In their 1998 preseason opener, the Big Horns executed a tactically sound game plan under Head Coach Keith Huskey to secure a 19-3 road victory over the Rush, a matchup that illustrated the effectiveness of a ground-control offense paired with a disruptive defense. From the outset, Huskey favored a run-heavy approach, deploying a scheme focused on clock management and wearing down the opposing defense.

The game’s initial tone was set early in the first quarter with Trent Richardson’s one-yard touchdown catch, showcasing Huskey’s use of the fullback in short-yardage passing situations from goal-to-go. The formation and play design capitalized on Richardson’s versatility, blending power runs with quick-hitting play-action passes near the red zone. Although the Big Horns settled for a 7-0 lead after a successful extra point by kicker Richard Pressley, the offensive emphasis was clear — control the line of scrimmage and maintain possession.

The Big Horns’ commitment to the run manifested in a balanced rushing attack totaling 120 yards on 35 carries, with Harry Stuhldreher contributing a critical five-yard touchdown run midway through the second quarter that extended the lead to 13-0 despite a missed extra point attempt from Pressley. Huskey’s offensive scheme seemed deliberately designed to avoid turnovers and limit risk, allowing his stable of backs to exploit the opposing defense’s heavy front.

Defensively, the Big Horns showed stoutness and physicality. They generated two sacks and forced two fumbles, recovering one to stifle any momentum from the Rush’s offense. Cornerback Manny Lovems and linebacker Lloyd Hamilton each contributed forced fumbles, testament to their aggressive, ball-hawking approach in coverage and tackling. The Rush struggled to convert opportunities, failing to register any third-down conversions and limited to a single field goal from Joseph Shippy late in the second quarter.

Rush’s 214 passing yards came without any touchdowns, a reflection of the Big Horns' secondary maintaining tight coverage and disrupting timing routes. The defensive zone and man coverages executed by Huskey's staff created minimal separation for receivers, forcing Rush into predictable fourth-down punts throughout the game.

Special teams provided solid field position management for the Big Horns with strategic punts by Rolando Wilson frequently pinning the Rush deep in their own territory. While not flashy, these efforts complemented the overall game plan by restricting Rush’s offensive flexibility.

Huskey's coaching decisions, emphasizing a conservative offensive game plan and an opportunistic defense, effectively neutralized Rush's game rhythm. The offense’s reliance on a methodical ground attack and the defense's tenacity collectively capped the Rush at just three points.

Overall, the Big Horns showcased a preseason blueprint emphasizing fundamental execution, disciplined football, and tactical adaptability. Though not marked by flashy plays, the victory reflected Huskey’s ability to impose his system's identity and control the game's tempo—a promising start as the team progresses into the regular season.