Utah State @ Michigan State Recap: The Aggies Are No Pushovers

USU came into this game as massive underdogs and almost pulled out a victory. The offense took a fast-paced, no huddle approach. The defense was back to its turnover-causing ways. Unfortunately, Michigan State’s offense was just that much better.

THE RUNDOWN:

The Aggies came out blazing with a quick opening drive that resulted in a touchdown. 7 plays. 75 yards. TWO minutes. Zoom. The Spartans threatened to tie it up but were forced into a chip shot field goal. They added another before the end of the frame to make it 7-6 USU.

MSU QB Brian Lewerke threw a touchdown pass to WR Cody White to give the Spartans a 13-7 lead. The Aggies responded back with a Darwin Thompson touchdown. Michigan State would have the final say in the half, however, as Lewerke threw another touchdown pass with only 28 seconds to go.

HALFTIME: Spartans 27, Aggies 24.

Spartans RB Connor Heyward scored from 17 yards out to make it 27-14 Sparty. After that, the Aggies would find themselves back in this game rather quickly. Kicker Dominik Eberle nailed a 40-yarder, and just one play later USU Safety Gaje Ferguson took an interception 40 yards for a pick-6. Just like that, it’s 27-24 MSU at the end of three.

In the fourth, Darwin Thompson ran the ball in from one yard out to give USU a 31-30 lead. Unfortunately the Aggie defense could not tighten up, as Lewerke executed a perfect drive. Connor Heyward got the pitch from Lewerke and scored. The Spartans converted for two and it was 38-31. On the final drive two early penalties hurt the Aggies, but they converted long downs and were driving when a tipped pass was reeled in by MSU LB Joe Bachie. Sealing the victory for Sparty.

FINAL: Spartans 38, Aggies 31

FINAL THOUGHTS:

It was tough, but the Aggies gave it their all. We saw signs of that tenacious defense and it’s ability to take the ball away (Ferguson’s pick-six), we saw Jordan Love toss the rock pretty well (319 Pass Yards), and for what it’s worth, we got a good night out of our kicker (Eberle hit a 40-yarder and made all 4 XPs)

NEXT MAN UP:

The Aggies host the Aggies, the New Mexico State ones, at Maverik Stadium next Saturday, September 8^th at 8pm. Utah State is favored in that game and the team will certainly be looking to bounce back after this tough loss.

Follow Alex Eiden (UnderDogsAlways) on Twitter @alexyatta_ and follow the MountainWestConnection @MWCConnection