Hosting Air Force in the midst of a four-game losing streak, the Aggies needed a win to begin the road to salvaging the season.
After showing promise in the loss to BYU last time out, the Aggies still had recorded just one win five weeks into the season.
Utah State football: Aggies show fight, promise in loss to BYU
First half
Facing 4-1 Air Force at home on Saturday, it didn’t seem like the losing streak was going to end.
Instead, Utah State continued its upward trajectory and beat the favored Falcons, 34-27.
The Aggies scored the opening touchdown when Cooper Legas found Brian Cobbs for a 31-yard score.
Dimes ONLY from @cooperlegas! pic.twitter.com/Ip4dQ8DQL2
— USU Football (@USUFootball) October 8, 2022
Air Force tied it up before a USU field goal reestablished the lead at the end of the opening frame, 10-7.
The Aggies were only able to score a field goal in the second quarter, while a Falcons touchdown gave the visitors a slim 14-13 lead at halftime.
Second half
Air Force added a field goal to make the score 17-13 in the third quarter, but the Aggies answered when Calvin Tyler Jr. found the endzone on a 21-yard run for the 20-17 lead.
HE GONE‼️
📺 @FS1 pic.twitter.com/hkfs48SIJb
— USU Football (@USUFootball) October 9, 2022
Air Force regained the lead with a touchdown just under a minute and a half into the final frame, but Utah State was not about to be stopped.
Cooper Legas found Terrell Vaughn for a 34-yard touchdown just under three minutes later, giving the Aggies a 27-24 lead.
Fourth down 🤝 touchdown @USUFootball pic.twitter.com/lC6V2IV7qC
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 9, 2022
The Aggies’ defense then forced a fumble on the next Air Force drive, before the offense took over and added another touchdown. Just over three minutes after the last score, Legas used his running ability to rack up 32 yards for a score and the 34-24 advantage.
BALL DON'T LIE‼️
📺 @FS1 #AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/ecwUMjSiBs
— USU Football (@USUFootball) October 9, 2022
COOPER LEGAS KEEPS IT FOR 7🤫😤
📺 @FS1 #AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/3QMOxeWJYd
— USU Football (@USUFootball) October 9, 2022
Despite an Air Force field goal with under two minutes to go, the Aggies held on for the 34-27 win.
Offense shines
Facing a team that runs the triple option is never easy, but the Aggies got the job done. The offense performed admirably under quarterback Cooper Legas, racking up 414 yards of offense. Legas was an efficient 18-of-23 passing, tallying 215 passing yards and two touchdowns while also racking up 76 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Even better, Legas turned the ball over just once – an interception – and that gave USU the chance to win.
Brian Cobbs had a field day on the receiving end, catching eight passes for 136 yards and a touchdown. Calvin Tyler led the rushing attack, picking up 109 yards on 19 carries – 5.7 yards per carry – and adding a score.
Up next
The Aggies will now look to build on the win over Air Force, facing Colorado State on the road.
Utah State (2-4, 1-1 MW) will battle the Rams on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 5 p.m. The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network.
Week 5 Bowl Projections: Postseason destinations for Utah, BYU, and USU
