When Utah and USU met on Saturday afternoon in Logan, it was a slow start. But it didn’t take too long before the Utah football team found its groove and proved why it’s ranked 12th. Utah beat USU, 38-21, bringing its record to 3-0 so far this season before it heads into the Big 12 next week.
Playing their rivals hard looked easy for Utah quarterback Bryson Barns. However, USU put up more of a fight than most thought they would. USU’s defense put up a vital struggle, but didn’t make it through to the end, as they lost to Utah on their home field again as they have since 2008.
Ways To Turn A Loss To A Win
For Utah, this is the second year in a row that the Utes have started by hitting the field running at 3-0. It’s also the ninth time that coach Kyle Whittingham has also owned the same record. This wasn’t his only achievement with this win, as this was also his 250th win at Utah during his time with them as assistant and head coach.
Who Drew First Blood
Despite their loss, USU started strong, leading by 11 early in the second quarter. This was the first time in the last three years that Utah has been behind by ten or more in a regular-season non-conference game. Utah found a weak spot in the usually tough Aggie defense. The Utes had two unanswered touchdowns in the second quarter, taking the lead into halftime, 17-14.
After halftime, USU answered in the third quarter with seven points. However, Utah wouldn’t let them take the lead for the rest of the game. USU’s luck ran out as the Aggies produced 261 yards in the first half, but Utah’s defense held them to 124 in the second half. While Utah was holding them on defense, their offense generated 248 yards of its own.
Where USU Can Go After This Game
A few things to take away from the game are that there aren’t many University of Utah fans who do not know how good Bryson Barnes has been for them, as he’s played for them for several years. There isn’t a doubt that he has been the hero for the Utes several times, or he has been blamed for their losses. USU fans also know Barnes, as he’s an Aggie who brings drama into the game.
At the end of the game, Barnes passed for 223 yards against his former team with two touchdowns, giving up two interceptions. He rushed for 36 yards, grabbing a score for himself. He kept the Aggie fans alive, making several passes that seemed impossible. One was a completed 35-yard pass to Jalen Royals, and another a 27-yard pass that shot into the hands of Jack Hestera.
During USU’s last scoring drive, Barnes almost magically turned a fourth-down conversion into a first-down with a strong pass to Colby Bowman. Despite his great moments, he also failed as many times as he succeeded.
Another massive learning point the Aggies came away with was that Utah bested them on rushing yards. USU mustered 140 yards, while the Utes won with 221. One of the Aggies’ secret weapons is Rahsul Faison, the running back. Unfortunately, Faison was knocked out of the game halfway through.
Who Made The Difference
Wide receiver Kyrese White, who also left the game after taking a hard hit trying for a clutch catch in the first quarter, is almost as dangerous for USU’s offense. Without Faison and White, USU lost two significant assets.
Another factor that hampered USU’s progress was its almost endless costly penalties. Utah suffered a single one for only 15 yards, while the Aggies suffered nine and lost a dear 65 yards.
The Last Lesson: How Well the Secondary Played
Other well-known players that USU uses are Ike Larsen and Jordan Vincent. These defensive players fought together, making 19 tackles and stopping the Utes at key times. With their help, as well as the corners and nickel backs working together, Utah worked twice as hard for every yard.
With a few stars out for the Aggies, the secondary proved that they could step it up and play one-on-one with some of the toughest Utes, like Brant Kuithe and Carsen Ryan. Despite the loss, USU learned some tough lessons and proved some new ones.
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