This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
Logan • San Jose State's second-quarter touchdown against the Aggies on Friday was one of the rare times Utah State's defense wasn't able to stand tall after a mistake.
The drive was set up when the Aggies were forced to punt from their 47-yard line. The ball was dropped on the snap and punter Jaron Bentrude was tackled at the Aggies' 32-yard line.
The Spartans scored six plays later when quarterback Mitch Ravizza plunged into the end zone from a yard out. Ravizza had four carries in the drive for 10 yards.
That the Spartans were able to score so easily was a surprise, particularly considering how well the defense has played in similar situations this year.
For instance, going into Friday's game, USU's offense had turned the ball over 11 times in the last 10 games. Following those turnovers, the Aggies gave up only two touchdowns (vs. Wake Forest and New Mexico) and a field goal (vs. Idaho State).
Senior night
Senior Chuckie Keeton, who has not played since the first half of the Wake Forest game on Sept. 13 due to a knee injury, was not among the honorees for senior night, since the school plans to ask for a medical hardship for Keeton so he will have another year of eligibility.
Keeton meets the requirements, which state an athlete must not have participated in more than two contests or 20 percent of the team's completed contests, the injury must have occurred before the first half of the season, the injury must be incapacitating, and medical documentation must be provided.
Keeton finished with 426 yards on 51-of-92 passing this season and rushed 20 times for 80 yards in the three games in which he played. Of note
USU has kept 31 of its last 40 opponents out of the end zone in the first quarter. … USU captains were tight end Jefferson Court, kicker Nick Diaz, nose guard Elvis Kamana-Matagi, and Bentrude.
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