Utah State struggles versus UConn

Heading into the first matchup of the season at home as a -27.5 point favorite should have been an opportunity to gain serious momentum for the Aggies. Furthermore, playing one of the worst teams in the country last year should have been even more of a sign for a lopsided momentum-building victory. However, the Aggies struggled mightily, barely leaving the matchup with a victory versus UConn. Utah State won 31-20. 

What exactly went wrong for Blake Anderson’s squad?

Utah State could not stop the run versus UConn

The Huskies finished with the 128th total offense in 2021. Utah State finished the 2021 season on a promising note. They held their opponents to less than 20 points in five of their last six games. Although Utah State did just that versus UConn, it is a worrisome sign for the Aggies how easily UConn was able to run the ball. 

The Huskies finished with 245 rushing yards. Running back, Nathan Carter, was responsible for most of the production as he rushed 20 times for 190 yards. Utah State seemed to have no answer for Carter. 

With Utah State playing Alabama this week, Aggies fans might be in for a long day. If Utah State’s defense couldn’t stop UConn’s rushing attacks, how are they going to fair against one of the best offensive lines and ground game in the entire country? 

Utah State went down 14-0 to start the game

One would expect if they saw a score of 14-0 that it would be in favor of the defending Moutain West champions. However, UConn took a shocking 14-0 lead to start the game. Maverick Stadium went silent as the shock started to settle in. 

Utah State was supposed to dominate this game. The offense for the Aggies was supposed to be too much for the Huskies to handle. Yet, the beauty of college football was on display. Anything can happen in college football. 

The second quarter saved the Aggies

In 2021, Blake Anderson’s squad had a tendency to start games off slow.  It seems the same should be expected for the 2022 season. 

The team came alive during the second quarter by scoring 24 unanswered points. The offense started to find its groove, and the defense was able to find some answers on slowing down the rushing attacks. Furthermore, UConn’s starting quarterback got injured in the first quarter, and the Huskies’ offense never really got fully back to their first quarter form.