Highlights and key plays from Utah State’s victory over UConn

Final

Utah State 34, UConn 33

Trailing by 17-0 in the first half, Utah State rallied to defeat the Huskies and pick up its first victory over an FBS opponent this season.

The Aggies also overcame the loss of starting quarterback McCae Hillstead, who left the game early in the third quarter with an injury.

Safety Ike Larsen recorded the blocked extra point to seal the win, after UConn scored a touchdown putting themselves with a point of sending the game to overtime.

4th Quarter

Utah State 34, UConn 33

0:40 — The Huskies score a touchdown pulling within one point of the Aggies, but USU safety Ike Larsen blocks the extra point try to all but ensure the Aggies walk away with the victory.

5:20 — The Aggies stretch their lead to seven points with a 24-yard field goal by Elliott Nimrod. USU took five minutes off the clock during a 12 play, 69 yard drive.

10:29 — UConn is forced to settle for a field goal after driving 55 yards in six plays. Joe McFadden hit from 38 yards, keeping it a one score game between the Aggies and Huskies.

12:36 — It is Legas to Royals again for another touchdown. Royals beat the coverage and hauled in a 52-yard touchdown reception to put USU back on top.

14:17 — The Huskies tie things up with a 28-yard touchdown reception by Geordon Porter. The Huskies made short work of the Aggies’ defense on that drive, going 88 yards in eight plays over 4 and a half minutes.

3rd Quarter

Utah State 24, UConn 17

3:52 — Utah State completes a wide receiver screen to perfection, leading to an untouched Jalen Royals rumbling for a 71-yard touchdown reception, his second of the game, both from QB Cooper Legas.

6:56 — The Aggies tie things up at 17 all with a 37-yard field goal by Elliott Nimrod. After falling behind 17-0 in the first half, USU has rallied to tie the game, shades of what happened last week against James Madison.

12:21 — In for an injured Hillstead, QB Cooper Legas finds wide receiver Jalen Royals wide open in the end zone for 15-yard touchdown, pulling the Aggies within three points of UConn.

2nd Quarter

UConn 17, Utah State 7

0:14 — The Aggies get on the board just before the end of the half, with a 63 yard touchdown reception by wide receiver Colby Bowman. Bowman was wide open on a post route and the Hillstead found him for an easy score.

0:37 — UConn adds to its lead with a 36 yard field goal by kicker Joe McFadden. The Huskies have dominated the first half, out-gaining the Aggies 254 total yards to just 22. The latest scoring drive went 48 yards in 13 plays and included a catch by a defensive lineman.

8:40 — After reeling against the UConn offense, the Aggies get a potentially game-changing stop on fourth down deep in their own territory. Defensive tackle Hale Motu’apuaka and defensive end Cian Slone were in the on the stop.

14:12 — The Huskies strike again, finding the end zone for a second time today. This score came via the air, a 4-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson to Nick Harris. The touchdown was the Huskies first in the second quarter this season.

1st Quarter

UConn 7, Utah State 0

0:50 — Hillstead is again intercepted, after a bobbled ball by wide receiver Colby Bowman (the throw was slightly behind him). That is two interceptions on two offensive drives.

1:14 — UConn strikes first with a one-yard touchdown run by Jelani Stafford. The Huskies drove 80 yards in 12 plays, running nearly eight minutes off the clock.

9:03 — After a great stand by the Aggies’ defense, USU took over possession in UConn territory but on the first play of the drive QB McCae Hillstead was intercepted over the middle by linebacker Jackson Mitchell.

12:22 — After the Huskies showed some ability to move the ball on their opening offensive possession, USU makes it count for nothing thanks to an interception by safety Devin Dye, his second in as many games. Dye baited UConn quarterback Ta’Quan Roberson into throwing the pick.

Pregame prep

Here are a few stories to get ready for Utah State’s game against UConn:

What people are saying about Utah State and UConn