Albuquerque, NM- The Utah State Aggies winning the New Mexico Bowl in style along with tying a school record 11 wins. North Texas Mean Green had no real answer to put points on the board in 52-13 loss on opening bowl season Saturday.
Utah State quarterback Jordan Love took control right from the start to set the tone for a team in coaching turmoil. Love threw for 359 yards 4 touchdowns, 1 rushing touchdown and an interception.
Aaron Vaughns kicked game open scoring his second touchdown of the game with 37 yard curl route, to follow up his opening drive 72 yard touchdown catch.
With one coach leaving Utah State to a new school, an Interim coaching the game while new head coach watches from afar.
“So happy for all of these players – especially the seniors,” said director of athletics Utah State John Hartwell, “The chemistry with this group was something special.”
The Aggies jumped out to 28-7 led in second quarter.
USC graduate transfer Jalen Green joins the party with 67 yard touchdown catch making the score 35-7 with over 8 minutes left in the half.
“We all we got!,” said defensive MVP Utah State DJ Williams
Utah State gave up their first points of the game in 1st quarter after keeping North Texas offense on the field with two personal foul penalties. The Aggies made a great third down when quarterback Mason Fine tweaked his hamstring running after the pocket broke down. Next came the roughing punter penalty and new life. Few plays later a roughing the passer penalty kept the drive alive again.
North Texas used three different quarterbacks in first half after Fine injury trying to create a spark for his offense. Fine didn’t return to action in the second half.
Utah State ground game had Gerold Bright rush 103 yards, 2 touchdowns and Darwin Thompson rushed for 93 yards.
Gary Anderson will return as the new Aggies coach in time for earlier signing period. This will be Anderson second stint with Utah State. He first arrived in 2009 coaching for three seasons before being plucked away.
The Utah State Aggies are the 2018 New Mexico Bowl Champions.
“11 wins and a ton of great memories,” said Hartwell, “Thanks Men!”
