Utah State football: The Aggies may be a force after an impressive showing at No. 18 Utah

AP/Steve C. Wilson

The Utah State Aggies sure made believers out of me Thursday, installing a high-potency offense with the capability to make big plays go to with a formidable defense that made Matt Asiata earn every yard he got to go with his 36 carries on the evening.

I really didn’t see things going this way, to be honest. Had you told me months ago that the Aggies would not only be in the ballgame with the mighty Utes, but compete for more than five minutes, I would have laughed in your face.

But the Aggies showed me something I had never seen during the Brent Guy era, a willingness to do whatever it took to get a yard. That kind of panache will serve the Aggies well during the WAC regular season, and if I were you, I would pencil in their November 20 home date with Boise State as must-see TV on ESPN2.

Quarterback Diondre Borel was magical at times during the Utah game, using his cat-like reflexes to wiggle in and out of trouble. The spread offense is something that suits Borel to a T, and running back Robert Turbin took just enough heat off Borel to make the evening interesting. The trap play that led to a 96-yard touchdown run--when the Ags looked destined for a three-and-out--was just one of several highlights on the night.

While it may be a quick and easy deal to say the Aggies did not play well, they actually did, in my view. Many expected Utah State to be blown out of the stadium, and they weren't. If not for an 0-for-12 third down conversion ratio and some costly turnovers, Utah State may have had a chance to pull off an upset. By the second half, however, the Utes were emptying their bench and on their way to a win. But it wasn't easy, despite the fact Utah amassed over 500 yards in total offense and did not allow a single point in the second half. Also, when the Aggies' best defensive player on the game is a safety (James Brindley had 11 solo tackles) you know you’re in for a long night.

But there have been worse days for Utah State, and that’s the point. Last year in Logan, the Aggies folded up shop minutes into the second quarter and went into the locker room down 30-7 before losing 58-10. It was embarrassing, and frankly, last year's game left me wondering why the Utes even scheduled Utah State in the first place.

Compared to Thursday night, in which the Aggies were only down 26-17 at the break in a 35-17 loss, fans would be remiss not to see a huge difference in Utah State from then to now. In fact, I'd go so far as to say there should be a measure of pride in the way the Aggies played from start to finish.

Alas, there are no moral victories to be had from this game, as Aggie faithful are wondering how things could have been better. They will be, but for now Utah State should remain patient.

Now comes the good news: Texas A&M is now beatable, folks. The Aggies could go into Kyle Field two weeks from today and shock the world, for two reasons. One, Utah State has a bye week to fix all the things that went wrong at Utah. Second, Texas A&M is not Utah. The big brother Aggies are not the football power they once were.

But even better news for Aggie fans is your football team is back, after myriad coaching changes for the better and a wholesale difference on and off the field. Get ready for an exciting year, Aggie fans, one that probably includes a trip to a bowl game.