Top 10 Plays of the 2011 Aggie Football Season
BenD 12/21/2011Utah State ended its incredible season on somewhat of a sour note as it fell to Ohio 24-23 in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Though the bowl game didn’t go as the team and fans had hoped, there were many great highlights to look back on. Here are my top ten plays from the season:
10. Robert Turbin’s 80-yard TD Run vs. Idaho
In typical Robert Turbin fashion, the big guy rumbles off-tackle, breaks tackles, and drags an Idaho defender for a few yards before taking it 80 yards to the house.
9. Michael Smith’s 63-yard TD Run vs. Ohio
Smith takes a hand-off and dashes through the Ohio defense 63 yards to put the Aggies up 16-7 in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
8. Kyle Gallagher’s Pass Breakup vs. San Jose State
Holding onto a 1-point lead with under 16 seconds to play, Gallagher breaks up a deep pass down the middle of the field intended for tight end Ryan Otten. Otten initially catches the ball, but Kyle is able to knock the ball free as Otten tries to fully secure it. The play keeps the Spartans out of field goal range and the Aggies hold on for the win.
7. Matt Austin’s 8-yard Game-winning TD vs. New Mexico State
The Aggies cap off an incredible season as Austin catches a pass in the corner of the end zone over an NMSU defender to put USU up for good with 35 seconds to play.
6. Robert Turbin’s 80-yard TD Run vs. BYU
On the first play of the game, Turbin sweeps right around the outside and takes it 80 yards down the sideline to put the Aggies up a touchdown 14 seconds into the game.
5. Stanley Morrison’s 71-yard TD Reception vs. Hawaii
In the most improbable of comebacks, Morrison somehow catches a deep pass between two Warrior defensive backs and runs it easily in for the score. The touchdown brings the Aggies within four early in the 4th quarter. The incredible comeback was no doubt the turning point of Utah State’s season as it rattled off 5 consecutive wins to end the season and earn its first bowl berth in 14 years.
4. Matt Austin’s 21-yard Game-winning TD Catch vs. San Jose State
Austin cuts in front of a San Jose State defender to come down with what proves to be the game-winning touchdown with under a minute to play.
3. Fake Field Goal Conversion vs. Auburn
Coach Andersen makes a gutsy move and calls a fake field goal up 3 with under 5 minutes left to play against defending national champion Auburn. Morrison takes the snap, rolls right, and finds a diving D.J. Tialavea for an unbelievable catch. The Aggies score two plays later to put them up 10.
2. Bobby Wagner’s Game-ending Interception vs. Idaho
Up a touchdown in the second overtime in Moscow, Wagner tips and intercepts a 4th down Brian Reeder pass headed for the end zone to complete the dramatic victory.
1. Robert Turbin’s 4th Down Conversion vs. Nevada
Staring at a 4th and 1 on the their own 44 yard line with 1:41 left, center Tyler Larsen approaches Coach Andersen on the sideline and reassures him that the offense can convert it. Turbin runs it up the middle and gains 4 yards to all but seal the win and make the Aggies bowl eligible.
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