This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Laramie • For JoJo Natson, playing the Wyoming Cowboys means padding his stats.
Natson returned a punt 80 yards Friday in the first quarter of the Aggies contest against the Cowboys.
The touchdown not only put the Aggies up 10-0, but also gave Natson four punt returns in his career, which tied Kevin Robinson's school record he set from 2004-07. It also tied the MWC record held by Utah's Steve Smith (1999-2000).
Natson had a 64-yard return for a touchdown against the Cowboys last season in USU's 35-7 win.
Friday's return was the longest since Robinson's 87-yard return against San Jose State in 2005.
The junior entered the game ranked third all-time in school history with a punt return average of 10.2 with 46 returns for 469 yards.
The school record for career punt return average is 18.8 yards set by Tom Larscheid (1959-61).
Natson returned a punt 52 yards for a touchdown against Idaho State earlier this season.
Captain inclusion
The Aggies had a new/old face as a captain Friday with injured quarterback Chuckie Keeton joining defensive lineman Travis Seefeldt, linebacker Nick Vigil and running back Joe Hill as captains.
Utah State coach Matt Wells has been complimentary of the job that Keeton has done this season in helping the younger quarterbacks.
Injury bug
The Aggies' rash of injuries has been well documented this season, but they aren't the only ones dealing with health issues. Wyoming had three players miss Friday's game. Defensive ends Sonny Puletasi (leg injury) and Riley Lange (concussion) and safety Jessie Sampson (knee injury) were all sidelined with injuries.
Of note
USU linebackers coach Joe Lorig coached at Idaho State with Wyoming running backs coach David Brown II in 2000…USU's 17 points in the first quarter were the most since they scored 17 points in the first quarter against New Mexico last season…USU has led at the end of the first quarter in 30 of its last 38 games.
Twitter: @lyawodraska