USU football: Aggies win one for the coach — and they make it look easy

LOGAN — Brent Guy's final day as coach at Utah State was bittersweet.

The Aggies posted a dominating 47-2 victory over New Mexico State and by most measures are a vastly improved team compared to the one Guy coached in his first game as USU's head coach.

But any improvement in the program failed to translate into much in the way of wins. After only nine wins and 38 losses, Guy's tenure in Logan came to a close under cloudy skies and a slight drizzle — but with a rare victory.

It also sent the 17 Utah State seniors out with a win in their finale.

"We wanted to leave the seniors on a good note," said freshman running back Robert Turbin, who rushed for 50 yards and a touchdown in the game.

USU's 3-9 record matches the best showing of any Guy-coached team, equaling the three wins from the 2005 season.

The Aggies started the game strong and finished it that way, with NMSU's only score coming on a safety early in the fourth quarter when USU — pinned to the goal line following a long punt — pitched the ball to Curtis Marsh on a sweep and he was dragged down from behind by NMSU's Oren Long.

By that time, however, the outcome of the game was long decided, and the two points served only to prevent a shutout.

"Our D-line, they were just killing them," USU linebacker Jake Hutton said. "That was the key to our victory."

The USU running game generated 241 yards, and the defense prevented NMSU's potent passing game from having any sustained success. In fact, with the NMSU Aggies being hammered to the tune of minus-7 rushing yards, the USU Aggies outgained their opponents 410-156.

"If we could get good pressure on the quarterback and get him flustered, it would hurt their game plan," said USU defensive end Ben Calderwood.

Utah State quarterback Diondre Borel led the balanced attack with 53 yards rushing and 118 yards passing. And it helped that the Aggies enjoyed a turnover-free day.

Seven different USU players scored touchdowns and kicker Chris Ulinski connected on a 56-yard field goal to round out the scoring.

New Mexico State, now losers of eight in a row, had been dealing with a potential coaching change itself.