2013 PAC-12 Know the Opponent: Utah State

Utah State has seen great success under Gary Anderson the past 2-3 season from where they’ve been at a program before he arrived. Anderson moved to Madison taking the head coaching job at the University of Wisconsin.

Matt Wells now takes over the Aggies who went 11-2 and 6-0 winning the WAC championship. His first season will see a change in conference as Utah State moves to the Mountain West Conference this season, which will make the task that much harder especially being in the same division as Boise State.

PAC-12 fans will get a doubel dose of Utah State Aggies and dual threat quarterback Chuckie Keeton with games at Utah (Aug. 29) and at USC (Sept. 21). Photo Credit: Douglas C. Pizac-USA TODAY Sports

The Aggies are a veteran team with 14 starters returning, seven on each side of the ball in 2013. Junior quarterback Chuckie Keeton coming back might be the biggest key to success as the 6’2 QB has been dynamic since arriving in Logan. Keeton was second on the team in rushing last season but it was his impressive arm which helped make him a threat, throwing for 3,373 yards 27 touchdowns in 2012.

Rushing and receiving the team will need to fill after being hit hard by graduation, junior college transfer Rashad Hall will get the opportunity to be the guy. Two senior wide receivers and a senior tight end will look to help the passing game out this season.

Defensively the team returns four of their five leading tacklers led by senior inside linebacker Jake Doughty who had 109 tackles. Junior linebacker Matt Vigil who was second with 105 tackles also returns giving the team solid LB play. The secondary will also be an experience group with three seniors and one junior which should help in the MWC.

Utah State opens the season Thursday, August 29 in Salt Lake City against in-state rival Utah. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 pm and the game can be seen on Fox Sports 1. The Aggies will also travel to Los Angeles to face Southern California at the Coliseum, game time and TV still TBD.

Aggies 2013 schedule: Aug. 29 @Utah, Sept. 7 @Air Force*, Sept. 14 v. Weber State, Sept. 21 @Southern California, Sept. 27 @San Jose State*, Oct. 4 v. BYU, Oct. 12 v. Boise State*, Oct. 19 @New Mexico*, Nov. 2 v. Hawaii*, Nov. 9 @UNLV*, Nov. 23 v. Colorado State*, Nov. 30 v. Wyoming*

* = Mountain West Conference Game

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