LOGAN — One year ago, the Utah State Aggies rushed the ball 130 more times than they passed it. And they weren't too effective on the ground, averaging just 117 yards per game, which ranked 92nd among Div. I programs.
As spring drills concluded Friday with a 28-play scrimmage, Utah State coach Brent Guy said he likes how the offense progressed during the three-week practice period.
"We want to be a balanced offense," he said. "That's the hardest thing to defend when you're balanced. It makes it so much easier to throw the ball vertically when (the defense) has to lock people down and try and stop the run."
Quarterback Leon Jackson III took every snap in the 28-play scrimmage and guided the offense to three touchdowns. The first score came on a one-yard Marcus Cross run. Cross, who had 59 yards on nine carries in a scrimmage last week, had six carries for 39 yards and two touchdowns. Jackson had five carries for 33 yards.
The scoring drive took 10 plays and covered 75 yards.
"Leon made some nice plays. He made good decisions as when to run and get the yardage. He got us in second-and-two two different times on first-down, play-action throws and that's when you can win," Guy said.
Back-up quarterback Jerod Walker was suspended from the team after surrendering to police on an alleged rape charge this week and did not play.
"He was suspended and we won't know (more) until the legal action runs its course," Guy said.
Bryan Black was injured in practice on Tuesday so he didn't take any snaps, either.
After throwing two incomplete passes, Jackson hit on six of his next eight passes for 97 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Tight end Rob Myers had two catches for 54 yards and a 26-yard touchdown catch — a catch Guy called one of the best he has seen from Myers this spring.
The Aggies rushed for 77 yards on 18 carries to go with the 97 passing yards.
"I felt better about the zone (running) play," Guy said. "As you saw tonight, we were able to run the zone play and create creases for our running backs to run in. That was one of the big things we wanted to get done."
Guy was especially impressed with the few-in-numbers offensive line, which was able to effectively block for the running game.
"With four injured offensive linemen that you think can really help you, that's not the situation you want," he said. "What was good about that, though, was having three freshmen kids that we needed to get some work got a lot of snaps. It forces you to play those guys."
Cross scored his second touchdown with a 20-yard run around the left end, outrunning would-be tacklers to the sideline, then breaking it up for the score. Myers' touchdown catch came near the end of the scrimmage, which was played in a light rain.
The Aggies (3-8, 2-6) open Sept. 2 at Wyoming. They play at Arkansas on Sept. 9 and host Utah on Sept. 16.
E-mail: jhinton@desnews.com