By JJ Marshall

jjm023@latech.edu

 

After rushing for only 74 yards and amassing 211 yards in total offense in a Homecoming loss to Idaho, the Tech Bulldogs more than doubled both of those statistics in an offensive explosion Saturday night with a 48-35 win over Utah State in Joe Aillet Stadium.

The Bulldogs rushed for a season-high of 344 yards on the ground, and totaled another season-high with 570 yards of total offense.

Tech improves to 2-5, and 1-2 in the WAC, while the Aggies fall to 1-7, and 1-3 in the WAC.

"We just wanted to be balanced," Tech head coach Jack Bicknell said.

Balanced is an understatement.

With balance in the backfield and balance in the passing game, the Bulldogs had it all on offense. Freshman running back Daniel Porter ran for a career-high 178 yards in the game, while making his first career start.

"I don't think Daniel gets nervous," Bicknell said. "I felt like he had some great runs. He's going to be an exciting player, and I thought he did a good job."

Patrick Jackson also had a solid night on the ground, running for 91 yards and a touchdown, while freshman William Griffin pitched in for 37 yards on just nine carries.

Under much scrutiny after a less-than-stellar performance last week against Idaho, quarterback Zac Champion answered the critics as he completed 13 of 18 passes for 226 yards and four touchdowns without throwing an interception.

"I was very impressed with Zac," Bicknell said. "He made some great decisions… and showed he has the ability to run the football. I think this win will give us some confidence."

Champion also rushed for 58 yards and spread the ball around to nine different receivers.

Josh Wheeler led the way by hauling in two receptions for two touchdowns and a total of 50 yards. The two touchdowns are a career high for the sophomore receiver.

Tech scored 17 points in the first quarter on two touchdown passes from Champion to Johnathan Holland and Brian Jackson, and a field goal by Danny Horwedel to take the early lead.

Horwedel also connected on a 20-yarder in the fourth.

Utah State cut the lead to 24-14 at half time, but never got within a touchdown the rest of the game.

Porter sealed the game for the Bulldogs on a five yard run in the fourth quarter that topped off a great night for the freshman.

Utah State managed to  score on a 15-yard pass from Kevin Robinson to Riley Nelson with 10 seconds to play in the game, making the game look closer than it was.

The Bulldogs will return to action when they travel to California this Saturday for a 5 p.m. meeting with conference foe  San Jose State.