This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Logan • Utah State will remember its win over Arkansas State on Friday night, probably for the wrong reason.

The Aggies squandered most of a 24-point halftime lead at Maverik Stadium but held on for a 34-20 victory over the Red Wolves.

Because of its own mistakes, USU was fortunate to win, though coach Matt Wells wasn't about to throw back a victory that bumped the Aggies' record to 2-1.

"Very, very happy and very pleased with our effort and the outcome of the game," Wells said. "That's a very good team we beat — a very good program."

Leading 24-0, Utah State gave Arkansas State life early in the third quarter. Two pass interference penalties led to the Red Wolves' first score, setting the stage for the Aggies' second-half struggle to maintain the lead.

According to Wells, the penalties "changed the complexion of the game. … I can't wait to look at the video."

Another huge play?

It was 27-17 when Utah State couldn't drive the ball off its own goal line following an interception by Dallin Leavitt. Aaron Dalton's 14-yard punt gave Arkansas State possession at the 24.

The Red Wolves ended up kicking a field goal, slicing the Aggies' lead to 27-20 with 7:28 remaining.

Fortunately for Utah State, its offense finally kicked into gear — high gear — at that point.

The Aggies drove 91 yards, held the ball for seven minutes, scored the clinching touchdown on Tonny Lindsey Jr.'s 1-yard run with 29 seconds left. They won for the 14th time in their last 17 non-conference home games.

"I'm proud of our guys for finding ways to win," Wells said. "Those are things to build on. … That was a big drive. I think it says something about the offensive line. That whole last drive, there was a lot of good football."

Said quarterback Kent Myers, "When adversity hit, we came back, drove the ball down the field and got the 'W.' "

Looking to rebound from a lopsided 45-7 loss at USC last week, Utah State got off to a dominant start.

On the Red Wolves' opening possession, quarterback Chad Voytik lost the football while scrambling away from the Aggie pass rush. Utah State defensive end Siua Taufa recovered.

After an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the play moved the ball to the ASU 9, the Aggies needed three plays to score. Myers' 4-yard pass to Ron'Quavion Tarver in the corner of the end zone made it 7-0.

Hindered by miserable field position, Arkansas State gained only 6 yards on its next two possessions and punted.

Utah State started its third possession at the 40-yard line. Lindsey, starting in place of the injured Devante Mays, gained 16 yards on first down and helped the Aggies reach the Red Wolves' 21.

From there, Brock Warren nailed a 38-yard field goal to give Utah State a 10-0 lead with 4:51 remaining in the first quarter.

On Arkansas State's next possession, the Aggies forced another turnover when defensive end Ian Togiai's pressure resulted in an floated pass by Voytik. Safety Jontrell Rocquemore easily intercepted and returned the ball to the Red Wolves' 25.

A 19-yard scramble by Myers helped move the ball to the 1 before backup quarterback Damion Hobbs scored the first rushing touchdown of his career.

Leading 17-0, the Aggies increased their lead to 24-0 with 14:01 left in the first half when Lindsey wasn't touched on a 28-yard touchdown run around the right side.

Despite the comfortable lead, there were some red flags for Utah State. It managed only 161 yards of total offense in the first half. The Aggies went 2-for-8 on third down. Myers was only 6-for-13 passing for 43 yards.

Going into the game, however, Wells knew Arkansas State's defense could be troublesome, which it was in the thrilling second half.

"They've been aggressive and opportunistic in terms of taking the ball away and they have some skilled players in the back end that can make you pay," he said before the game. "If you're sloppy in your route-running, they'll read your routes and be able to jump it. They're aggressive out on the corners." —

Storylines

R Utah State holds off a fierce second-half rally by Arkansas State and scores a 34-20 victory over the Red Wolves.

• The Aggies build a 24-0 lead early in the second quarter.

• Utah State opens its Mountain West season next Saturday against Air Force at Maverik Stadium.