Alabama operating again Jahmyr Gibbs (1) runs in opposition to Utah State through the first half of an NCAA school soccer recreation Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Vasha Hunt, AP
Utah State defensive again Ike Larsen (19) males an interception in entrance of Alabama large receiver Christian Leary (12) through the first half of an NCAA school soccer recreation, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Vasha Hunt, AP
Utah State quarterback Levi Williams (16) throws the ball in opposition to Alabama through the second half of an NCAA school soccer recreation, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Vasha Hunt, AP
Alabama quarterback Bryce Younger (9) throws the ball through the first half of an NCAA school soccer recreation in opposition to Utah State, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Vasha Hunt, AP
Utah State head coach Blake Anderson checks a name through the first half of an NCAA school soccer recreation in opposition to Alabama, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Vasha Hunt, AP
Utah State suffered a blowout loss to Alabama Saturday night time, falling to 1-1 on the season.
The Aggies have been uncompetitive in opposition to the Crimson Tide, which wasn’t a lot of a shock.
Main into the sport, Utah State head coach Blake Anderson was nothing however trustworthy about how his group stacked up in opposition to Alabama, a sentiment he reiterated after the competition as properly.
“I used to be very clear with the media and really clear with our group all week,” Anderson stated. “... In the end we simply obtained out-athleted.”
There isn’t an entire lot to be gleaned from a recreation as lopsided as a 55-0 shutout, however listed here are some issues we discovered about Utah State within the loss to Alabama.
Utah State has some playmakers in its secondary
Utah State defensive again Ike Larsen (19) males an interception in entrance of Alabama large receiver Christian Leary (12) through the first half of an NCAA school soccer recreation, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Vasha Hunt, AP
- It's by no means excellent to have your secondary be your most efficient defenders — that normally means the opposing offense is entering into the second stage of the protection with ease — however that was the case for Utah State in opposition to Alabama.
- 5 of the highest six tacklers for the Aggies have been safeties and corners, and the sixth participant was a striker, a hybrid security/linebacker.
- With such an outsized load positioned upon the backend of the Aggies’ protection, a number of gamers in secondary stood out.
- Redshirt freshman security Ike Larsen confirmed a knack for large performs as soon as once more, recording his second interception in as many weeks and Utah State’s solely quarterback hurry of the sport.
- Cornerback Mike Anyanwu was focused early and infrequently, however confirmed a capability to struggle although large receiver blocks to make performs on the skin. He completed with 5 tackles, together with 4 solo tackles.
- Security Gurvan Corridor Jr. proved able to making an influence in run protection and completed with essentially the most solo tackles (5) of any Aggie.
- Security Hunter Reynolds and nook Ajani Carter every recorded a move breakup, two of Utah State’s few successes in opposition to the Alabama passing assault.
Having a cellular quarterback is important for the Aggies’ offense
Utah State quarterback Levi Williams (16) throws the ball in opposition to Alabama through the second half of an NCAA school soccer recreation, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Vasha Hunt, AP
- Utah State beginning quarterback Logan Bonner was a prolific passer final season, breaking 5 program information, however the Aggies’ offense is at its finest when the quarterback is a menace to run.
- That was placed on show in opposition to Alabama. Bonner was restricted within the run recreation by his knee — an harm he has been rehabbing for the reason that finish of final season — and was taken out of the sport totally after tweaking it.
- Instantly after backup quarterback Cooper Legas entered the sport, the Utah State offense confirmed its first indicators of life (as a lot because it may in a shutout loss) because of Legas’ operating capability.
- Later, when Levi Williams entered, his scrambling capability stored the Alabama protection just a little extra trustworthy, resulting in a number of first downs.
- Given the nonetheless unproven nature of the Aggies’ receiving corps, a cellular quarterback will probably be very important transferring ahead.
Utah State’s protection will go as its D-line goes
Alabama quarterback Bryce Younger (9) throws the ball through the first half of an NCAA school soccer recreation in opposition to Utah State, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Vasha Hunt, AP
- One of many important causes Utah State’s secondary was requested to take action a lot in opposition to Alabama was due to the struggles of the Aggies’ defensive entrance.
- No Utah State defensive lineman recorded greater than two tackles — defensive ends Daniel Grzesiak, Byron Vaughns and John Ward had two every — and the Aggies totaled simply 5 tackles for loss, with the D-line accounting for 4 of these.
- Other than a few situations — comparable to when Grzesiak recorded Utah State’s solely sack — Alabama quarterback Bryce Younger was unbothered within the pocket.
- Towards UConn, Utah State struggled up entrance early earlier than settling, and that was when the sport modified within the Aggies’ favor. Towards Alabama, the defensive position was by no means fairly able to making an influence, and due to that, Utah State was at Alabama’s mercy.
Particular groups ought to make a distinction come convention play
Utah State head coach Blake Anderson checks a name through the first half of an NCAA school soccer recreation in opposition to Alabama, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Vasha Hunt, AP
- Particular groups play has been a energy of the Aggies for years now, nevertheless it was a query mark coming into this season with the departures of Savon Scarver, Deven Thompkins and Jordan Nathan within the return recreation.
- Punter Stephen Kotsanlee is again, although, and after a high-quality efficiency in opposition to UConn, he confirmed glimpses of how good he will be in opposition to Alabama. Kotsanlee punted 10 occasions, 4 of which have been downed contained in the 20-yard line.
- He additionally had a 60-yard punt and 4 punts of no less than 50 yards.
- Exterior of Kotsanlee, Larsen was essentially the most impactful USU participant on particular groups. He had a 10-yard punt return, the Aggies’ solely profitable kick return of any type, and blocked a punt.
- Particular groups weren’t going to make any kind of actual distinction in opposition to Alabama, but when Kotsanlee will be an All-Mountain West caliber punter once more, kicker Connor Coles can proceed what has been a profitable Aggie profession and Larsen and others will be playmakers within the return recreation, Utah State’s particular groups would be the distinction between a number of wins and losses this season.