Aggie mistakes blow their chance

LOGAN — Utah State continued to perfect self-destruction in its 27-17 loss to Louisiana Tech Saturday.

The Aggies dominated in every category that didn't matter, including total yards gained and yards allowed. But they lost on penalties, turnovers and ultimately the scoreboard.

"When you look at the stat sheet, we did everything else right except for the turnovers," Utah State coach Brent Guy said. "That's the biggest thing we talked about going into this game."

Louisiana Tech entered the game at plus-6 in turnover margin, which was tops in the Western Athletic Conference. The Bulldogs turned the ball over just once against the Aggies, so that number is now plus-9.

Seventeen of Louisiana Tech's points were scored following a Utah State turnover, and seven more came following a fake Utah State punt that went awry.

Utah State's playmakers — Leon Jackson III, Ryan Bohm, Kevin Robinson and Tony Pennyman — each fumbled.

"I told the team afterward we've got to get this corrected," Guy said. "It doesn't matter how well we do unless we hang on to the football."

Jackson threw for a career-high 372 yards on a career-high 27 completions, and Robinson set a career-high in catches (9) and yards (131) in the loss. Bohm, after rushing for 94 yards at nationally ranked Alabama last week, rushed for 42 yards and two touchdowns. He also has six receptions for 74 yards, while Pennyman tallied seven catches for 79 yards.

"We've done some things much better today than we have in the past," Guy said. "These last three games are going to be tough. We have to work and turn things around."

Utah State (2-6, 1-4) travels to Hawaii next week before hosting Nevada in its final home game of the season. The Aggies close out the year Nov. 26 at New Mexico State.

With the win, the Bulldogs (5-3, 4-1) stay in the chase for the WAC title, but have games remaining with Idaho, Boise State and Fresno State.

"It is absolutely huge (to get a road win). These are not easy games," La. Tech coach Jack Bicknell said.

The road win was the first of the year for the Bulldogs, who still have road games at Idaho and Fresno State.

The Aggies tallied 478 yards total offense to Louisiana Tech's 276 (a season-low by the Aggie defense), but the Bulldogs survived eight Aggie trips inside their territory and only gave up 17 points.