Aggie defensive lineman David Moala was justifiably proud that his team held Akron to 100 net rushing yards, as he recorded 2.5 of USU's nine tackles for loss. But the Zips hurt USU through the air, as Andrew Pratt caught nine passes for 94 yards after posting 19 receptions in the regular season.
USU coach Matt Wells cited his defense's inability to get off the field in key moments as part of his team's downfall. That's another mostly accurate statement. Akron converted only 5 of 16 third-down plays, but three of those successes came during lengthy drives in the second and fourth quarters that resulted in field goals.