This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Logan • Six years ago, there was anxiety, angst — maybe even a little doubt.

Utah State was leaving the Big West, it's comfort zone, and joining a Western Athletic Conference that featured better teams, better athletes and better competition. There was a sense that the Aggies wouldn't dominate as they had before. That maybe the annual trips to the NCAA Tournament would cease, and the 20-win seasons would vanish.

"I was on that last Big West team, and we all were a little bit nervous," USU senior forward Tai Wesley said. "There were certainly some concerns. We all wondered if we would be able to compete at that [next] level."

Six years later, such worry seems silly in hindsight.

Six years later, Utah State is the top dog in the conference, having won three consecutive WAC titles. Six years later, the Aggies are seeking to put a stamp on their dominance. With a win Thursday night against Louisiana Tech at the Spectrum, USU will set the league record with its 20th consecutive regular season WAC win. Utah set the previous record during the 1997-98, and 98-99 seasons.

The Aggies are unbeaten in league play this year, and are well on their way to contending for a fourth straight conference crown. They are dominating the WAC like Gonzaga has dominated the West Coast Conference.

Most importantly, they are making a case for themselves as one of the best mid-major schools in the country. They have won at least 23 games for 11 consecutive seasons — one of just three schools in the country, along with Gonzaga and Kansas, to do so.

With those kind of numbers, the Aggies can certainly claim to be one of the most consistent programs in America.

"We haven't talked about the record as a team, but we're certainly aware of it," senior guard Tyler Newbold said. "We all read the papers. I think the record is important for us. It's something to shoot for because we want people to understand that we're a good program capable of competing with anyone when we're playing well. It would be a great accomplishment if we can get it done, and it's something that we should be proud of."

The insecurity of jumping to the WAC has motivated the Utah State program. Each time the Aggies take the floor, they do so looking to send a message to the rest of the league. And in doing so, Utah State's made some impressive leaps.

Nevada was the powerhouse when the Aggies entered the league. That's no longer the case. Yes the Wolf Pack are still sending players to the NBA on a regular basis. But they aren't winning like they used to.

Today, the Aggies are the top draw. They are the team that brings out the casual fan in visiting venues, the team that receives the opponent's best shot. Last Thursday against Boise State, Taco Bell Arena drew over 8,000 people — by far its best turnout of the season. It has happened slowly but surely, under the steady hand of Stew Morrill and star players like Wesley and Jaycee Carroll.

And on Thursday night, with a win, Utah State will rewrite WAC history again..

Not bad for a school that wondered if it could compete.

tjones@sltrib.comTwitter: @tonyaggieville —

Streaking for a record

• Utah State is one of nine teams in the country to win three straight league titles.

• The Aggies have won 11 consecutive games dating back to Dec. 4.

• Louisiana Tech is the last WAC team to beat Utah State, on Jan. 4, 2010.