A View from the Stands – Troy 49 Vs Utah State 21

Troy finally showed what it could do. This was an outstanding game from all aspects. We controlled the game and it was particularly evident in the first half as we dominated on both sides of the ball and piled up 35 unanswered points. All three parts (offense, defense, and special teams) of our football team played with intensity, and execution. We were due for a game like this. There is too much talent on our team for it not to bust out against someone.

Troy seemed to be doing what we have all been thinking. They ran Betterson and as usual he performed superbly. I think our offensive line is one of the best when it comes to opening a hole for DeWitt to run through. They also gave Aaron Leak plenty of time and he finally showed what he was capable of doing. Leak has always been very good passer when he has the time. Hopefully the pass protection will remain this good and Aaron will have many more three touchdown games, complete 90% of his passes, and not have an interception.

Our defense played their usual outstanding game. Demarcus Ware was once again the player of the week with three sacks, three quarterback hurries, and four times he caught someone in the backfield for a loss. He is simply a great player. I expect to be watching him play Sunday ball next year. Add that to the three interceptions we had and that pretty much eliminated Utah State’s offense.

Our special teams let an Aggie run through our entire punt return coverage for 90 yards. In a close game things like this end up on ESPN’s game summaries as the game-changing play. Other than that one play, Olmstead and crew were great.

I started to worry early in the fourth quarter after the Aggies posted 21 points on the board in less than 15 minutes of football. It was obvious that we were playing young players but it was also obvious that the intensity wasn’t there either. I began to think that if they can score 21 points that quickly, they are capable of scoring 21 more and I remembered the overtime game two years ago in our mud bowl. I hope the younger players learned you play every down until the whistle and the entire length of the field. You can’t relax against any division I-A team. Utah State was no cupcake team. We just played to our ability.