The Aggies started out their 2011 campaign with a slow 2-5 mark but won their final 5 regular-season games to reach a bowl for the 1st time in 15 seasons. They finished the year with a 7-6 record following an one-point defeat to Ohio in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. They were actually better than their wins and losses represented as 4 of their defeats came by four points or fewer.
They hope to finally bring in a conference title after tying for second in the WAC last year with a 5-2 record.
Offense
Utah State was the best scoring team in the league last year after posting a whopping 33.6 points/game. They also ranked 2nd in the conference in total yards with 457.3 yards/contest. Their superb running attack was the reason why their offense was moving the ball so well all season.
Utah State had one of the very best running games in the country last year. They led the WAC with 282.7 rushing yards/contest. With the exit of Michael Smith and Robert Turbin, the school is at risk of having a major drop off in 2012. They've got ultra fast Kerywynn Williams returning, and he will make sure the rushing game is still strong moving on.
The QB spot is in good hands with both Chuckie Keeton and Adam Kennedy in control. The 2 headed monster of Keeton and Kennedy grants the Aggies to have 2 QBs capable of directing the offense. Both had starting time as Keeton was the starter at the beginning of 2011 connecting on 61% of his passes for 1,200 yards before braving an injury in their eighth contest. Kennedy would go on to start the remainder of the way and helped the Aggies become bowl eligible while connecting on 69% of his throws for 972 yards with 11 TDs and four picks.
Whoever gets the beginning nod will get advantages from the return of wide receiver Matt Austin, who was given a 6th year of eligibility. He caught 34 passes for 465 yards and six scores last season.
Three starters, including all-league center Tyler Larsen, are back on the offensive line.
Defense
The stop unit led the conference in total defense in 2011 with 366.2 yards allowed per contest. It finished third in the league in scoring defense with 27.9 points permitted per game.
With the leadership of linebackers Bobby Wagner and Kyle Gallagher, the Aggies rated 2nd in the WAC in run defense with 127.8 yards permitted per matchup. With both players departed, it's now up to Tavaris McMillian and Jake Doughty to make sure the defense remains powerful against the rush.
With the loss of a few key players, McMillian and Doughty won't likely have as much support from the defensive line, unlike in previous seasons.
The secondary is in good shape with 3 of four starters back, including safety McKade Brady, who is the team's top returning tackler.
WAC Prediction: 2nd Place
Utah State will face some tough non-conference games against Utah, Wisconsin, Colorado State and BYU. 3 of those games are on the road, and if they can win one of those matchups, then they are going to have an excellent opportunity to win 8 times.
The Aggies should win their other non-conference games against Southern Utah and UNLV. They also should be able to handle all their league games with the single exception of Louisiana Tech.
With a powerful team and a manageable schedule, the chance for a second straight bowl game is unquestionably possible.
They hope to finally bring in a conference title after tying for second in the WAC last year with a 5-2 record.
Offense
Utah State was the best scoring team in the league last year after posting a whopping 33.6 points/game. They also ranked 2nd in the conference in total yards with 457.3 yards/contest. Their superb running attack was the reason why their offense was moving the ball so well all season.
Utah State had one of the very best running games in the country last year. They led the WAC with 282.7 rushing yards/contest. With the exit of Michael Smith and Robert Turbin, the school is at risk of having a major drop off in 2012. They've got ultra fast Kerywynn Williams returning, and he will make sure the rushing game is still strong moving on.
The QB spot is in good hands with both Chuckie Keeton and Adam Kennedy in control. The 2 headed monster of Keeton and Kennedy grants the Aggies to have 2 QBs capable of directing the offense. Both had starting time as Keeton was the starter at the beginning of 2011 connecting on 61% of his passes for 1,200 yards before braving an injury in their eighth contest. Kennedy would go on to start the remainder of the way and helped the Aggies become bowl eligible while connecting on 69% of his throws for 972 yards with 11 TDs and four picks.
Whoever gets the beginning nod will get advantages from the return of wide receiver Matt Austin, who was given a 6th year of eligibility. He caught 34 passes for 465 yards and six scores last season.
Three starters, including all-league center Tyler Larsen, are back on the offensive line.
Defense
The stop unit led the conference in total defense in 2011 with 366.2 yards allowed per contest. It finished third in the league in scoring defense with 27.9 points permitted per game.
With the leadership of linebackers Bobby Wagner and Kyle Gallagher, the Aggies rated 2nd in the WAC in run defense with 127.8 yards permitted per matchup. With both players departed, it's now up to Tavaris McMillian and Jake Doughty to make sure the defense remains powerful against the rush.
With the loss of a few key players, McMillian and Doughty won't likely have as much support from the defensive line, unlike in previous seasons.
The secondary is in good shape with 3 of four starters back, including safety McKade Brady, who is the team's top returning tackler.
WAC Prediction: 2nd Place
Utah State will face some tough non-conference games against Utah, Wisconsin, Colorado State and BYU. 3 of those games are on the road, and if they can win one of those matchups, then they are going to have an excellent opportunity to win 8 times.
The Aggies should win their other non-conference games against Southern Utah and UNLV. They also should be able to handle all their league games with the single exception of Louisiana Tech.
With a powerful team and a manageable schedule, the chance for a second straight bowl game is unquestionably possible.