Utah State Aggies
WAC
Utah State has not made a bowl since 1997. They have been to two bowl games since 1961. They have won just one bowl game ever. This is a big accomplishment for Coach Gary Andersen and the Aggies. The momentum is heading in the right direction and maybe this could be a stepping stone to bigger things. Yet, for now, Utah State is looking ahead to their bowl game and how they can win.
2011 Record: 7-5, 5-2
Last Bowl Appearance: 1997 Humanitarian Bowl vs. Cincinnati (L 19-35)
Big Wins: 10/8 Wyoming (63-19), 11/26 Nevada (21-17)
Bad Losses: 10/15 at Fresno State (21-31), Louisiana Tech (17-24)
Coach: Gary Andersen (15-21 at Utah State, 15-21 overall)
Bowl Record: 0-0 at Utah State, 0-0 overall
Offensive Coordinator: Dave Baldwin
Defensive Coordinator: Gary Andersen
Strengths:
The Aggies rely very, very heavily on running back Robert Turbin. He is a superb back who can break big plays and punch the ball into the end zone. He averages about 120 rushing yards per game and will even get involved in the passing game. Parts of the offensive line are a little young, but they are very experienced and that has given Turbin plenty of space to do what he does best. Fellow running back Michael Smith deserves a lot of credit too. He may not be a big, explosive workhorse like Turbin, but he is a strong secondary option that USU can bring for a few plays when Turbin needs a rest without suffering from much of a drop off in production. Chuckie Keeton was doing a decent job under center before suffering an injury. He did not complete a big percentage of his passes, but he did keep the interceptions down and could make plays with his legs. However, Adam Kennedy has sparked this offense since Keeton’s injury. Both should be good to go for the bowl game. Kennedy has a stronger and more accurate arm and USU will likely ride the hot hand. Receivers Matt Austin and Stanley Morrison are decent receivers who have been able to do a little bit more with the emergence of Kennedy.
Weaknesses:
The biggest problem Utah State has is in the turnover department. Interceptions are not a problem for Kennedy or Keeton, but fumbles seem to be an issue for everybody on the offense. The defense is not bad, but they will not make many big plays. The unit can force some fumbles, but it is a rare day when the Utah State defense picks off a pass. The defense is strongest against the rush, with linebacker Bobby Wagner topping the 130 tackle mark for the second consecutive season. He gets plenty of help from Kyle Gallagher and Brady McKade. It is in the secondary where there are a few more concerns. Nobody is a threat to intercept a pass, but Jumanne Robertson, a junior college transfer, is getting better and Nevin Lawson is another cornerback who can move around and make some tackles.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Robert Turbin, RB, 1,416 yards
Passing: Chuckie Keeton, QB, 1,200 yards
Receiving: Matt Austin, WR, 465 yards
Tackles: Bobby Wagner, LB, 140
Sacks: Levi Koskan, DE, 5.5
Interceptions: Bobby Wagner, LB, 2
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 267.09 (6th in nation, 1st in conference)
Passing Offense: 186.45 (92, 8)
Total Offense: 453.55 (24, 2)
Scoring Offense: 35.45 (19, 1)
Rushing Defense: 126.45 (30, 2)
Pass Defense: 238.91 (74, 4)
Total Defense: 365.36 (48, 1)
Scoring Defense: 28.91 (78, 4)
Turnover Margin: -.82 (111, 7)
Sacks: 2.00 (50, 3)
Sacks Allowed: 1.45 (39, 4)
