This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Jonesboro, Ark. • The Utah State Aggies might be down a quarterback, but they certainly aren't down on their hopes for a win when they play at Arkansas State on Saturday.
Sophomore Darell Garretson, who will start in place of injured quarterback Chuckie Keeton, gives the Aggies just as good a chance of beating the Red Wolves as the guy the Aggies were pushing for the Heisman Trophy.
If that thought sounds like a stretch, well, Garretson hopes to prove the doubters wrong.
"Practice has gone well," he said. "We have a good game plan and I'm feeling good."
Garretson, the unlikely hero last season when he stepped in for Keeton and went 6-1 as a starter, has improved even more this season, the Aggies say.
Receiver JoJo Natson said Garretson is smarter and more accurate this season than last. The way he commands the huddle is surprising too, given his youth.
"Darell brings a lot to the table," Natson said. "His whole demeanor, even when he was a backup, he's always pushing for the offense to do well. Last year, we saw how we faced adversity and he came in, stepped into the picture and helped us out big time."
It's still not clear how long Garretson will be the starter for Utah State. The Aggies will re-evaluate Keeton's knee before they play at BYU on Oct. 3. Coaches are hopeful he won't be out long since his knee is structurally sound. However, all the experience that Garretson has gives the Aggies the luxury of knowing their backup is a proven player.
Garretson completed 126 of 209 passes for 1,446 yards and 10 touchdowns with seven interceptions last season. He closed out the Aggies' 36-24 win over Wake Forest going 11-of-16 for 121 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the second half.
Utah State coach Matt Wells said the offense won't change much with Garretson as the quarterback, although he did concede Garretson isn't as much of a running threat.
"We have a lot of confidence in him," Wells said. "That locker room won't flinch; they believe in him."
Arkansas State represents a stiff challenge for Garretson. The Red Wolves are 17-2 at home in recent outings and are 42-9 at Centennial Bank Stadium since 2005.
The Red Wolves beat Montana State 37-10 to open the season, then lost at Tennessee 34-19 and at Miami 41-20.
Statistically the teams are similar, with the biggest difference being in the rush defense. The Aggies are fourth nationally giving up just 62.3 yards on the ground. The Red Wolves are allowing 133.3.
The Aggies' run game looked suspect against the Demon Deacons, managing just 60 yards. Wells said he wasn't pleased with the run game and is searching for answers. With Joe Hill hobbled by an ankle injury, Natson was the leading rusher against Wake Forest, totaling 49 yards on eight carries.
"Our job as an offensive staff is to find ways to run the ball," he said. "I don't care if it's JoJo Natson, Hunter Sharp or Darell Garretson running it or if it's a combination of three or four running backs."
Just don't forget about Garretson. He has worked on his footwork since spring and is eager to show he has improved.
"I know I can run the ball better," he said. "I am confident about that."
Utah State at Arkansas State
O Kickoff • Saturday, 5 p.m.
TV/Web • ESPN3
Radio • 610 AM, 1280 AM, 97.5 FM
Records • Utah State 2-1, Arkansas State 1-2
Series history • Arkansas St. leads 3-2
Last meeting • Arkansas St. won, 16-7, Nov. 11, 2004
About the Aggies • Utah State is 57-29 against current members of the Sun Belt Conference, including a 26-16-1 road record. … Utah State was a member of the Sun Belt in 2003 and 2004, finishing fourth (3-4) and seventh (2-5), in league play, respectively.
About the Red Wolves • WR J.D. McKissic has caught at least one pass in all of his 29 games. … The Red Wolves have posted at least 30 points in 26 of their last 38 regular-season games. They are 16-1 recently when scoring at least 30 points.