Aggie Defense Forces Second Turnover, Bonner Throws First TD

LOGAN, UT – Though struggling offensively, the Aggies defense forced their second turnover of the afternoon, giving the Aggies a chance for their first points of 2022.

The Aggies hosted UConn at Maverik Stadium in Logan, UT in the 2022 season opener for both teams.

After rushing for 100 first quarter yards, UConn running back Nate Carter was stripped on his first carry of the second quarter by Ajani Carter with Daniel Grzesiak falling on the loose ball for the Aggies second turnover of the afternoon.

STRIPPED & RIPPED‼️ Fumble recovery for the defense💪

📺 FS1#AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/oNQuFGU7ET

— USU Football (@USUFootball) August 27, 2022

Following the turnover, the Aggies offense showed their first signs of life on a 45 yard scoring drive. Kyle Van Leeuwen caught an 11-yard pass for the Aggies first score of the season.

Bonner has thrown for 77 yards with Clavin Tyler Jr. gaining 52 yards on the ground and Robert Briggs adding 22 yards rushing.

In spite of forcing two turnovers, USU’s defense has struggled early against the Huskies. Nate Carter has 129 yards rushing while UConn has 171 yards rushing as a team.

A dime from @LoganBaneBonner to @kyle_vanleeuwen to get the Aggies on the board👊‼️

📺 @FS1 #AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/wbkmsF2Xya

— USU Football (@USUFootball) August 27, 2022

The Huskies maintain a 14-7 lead early in the second quarter.

125th Season of Aggie Football

Saturday’s game marks the first time since 2016 that the Aggies have opened the season at home and the 15th time since 1959. Utah State has won their past three home openers and are 9-5 overall in home openers. USU is riding a 12-game winning streak against non-conference opponents at Maverik Stadium.

Coming off of an 11-3 2021, Utah State picked up votes in two national preseason polls. The Aggies received 12 votes in the Coaches’ Poll, tied for 38th; and two votes is the Associated Press poll. This is the first time since 2019 that the Aggies have received preseason recognition in the polls.

Back like we never left⚡️🤘#AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/lNYBS7Mhq6

— USU Football (@USUFootball) August 27, 2022

Quarterback Logan Bonner, offensive lineman Alfred Williams, linebacker AJ Vongphachanh, cornerback Jamie Nance and safety Hunter Reynolds were named captains for the game.

About UConn

Former Atlanta Falcons and UCLA Bruins head coach Jim Mora leads the Huskies in his first season with the program.

The Huskies return 12 starters, six on each side of the ball, and 57 letter-winners from last season’s 1-11 team. Last season UConn averaged 15.6 points and 265.1 yards of total offense per game (163.8 passing, 101.3 rushing) and allowed 38.5 points and 451.8 yards of total offense (258.0 passing, 193.8 rushing).

Connecticut’s roster includes four players on award watch lists this fall. Junior LB Jackson Mitchell (Butkus Award Watch List), sophomore RB Nate Carter (Doak Walker Award Watch List), graduate RB Robert Burns (The Wuerffel Trophy Watch List) and graduate LS Tommy Zozus (Patrick Mannelly Award Watch List).

This is just the second time USU & UConn have faced each other. Utah State won the first meeting, 38-31, on Nov. 10, 2001, in Storrs, Connecticut.

Week Zero

The Aggies opened their 125th season of football at home against the Connecticut Huskies.

Every Utah State football game can be heard on the KSL Sports Zone with Scott Garrard and former Aggie quarterback Kevin White on the call.

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