(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah State Aggies head coach Gary Andersen signals as Utah State Aggies cornerback Will Davis (17) runs off with a 59-yard return of an interception for a touchdown against Idaho on Nov. 24, 2012.

USU football: Andersen named WAC coach of the year, 14 Aggies make all-WAC teams

College football » Keeton, Williams among first-teamers.

By Tony Jones

| The Salt Lake Tribune

First Published Dec 03 2012 12:08 pm • Last Updated Dec 04 2012 10:54 am

For an entire season, Utah State was the best team in the Western Athletic Conference, finishing the league year unbeaten.

The Aggies now are cleaning up once again in awards season.

Gary Andersen was named WAC Coach of the Year for the first time in his career. Eight USU players were named first team all-conference, while six made second team. In addition, senior cornerback Will Davis was named third team All-American by CBSSports.com.

Yes, it was quite a day for No. 18 Utah State.

"To receive Coach of the Year is a great honor," Andersen said. "Me winning that, however, is not an individual award, but a team honor. This was the best team and the best staff in the league this season from top to bottom. This is a tremendous honor, and I’m very appreciative."

Sophomore quarterback Chuckie Keeton, senior running back Kerwynn Williams and junior center Tyler Larsen, along with offensive lineman Eric Schultz, were named to the first team from the offense.

Davis, freshman linebacker Kyler Fackrell, defensive lineman Al Lapuaho, and former Juan Diego star Jake Doughty were named first-team defense.

In all, 14 of USU’s 22 starters were named either first or second team, a school record to go with the bushels of school records already set by Utah State this season.

If there was one hitch, it was Keeton not being named Offensive Player of the Year. Louisiana Tech quarterback Colby Cameron took that honor, despite the Bulldogs losing the last two games of the season when he threw a combined five interceptions.

"It was a disappointment to see that, but we are blessed and honored to have so many guys receive honors," Andersen said. "Chuckie has been very solid as a quarterback. He’s played hurt, he’s led the offense and he’s made big plays in the throw game and the run game. He’s been a big-time quarterback this season."

tjones@sltrib.com

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