WyoSports senior editor Robert Gagliardi did a question-and-answer session with Jason Turner, who covers Utah State football for the Logan Herald Journal, about Saturday’s game with the University of Wyoming in Laramie.
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Look for Q&As with beat writers that cover UW football opponents every week throughout the season.
Question: From afar, it seems like it has been an up-and-down season so far for Utah State. Would you agree with that, and what’s worked and what hasn’t through the first six games?
Answer: I don’t think anybody can deny it’s been an up-and-down season for Utah State. The Aggies are at their best when they establish their running game and Kent Myers doesn’t throw the ball more than 30 times.
Based on the (Brigham Young) and San Jose State games, USU is clearly a dangerous team when it forces turnovers. Jalen Davis is one of the top defensive players in the Mountain West, and he has been largely responsible for four defensive touchdowns this season. The Aggies have struggled this season, though, imposing their will in the offensive and defensive trenches. USU has allowed a Mountain West-high 20 sacks.
Q: How would you assess the play of senior quarterback Kent Myers so far, and how does freshman Jordan Love fit into the picture at this point of the season?
A: Kent Myers has typified the up-and-down persona of the Aggie offense.
He was extremely efficient in wins against Idaho State and San Jose State, and also played quite well against BYU. However, the senior struggled in all three losses, there’s no denying that.
He is completing 64 percent of his passes, but has tossed seven interceptions. Frankly, I don’t think the Aggies have used Jordan Love enough the past two games. Myers was definitely ineffective against Colorado State. Nevertheless, Love only played the one series, I’m pretty certain. I would expect to see Love sparingly Saturday. I’m guessing he’ll play a series or two in the first half.
Q: The Aggies have forced 16 turnovers so far this season. What has the defense done to force so many thus far?
A: The Aggies spent a lot of time during fall camp working on swarming to the football and having the second and third guys swipe at the ball. USU also really upgraded its speed at the linebacker position with its 2017 recruiting class, so I think that’s made a big difference as well.
Additionally, the Aggies have two proven ball hawks in the secondary in Davis and safety Dallin Leavitt. USU’s secondary struggled a bit against Colorado State, but I think that will be a reoccurring theme for the rest of the Mountain West trying to contend with those playmakers.
Q: Tell me what makes senior cornerback Jalen Davis tick, and what stands out from him having three interception returns for touchdowns this season?
A: First of all, Jalen Davis is a four-year starter, so he has learned a ton over the years. Secondly, Davis worked his butt off in the weight room during the offseason. He is stronger and more fit than ever. Thirdly, the dude has always exuded confidence. I think that’s a huge trait in determining how successful a cornerback will be.
Davis has caught the ball like a wide receiver this season. Not many corners would have made – I would say – two of his picks. The second pick-six against BYU really stands out to me with that because Davis showed he definitely had the ability to make opposing players miss. It was a really impressive return.
Q: What are your key matchups for Saturday’s game with Wyoming, and who wins?
A: Well, I think the biggest matchup is how well the Aggies pass protect for Myers.
USU has allowed a combined 15 sacks in its last three games, plus I know the Cowboys have proven they can get to opposing signal callers so far this fall. USU started an entirely new offensive line in 2017, plus right tackle Sean Taylor was injured against BYU and didn’t play last weekend.
A matchup I am definitely interested to see is Wyoming’s kickoff/punt returners against USU’s coverage units. The Cowboys have been explosive in that department this season, and the Aggies have been stingy. USU’s special-teams play all around has been outstanding.
Because the Aggies are at home, I am predicting them to win, 24-21. I would pick the Cowboys if this was in Laramie. The Cowboys don’t have the same level of playmakers the Rams do, so I give the Aggies the slight edge.
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