Utah State is possibly as good as they were last year. They had a close loss against a powerhouse USC last week, losing a defense struggle by only three points. Last year San Jose State was a very tough team, winning as many games, eleven, as Utah State. However, one of their two losses was to Utah State.
Including today’s loss to Utah State, San Jose State has now already lost three times. However, they have a good chance to win all but one of their remaining games and could still end the season with nine wins. So the Spartans are not a team to balk at.
The Utah State Aggies took care of business against the Spartans. Chucky Keaton completed 29 of 41 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns. No interceptions. He also rushed for a touchdown. Joey DeMartino rushed for 119 yard and the team together put up 252 yards on the ground. Utah State delivered a very even game.
The Aggie defense didn’t do quite as well as their offense. They did hold the Spartans to a meager 12 points. However, it was the four takeaways that really helped the Aggie defense because they gave up 437 yards.
San Jose St. showed some fight, forcing Utah State to settle for field goals instead of touch downs three times in the second quarter.
It is looking like Utah State is the team to beat in the Mountain West.
Next week Utah State gets another chance at an in-state rival as they play BYU at home in Logan. Expect both teams to have stingy defenses. But don’t expect Utah State to be shut out like they were last year in an ugly 6 – 0 loss. If BYU only scores six next week, Utah State will be blow the Cougars out. However, if Utah State gives up over 400 yards against BYU, they might find themselves blown out. It will be a great rivalry game.
Football matters in Utah.