This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Utah State quarterback Chuckie Keeton won't play against Arkansas State Saturday, but his knee injury doesn't appear bad enough to sideline him for the season. Utah State coach Matt Wells said Monday that medical exams, including an MRI, showed Keeton's knee is structurally sound but Keeton is "banged up," enough to the point he can't play Saturday against the Red Wolves. Sophomore Darell Garretson, who played the second half of USU's 36-24 win over Wake Forest on Saturday, will get the start against Arkansas State. Keeton will be re-evaluated before the Aggies start preparing for their game at BYU on Oct. 3. The Aggies have a bye next week. "He's not out for the year," Wells said of Keeton. Against Wake Forest, Keeton was 20-of-27 for 166 yards passing and a touchdown in the first half with one interception that was returned for a touchdown. As he has in recent games, Keeton got up from several plays favoring his left leg. Keeton watched the second half from the sidelines and on crutches. In his place, Garretson finished 11-of-16 for 121 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Garretson became the starter last season when Keeton suffered his season-ending knee injury against BYU on Oct. 4. Garretson went 6-1 as a starter and finished 126-of-209 for 1,446 yards and 10 touchdowns with seven interceptions. Wells said using Garretson this season is different than last because the Aggies know what he can do and he is more confident. "He was a bit of a wild card last year," he said.