Utah State quarterback Cooper Legas has received a second shot at the starting gig.
And it’s a moment he’s been waiting for.
“I mean, nobody wants to be benched,” Legas said. “But I’ve prepared the same since I got here as a freshman. I’m preparing as if I’m going to play.”
The starter at the beginning of the season, Legas was replaced by freshman McCae Hillstead against Air Force after throwing an interception and losing a fumble. The following week against Connecticut, Hillstead was forced to exit the game due to concussion symptoms. Legas stepped in, threw three touchdowns and helped lead the Aggies to a 34-33 victory.
Legas maintained control over the starting position heading into this week’s matchup against Fresno State with Hillstead still working his way back from injury.
“McCae is not ready to go. His chances of being ready are slim,” Utah State coach Blake Anderson said in a news conference earlier this week. “We are planning on playing [Legas] this week, and we’ll reevaluate when the game is over and see where we are at, moving into next week.”
Following Utah State’s victory over Colorado State, Legas made it clear that he’s going to make the most of this opportunity.
“I knew I could play like this and I feel like I’m not going to screw up my chance again if I get it,” Legas said. “Just calm down and play and what’s the worst that can happen, I get benched again?”
Against CSU, turnovers remained an issue for Legas, as he threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. That raises the tally to six turnovers on the season for the senior. While still a major cause of concern, Anderson had praised his quarterback’s ability to respond to adversity.
“When Coop calms down, takes a deep breath, and does what I ask him to do, he does some great things,” Anderson said. “You gotta’ give him credit, he took a butt chewing, a couple of them, took a deep breath, and went out and didn’t quit playing.”
Legas and the Aggies will take on Fresno State this Friday at Maverik Stadium in Logan at 6 p.m.
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