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No matter what happens in league play, chances are the Utah State Aggies look back on their shocking 35-20 upset of No. 18 BYU as the defining moment in their season.
Following their heartbreaking overtime loss to Arkansas State on Sept. 20, the Aggies could have easily let things disintegrate.
They didn't. Instead they responded to that loss and the adversity of playing BYU and all its hype with their most complete game of the season.
"They hung together in a tough couple of weeks," Utah State coach Matt Wells said of his players. "There were a lot of people doubting us out there."
The doubts weren't unfounded. Utah State's offense struggled to play consistent in its first four games, a problem magnified by the defense's standout play.
Time and time again, the Aggies' defenders would come up with turnovers or other big plays that would put the offense in good scoring position, only for it to be squandered.
That didn't happen against BYU, as the Aggies totaled a season high of 457 yards of offense, had two 10-play drives, and didn't commit a turnover for the first time this season.
To say they got busy correcting problems in the bye week is an understatement.
"My hat's off to those players," Wells said. "They got focused and executed."
Perhaps the most important development out of Friday's win was the emergence of good individual play at key positions.
Receivers Devonte Robinson and Hunter Sharp had breakout games, totaling 98 and 173 yards, respectively, while quarterback Darell Garretson commanded the offense better than anyone expected him to.
Then there was the breakout play of linebacker Nick Vigil, who not only led the team with nine tackles, but led the team in rushing, totaling 57 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries.
Vigil said after the game he didn't expect so many carries. It looks like he should expect more in the future.
The Aggies planned to experiment with him at running back in the summer, but a shoulder injury in camp made them abandon those plans, until this week.
"What an athlete and player," Wells said. "It was a phenomenal performance on both sides of the ball. He was cramping and throwing up on the field, but he came over and said, 'Don't take me out.'"
Now it's nothing but league games for the Aggies, starting with Saturday's game against Air Force.
As Wells said, the non-conference games have no statistical bearing on what happens in league play, but from a mental outlook, Friday's upset could mean everything.
"It's everything for momentum," he said. "It's confidence and a night of executing in a tremendously tough environment and a road win against a nationally ranked opponent.
"It gives us confidence," he added again.
Utah Statevs. Air Force
O Saturday, 8:15 p.m.
TV • ESPNU