A final record of 4-8 isn't the pinnacle of Utah state coach Gary Andersen's dreams for the program, but it wound up being a promising ending and the program's best record since achieving 4-7 in 2002.

The 52-49 win against Idaho on Nov. 28 included nearly blowing a 24-point lead, which was a familiar story line for the Aggies this year. But this time they hung on, and put a successful stamp to ride into the time until spring football.

USU led 31-7 before allowing four consecutive touchdowns. That led to a wild fourth quarter.

"It's a big win, a very positive win for us going into the offseason, something that we can look at and evaluate and get better from," said running back Robert Turbin, who accounted for five touchdowns (three rushing, two 35-yard ...More