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Highlights, key plays and photos from the Utah State Aggies’ season opening win over the UConn Huskies

By Trent Wood Trent Wood
SHARE Highlights, key plays and photos from the Utah State Aggies’ season opening win over the UConn Huskies
Utah State Aggie players warm up before playing the UConn Huskies at the Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022.

Utah State Aggie players warm up before playing the UConn Huskies at the Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News

Final: Utah State 31, UConn 20

Utah State’s Robert Briggs (22) runs with the ball during the game against the UConn Huskies at Maverik Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022.

Utah State’s Robert Briggs (22) runs with the ball during the game against the UConn Huskies at Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah State’s Justin McGriff (10) scores a touch down against the UConn Huskies at Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. Utah State won 31-20.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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A fumbled ball rolls during the game between the UConn Huskies the Utah State Aggies at Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. Utah State won 31-20.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah State’s Robert Briggs (22) runs the ball down the field while breaking tackles from the UConn Huskies at Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. Utah State won 31-20.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah State’s Ike Larsen (19) celebrates after intercepting a pass from the UConn Huskies at Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. The Aggies won 31-20.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Logan Firefighter Paramedic Kadeb Hartman does pushups on U.S. Air Force ROTC plank after Utah State Aggies score a touchdown against the UConn Huskies at Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah State’s Calvin Tyler Jr. (4) is brought down by Malik Dixon (1) from the UConn Huskies at Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. The Aggies won 31-20.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah State Aggies quarterback Logan Bonner (1) runs with the ball.

Logan Bonner (1) from the Utah State Aggies runs with the ball while playing the UConn Huskies at Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. The Aggies won 31-20.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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The Utah State Aggies storm the field before playing the UConn Huskies at Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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The Utah Aggies storm the field before playing the UConn Huskies at the Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022.

The Utah State Aggies storm the field before playing the UConn Huskies at Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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UConn Huskies’ Devontae Houston (25) is tackled by Utah State’s Michael Anyanwu (22) at Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Nathan Carter (26) from the UConn Huskies runs with the ball while being tackled by Michael Anyanwu (12) of Utah State Aggies at Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Nathan Carter (26) from the UConn Huskies runs with the ball while being chased by Gurvan Hall Jr. (6) of Utah State Aggies at Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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The UConn Huskies storm the field before playing the Utah State Aggies at Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Calvin Tyler Jr. (4) from the Utah State Aggies runs with the ball while playing the UConn Huskies at Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. The Aggies won 31-20.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Logan Bonner (1) from the Utah State Aggies catches a snap while playing the UConn Huskies at Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. The Aggies won 31-20.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Calvin Tyler Jr. (4) from the Utah State Aggies runs the ball down the field while playing the UConn Huskies at Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. The Aggies won 31-20.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Players from the Utah State Aggies and the UConn Huskies push one another after a dead play at Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. The Aggies won 31-20.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Kyle Van Leeuwen (9) from the Utah State Aggies runs the ball down the field while playing the UConn Huskies at Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. The Aggies won 31-20.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Calvin Tyler Jr. (4) from the Utah State Aggies runs with the ball while dodging tackles from the UConn Huskies at Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. The Aggies won 31-20.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Robert Briggs (22) from the Utah State Aggies is tackled by multiple players from the UConn Huskies at Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. The Aggies won 31-20.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Logan Bonner (1) from the Utah State Aggies dives with the ball while playing the UConn Huskies at the Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. The Aggies won 31-20.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Nathan Carter (26) of the UConn Huskies is tackled by Ajani Carter (12) from the Utah State Aggies at Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. The Aggies won 31-20.

Ben B. Braun, Deseret News
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Utah State’s Robert Briggs (22) runs with the ball during the game against the UConn Huskies at Maverik Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022.
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Utah State Aggies quarterback Logan Bonner (1) runs with the ball.
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The Utah Aggies storm the field before playing the UConn Huskies at the Maverik Stadium in Logan on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022.
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4th Quarter

Utah State 31, UConn 20

4:50 — With UConn moving down the field for a last gasp comeback attempt, Utah State’s Ike Larsen came up with a big interception to give the Aggies the ball back, and they ran the clock out from there.

6:00 — Bonner found Brian Cobbs in the end zone for a 11-yard touchdown reception, likely sealing the win for the Aggies. It was the third career touchdown of Cobbs career, going back to his time at Maryland.

10:09 — UConn inches even closer thanks to a 54-yard field goal by Ruelas.

12:00 – After a game of hot potato, following a fumble by Calvin Tyler Jr., UConn claimed possession just past the 50-yard line. Tre Wortham forced the fumble, while Chris Shearin recovered.

13:28 — UConn cuts into Utah State’s lead with 47-yard field goal by Noe Ruelas.

3rd Quarter

0:01 — Utah State and UConn combined for five offensive possessions in the period, four of which ended with a punt, the other being cut short by the end of the quarter.

2nd Quarter

0:01 — USU kicker Connor Coles hits a 45-yard field goal to give the Aggies a two score lead entering the half.

1:48 — Justin McGriff made a great catch in the end zone to give the Aggies their first lead of the day, on a 14-yard reception.

3:42 — True freshman running back Robert Briggs rushes for his first career touchdown, a 23-yard run.

12:28 — Logan Bonner finds wide receiver Kyle Van Leeuwen for a 11-yard touchdown, Utah State’s first touchdown of the season.

14:08 - 13:01 — USU corner Ajani Carter forces a UConn fumble. A few plays later, Aggie QB Logan Bonner found wide receiver Terrell Vaughn for a 30-yard gain, USU’s biggest play from scrimmage on the day so far.

1st Quarter

1:38 — UConn QB Zion Turner completes a 13-yard touchdown pass to Keelan Marion to add to the Huskies advantage.

5:11 — USU safety Hunter Reynolds intercepts UConn backup QB Zion Turner. Second significant defensive play of the game by Reynolds.

8:44 — Utah State running back Pailate Makakona fumbles in UConn territory — Jackson Mitchell with the force — ending a promising Aggie drive.

10:05 — The Huskies scored the game’s first touchdown on a 1-yard sneak by quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson. A 52-yard run by UConn running back Nate Carter set up the score.

Pregame prep

  • UConn has named a starting QB — Penn State transfer Ta’Quan Roberson.

  • Keys to a Utah State victory.

  • Utah State AD John Hartwell has been rumored as a candidate for the now-open Auburn AD job, as has UConn’s AD David Benedict.

Here are a few stories to get you ready for the Utah State’s season opener:

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