BOISE — It was an ugly game for USU as Akron University beat it 23-21. The score did not reflect the playing of both teams. In the first half, USU could not get any offense going and was unable to stop any of Akron’s offense. Even though it was a low-scoring game, both teams did not play their best football of the season.
Akron entered the game having lost its last bowl game, which was in 2005, but was prepared and hungry for this game. USU came in having won its last three bowl games but was sloppy and slow with this one. All in all it was just a bad game to watch for fans and for the players. This is the report card for the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl for USU against Akron.
Quarterback
Both quarterbacks, Chuckie Keeton and Kent Myers, played in the game. Keeton got the start and was immediately pressured by Akron’s front seven. The next play was a sack by one of the best linebackers in FBS, Jatavias Brown. Myers came in and did not do much when he started. Throughout the game the two got better and towards the end of the game they actually were running the dual option somewhat nicely. The quarterbacks just could not get a rhythm started early and that is what slowed them down for the rest of the game. It was an ugly night for both of them. They also had two interceptions and a fumble. Grade: C-
Running backs
Devante Mays had a good game actually. He had a great run at the end of the first half for 60 yards, which set up an easy touchdown. Mays had 12 carries for 124 yards on the day. He did not have a touchdown but he lit the spark for USU to wake up and actually start playing. Mays was getting stuffed early in the game, but when he broke out for a big run, it started his day. He could not carry the offense on his back though, and Akron quickly shut him down in the end of the game. Grade: B
Wide receivers
In the beginning of the game they had nothing. But Myers and Keeton soon went to their No. 1 throw: the screen. Hunter Sharp, as usual, led USU in receptions and targets with 11 for 93 yards. There were two other receivers with 30+ yards, and the team had seven players with 28 receptions for 232 yards. It was a rough night for them also, but they did get all three touchdowns. Grade: B-
Offensive line
The O-line was beat up tonight. Jatavias Brown played a great game and had a sack on just the second play of the game. Akron had four sacks on the night and was letting in pressure most of the time. The QB’s were being rushed, which caused mistakes that led to turnovers. The line also did not create a good pocket most of the time, which caused mistakes. It was an ugly game for them in terms of blocking, creating holes and making a solid pocket. Grade: C
Front seven
The front seven played better than most, but also not as good as they normally do. They had one sack on the day and caused one interception. They also only let in 100 yards rushing, with the longest one being only 14 yards. That being said, they also were man-handled by Akron’s good offensive line. Quarterback Thomas Woodson for Akron had 14 throws that were easy to make because there was rarely any pressure from USU. They did not play with the same intensity and strength as they normally do. Grade: C
Secondary
Much like the front seven, the secondary played a fine game, but also gave up 182 yards through the air. They did have one interception, but it wasn't turned into points. One of Akron’s touchdowns was just poor coverage and let quarterback Tommy Woodson escape for an easy touchdown. Most of the game, USU’s coverage was pretty tight, but the times that it wasn’t either turned into big yard plays or pass interference calls, which USU had a lot of. Grade: C-
Special teams
With most games, special teams rarely get mentioned. In this game however, special teams could have made this game a lot closer if it had not chosen to go for a fake field goal and get sacked on it. It did have some very good punts, including a 69-yard punt/roll that pinned Akron inside its own 5-yard line. It was a fine night for special teams, but it could have been a lot better. Grade: B-
Coaching
Head coach Matt Wells had an OK night play calling. He finally started using his screen pass, which began to be very effective, but it was too late. Some of his plays made Keeton and Myers have to scramble or get sacked. Wells has had better nights, and his offensive and defensive coordinators could have given him more support. The blame will be evenly passed around to the coaching staff. Grade: C
Overall
To conclude, USU played a so-so game. It was an ugly game from both teams, but was uglier in USU’s favor. The Aggies had many chances to try to win throughout the game, but they took too many chances and played too risky. It was not the game that USU wanted, and finishing the season like this will leave a bad taste in the mouth. Hopefully the Aggies can come back next year and try to win whatever bowl they are in. That is, if they get into a bowl next year. Grade: C-
Logan Dzatko is a freshman journalism and communications major attending Utah State University. EMAIL: logandz@gmail.com