By Wade Denniston

Sure, Utah State University took it on the chin in its opening game at Georgia, but the final score of 38-7 doesn't give any justice as to how close the game actually was.

In fact, the Aggies could have pulled off an incredible upset if they had been able to hold the ball.

Six turnovers committed by USU, compared with four by Georgia, helped the Bulldogs run away with the game.

If we could somehow go back and rewrite the game, the Aggies would've won, maybe even running away with it themselves.

Well, just for fun, let's attempt to rewrite history.

Scene 1: Georgia is leading 7-0 early in the first quarter with USU driving. Senior running back Demario Brown takes a handoff from sophomore quarterback Jeff Crosbie and scampers 19 yards deep into Bulldog territory. This time, there is no fumble and the Aggies score on their next play to tie the game at seven.

Scene 2: Still in the first quarter, after an interception in the end zone thwarted a Georgia scoring opportunity, the Aggies find themselves heading toward another score. On a reverse, Brown hands the ball off to junior wide receiver Aaron Jones, who dashes 43 yards into the Bulldog backfield. Jones takes a tough hit, but is able to hold onto the ball and USU scores four plays later to take the lead, 14-7.

Scene 3: After an Aggie punt, Georgia takes only four plays to score when sophomore running back Jasper Sanks runs it in from 4 yards out. Early in the second quarter the game is tied for a second time, 14-14.

Scene 4: Momentum swings back to the USU side as sophomore Tony Walker takes the ensuing kickoff from Georgia and sprints 35 yards. The Aggies march the rest of the way down the field, but are stopped on three consecutive tries inside the Bulldog 5-yard line. Forced to kick a field goal, sure-footed place-kicker Brad Bohn trots onto the field and drills a 21-yarder. The boot gives the lead back to the Aggies 17-14 and gives Bohn his 10th consecutive field goal in 10 attempts.

Scene 5: Georgia is unable to do anything with the ball on its next possession and has to punt. USU takes over on its own 20-yard line. Three plays into the drive, Crosbie looks to be intercepted, but Aggie wide receiver Adrion Pierson rips the ball away from the Bulldog cornerback and glides into the end zone. The 86,117 fans in attendance are stunned as USU has taken a 10-point lead, 24-14.

Scene 6: The Aggies capitalize on a Georgia fumble deep in Bulldog territory and score on the next play from scrimmage. However, too much time was left on the clock for Georgia quarterback and Heisman hopeful Quincy Carter. Carter leads the Bulldogs 88 yards and is able to put a touchdown on the board before break. Halftime score: USU 31, UGA 21.

Scene 7: USU receives the ball to start the third quarter and takes 11 plays to add to its lead. The beautiful drive almost went for naught as Crosbie was intercepted at the goal line, but Georgia was flagged for defensive holding, allowing the Aggies to score on their next play to go up 38- 21.

Scene 8: After the Aggies' score, both defenses stiffen a little. Georgia forces USU to punt, then retires to the sideline to watch as the offense drives the length of the field and scores. The Aggie offense starts to slump a bit and is forced to punt for a second straight time. Senior cornerback, Greg White, determined not to let the game slip away, intercepts a Carter pass and returns it 86 yards, leaving the Aggies ahead 45-28.

Scene 9: The Bulldogs try to make a comeback in the fourth quarter with 10 quick points, but USU is able to hold on for a 45-38 stunner one of the greatest games in Aggie history. . . .

If only we could rewrite history.

MS
MS