write about the UTAH STATE aggies other than the fact that I am passionate for it. I am going to school at Utah State and I really came just for the field I was majoring in and was wonderfully surprised by student involvement in sports and the success of the athletics here. Logan is a one-of-a-kind place and was recently voted as one of the top-3 college towns in the nation. I enjoy being in Logan and being an Aggie.
Without further delay the following are my thoughts and feelings about USU athletics all rolled into one. Thank you for taking the time to read it, share it with your friends, parents, family members, your dog/cat/gia pet and enjoy!
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