Highlights, key plays and photos from Utah State’s victory over Colorado State

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Final

Utah State 44, Colorado State 24

For the second straight week, the Aggies overcome an early 17-0 deficit to rally for a 44-24 win over Colorado State, though this one was much more convincing.

Utah State’s defense played arguably its best game of the season, while the offense overcame a myriad of early mistakes to give the Aggies their fifth consecutive win over the rival Rams.

4th Quarter

Utah State 44, Colorado State 24

1:02 — Utah State records yet another turnover, this one by defensive back Simeon Harris, who intercepts Fowler-Nicolosi.

4:42 — Utah State shows no let up, as defensive end Paul Fitzgerald strip sacks Fowler-Nicolosi, and the ball is recovered by defensive end Blaine Spires.

4:58 — The Aggies all but put the game away with a 48-yard touchdown run by running back Davon Booth, his second touchdown of the game.

5:08 — Utah State kicker Stephen Kotsanlee gets hit on a Utah State punt, CSU called for roughing the kicker giving the Aggies a first down. Kotsanlee is down, with the medical cart now on the field.

8:55 – The game is not over yet after Colorado State reels off a nine-play, 84-yard scoring drive, capped off by 10-yard touchdown run by running back Kobe Johnson. The Rams were aided on the drive by a couple of Utah State penalties, including a personal foul and a pass interference.

11:38 — After forcing CSU to go 4-and-out, Utah State wide receiver makes an incredible in-air adjustment to catch his first touchdown reception of the game. Cooper Legas has now thrown a career-high four touchdown passes, after starting the game with a pair of interceptions.

13:25 — Cooper Legas sacked by CSU defensive lineman Marshon Oxley and fumbles the ball deep in Colorado State territory, recovered by Rams’ defensive back Jack Howell. An Aggies score there probably would have put the game out of reach, but CSU remains in it after that turnover.

3rd Quarter

Utah State 31, Colorado State 17

0:38 – Colorado State drove deep into USU territory with a chance to cut the lead to a single score, but Utah State safety forced a fumble by CSU tight end Dallin Holker, which was recovered by USU defensive tackle Seni Tuiaki.

8:54 — CSU defensive lineman Mohammed Kamara injured and helped off the field. The Rams are ailing a bit, as star receiver Tory Horton hasn’t played in the second half and hasn’t been seen on the bench. Horton was hit hard by USU linebacker MJ Tafisi on a reception in the first half.

11:53 – Utah State’s offense has taken over, with the Aggies scoring another touchdown. The latest a Cooper Legas-to-Jalen Royals 51-yard connection. Legas has now tied his career high for touchdown passes in a game in consecutive games (three TDs), while Royals has five touchdown receptions in the last two games.

13:49 – The Aggies waste no time at all coming out of the break, with Cooper Legas finding wide receiver Terrell Vaughn for a career-long touchdown pass and reception. USU was in trouble, at 3rd-and-12, but the deep ball took care of that. Legas has now thrown for 238 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

2nd Quarter

Colorado State 17, Utah State 17

0:12 — Placekicker Elliott Nimrod had a chance to give the Aggies their first lead of the game, but missed a 41-yard try wide left.

3:50 — And the Aggies have tied the game with time remaining in the first half. Legas found wide receiver Jalen Royals for a contested touchdown reception in the back corner of the end zone to cap off 54-yard drive. Royals’ TD catch was for 24 yards — the sixth touchdown catch this season for the junior wideout.

5:12 — Ike Larsen with his second interception of the game, this one on a deep ball thrown by Fowler-Nicolosi on third-and-long. That ties Larsen’s career high for interceptions in a game, matching an outing against Hawaii.

6:10 — The Aggies get into the end zone for the first time tonight with a 22-yard rushing touchdown by running back Davon Booth. USU drove 89 yards in eight plays, with big gains through the air and on the ground.

10:49 — Cooper Legas throws his second interception of the game, this one picked off by CSU defensive back Dom Jones. Legas tried to thread the needle again and Jones made him play with a difficult grab.

11:38 — Ike Larsen intercepted CSU quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi in the endzone, putting a quick stop to a promising Rams’ drive. Larsen beat CSU star wideout Tory Horton on the play.

1st Quarter

Colorado State 17, Utah State 3

The Rams controlled the first quarter, continuing a theme for Utah State this season. CSU wasn’t particularly effective, but made good use of opportunities provided by the Aggies. The Rams have 83 total yards of offense and are 1-5 on third down, but have scored 17 points.

CSU has been by far the more disruptive team defensively, with four sacks of Cooper Legas already, while limiting Utah State to only 46 yards of offense.

0:20 — The Aggies get on the board right before the end of the quarter, via a 43-yard field goal by placekicker Elliott Nimrod. USU drove just 12 yards in six plays, with CSU continuing to have success getting to Cooper Legas.

9:34 — The Rams waste little time paying off the turnover, with a 22-yard rushing touchdown by Vann Schield. The Rams have made good on every Utah State mistake early.

10:06 — USU quarterback Cooper Legas hands the ball right back to the Rams, trying to thread the ball to wide receiver Micah Davis. CSU defensive back TJ Crandall recorded the interception.

10:36 — After forcing a three-and-out by USU, CSU wide receiver Tory Horton returns the Aggies’ punt for a 79 yard touchdown.

11:27 — Colorado State gets on the scoreboard first with a 30 yard field goal by kicker Jordan Noyes. The Aggies forced the Rams to a three-and-out, but touched the ball on the ensuing punt, giving possession back to CSU.

Pregame Prep

Here are a few stories to get ready for Utah State’s game against Colorado State:

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