Highlights, key plays and photos from the Utah State Aggies’ 51-41 loss to the Kent State Golden Flashes in the Frisco Bowl
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Kent State running back Xavier Williams (18) is congratulated by wide receiver Isaiah McKoy (23) after scoring a touchdown against Utah State during the first half of the Frisco Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade) AP
The Utah State Aggies defense was gashed early and often, and the Kent State Golden Flashes made the necessary plays down the stretch to get the 51-41 win in the Tropical Smoothie Cafe Bowl.
Both teams finish the season 7-6
Here are three takeaways from the game.
Utah State’s defense poor at start, end of night
The Aggies gave up 17 points in the first quarter and 25 in the fourth en route to the loss. Kent State quarterback Dustin Crum was unstoppable, as he threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns to no interceptions and ran for 147 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries.
Kent State wins special teams
In the fourth quarter after Utah State had gained some momentum, a poor Aggies punt led to a Kent State score, and later an excellent Golden Flashes return set up another score. Additionally, Kent State kicker Matthew Trickett was excellent, as he made all five of his field goal attempts and all three of his extra point tries.
Golden Flashes with the big advantage on the ground
In addition to Crum, Will Matthews and Xavier Williams scored rushing touchdowns for Kent State as it outgained Utah State on the ground, 252-189.
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Kent State's Isaiah McKoy (23) carries the ball on a kick return as Utah State cornerback Cam Lampkin (18) misses on a diving tackle attempt during the first half of the Frisco Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade) | Brandon Wade, AP
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Kent State quarterback Dustin Crum (14) carries the ball as Utah State safety Troy Lefeged Jr. (3) defends during the first half of the Frisco Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade) | Brandon Wade, AP
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Utah State wide receiver Jordan Nathan (16) carries the ball as Kent State safety Elvis Hines (8) defends during the first half of the Frisco Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade) | Brandon Wade, AP
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Utah State running back Jaylen Warren (20) fumbles the ball as Kent State cornerback Keith Sherald Jr. (5) makes the tackle during the first half of the Frisco Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, in Frisco, Texas. Kent State linebacker Mandela Lawrence-Burke recovered the ball. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade) | Brandon Wade, AP
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Utah State's Savon Scarver (11) carries the ball on a kick return during the first half of the Frisco Bowl NCAA college football game against Kent State on Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade) | Brandon Wade, AP
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Kent State defensive end Alex Hoag (53) tackles Utah State wide receiver Jordan Nathan (16) during the first half of the Frisco Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade) | Brandon Wade, AP
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Utah State quarterback Jordan Love (10) slides as Kent State linebackers Kesean Gamble (34) and Mandela Lawrence-Burke (28) defend during the first half of the Frisco Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade) | Brandon Wade, AP
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Utah State running back Gerold Bright (1) scores a touchdown as Kent State Keith Sherald Jr. (5) and cornerback Jeremiah Salaam defend during the first half of the Frisco Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade) | Brandon Wade, AP
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Kent State running back Xavier Williams (18) scores a touchdown as Utah State safety Troy Lefeged Jr. (3) defends during the first half of the Frisco Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade) | Brandon Wade, AP
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Kent State running back Xavier Williams (18) is congratulated by wide receiver Isaiah McKoy (23) after scoring a touchdown against Utah State during the first half of the Frisco Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade) | Brandon Wade, AP
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Utah State wide receiver Siaosi Mariner (80) catches a pass for a touchdown as Kent State cornerback Montre Miller (21) defends during the first half of the Frisco Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade) | Brandon Wade, AP
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Utah State's Jordan Nathan, right, fumbles on a kick return as Kent State's Elvis Hines (8) recovers the ball during the first half of the Frisco Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade) | Brandon Wade, AP
Scoring summary: Kent State 51, Utah State 41
First quarter
Utah State, Gerold Bright 4-yard run (12:02), Dominik Eberle kick
Kent State, Isaiah McKoy 78-yard pass from Dustin Crum (11:10), Matthew Trickett kick
Kent State, Xavier Williams 2-yard run (5:37), Matthew Trickett kick
Kent State, Matthew Trickett 40-yard field goal (2:50)
Utah State, Dominik Eberle 41-yard field goal (0:03)
Second quarter
Utah State, Siaosi Mariner 25-yard pass from Jordan Love (8:24), Dominik Eberle kick
Kent State, Matthew Trickett 22-yard field goal (5:07)
Kent State, Matthew Trickett 36-yard field goal (0.00)
Third quarter
Kent State, Matthew Trickett 29-yard field goal (11:42)
Utah State, Deven Thompkins 17-yard pass from Jordan Love (7:52)
Utah State, Dominik Eberle 45-yard field goal (2:27)
Fourth quarter
Kent State, Will Matthews 5-yard run (13:31), Matthews run for 2-point conversion
Utah State, Deven Thompkins 57-yard run (12:48), Dominik Eberle kick
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Kent State, Antwan Dixon 1-yard pass from Dustin Crum (9:36), Matthew Trickett kick
Kent State, Matthew Trickett 37-yard field goal (4:56)
Utah State, Siaosi Mariner 11-yard pass from Jordan Love (3:06), Dominik Eberle kick
Kent State, Dustin Crum 4-yard run (1:56), Matthew Trickett kick
