Logan High's Nelson makes college debut

LOGAN — The college debut of Utah State freshman quarterback Riley Nelson had some good moments, some bad moments.

Nelson, a Parade All-American from neighboring Logan High, entered with just over eight minutes left in the Aggies' 41-21 loss to the University of Idaho Saturday, and before taking a snap he called timeout because he called the wrong formation.

After a beautiful 25-yard pass for his first career completion, he had his helmet nearly ripped off following an 8-yard rush. The play drew a 15-yard penalty, and Idaho coach Dennis Erickson was flagged another 15 yards for voicing his displeasure with the call.

So, three plays in, Nelson had the Aggies in the red zone at the Idaho 18.

From there it all went south.

On the following play, Nelson was blind-sided and fumbled the ball into the arms of Jo Artis Ratti, who returned it 74 yards for a touchdown.

He isn't making any excuses.

"I guess you can say freshman mistakes, but those aren't acceptable in the game like this when we're trying to come back and win the ballgame," he said.

He did, however, lead the Aggies on a nine-play, 65-yard scoring drive, when the game was well out of reach.

He finished the game 3-for-3 for 50 yards, while rushing for 17 more. Jackson completed 16 of 24 passes for 136 yards with a touchdown. He was also intercepted twice and one was returned for a 98-yard touchdown.

Aggie coach Brent Guy isn't ready to name Nelson the starter just yet.

"We'll have to wait and see and evaluate it. We played him now so we want to keep him involved and playing," Guy said. "Riley made some mistakes, too ... Riley's not the answer."

Although his entry into the game pulled him out of a redshirt situation, he in no way considers it a lost cause.

"Some have said me playing this year would be a wasted year of eligibility, and I totally disagree," he said. "I'm so grateful for the opportunity coach Guy and coach (Greg) Stevens gave me to play ... I tried to take advantage of the opportunity I was given."

MORE ON JACKSON: Jackson has been intercepted six times this year, and the first five were returned for touchdowns.

Prior to this year, the last time Jackson had given up an interception for a touchdown came last year in a 27-13 loss at Idaho.