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Logan • The Utah State Aggies are still newcomers to the Mountain West Conference, but they've been around long enough to understand how difficult the league games can be.

For a reminder, all they have to do is consider their Saturday opponent when they take the field at Romney Stadium to play Air Force at 8:15 p.m. in a game that will be nationally televised by ESPNU.

"The way they beat Boise, that sent off shock waves," USU safety Brian Suite said. "That was a wakeup call. No matter what league you are in, you can't overlook teams."

The quality competition is why the Aggies feel pretty darn good about themselves as they head into eight straight weeks of league play, but they aren't getting cocky by any means.

If their preseason taught USU anything, it is that no outcomes can be assumed. The Aggies already have shown they can win the big games, such as beating BYU, and they can also lose the heartbreakers too, such as the defeat at Arkansas State.

However, their recent win over the Cougars has given the Aggies a boost of confidence going into the conference opener. The defense continues to set the tone for the team, but the offense is finding its own groove too, behind the play of quarterback Darell Garretson and linebacker-turned-running back Nick Vigil.

"I like the fact that we have momentum and confidence right now," Utah State coach Matt Wells said. "Our kids continue to buy into the expectations and the standards that we have in our program. When they do that, they practice and prepare better, giving them a chance to play better. We're starting to see the fruits of that labor for some of those newcomers."

Before preseaon camp began, the Aggies were outspoken they believed they had a team that could contend for the league championship. That belief hasn't changed, even if the quarterback has.

Sure, the losses to Tennessee and Arkansas State were disappointing, but as Wells said, all of USU's goals are still attainable.

"It's game on for us," he said. "We control our own destiny and I like it.

"Everything that we want is right there in front of us," he added.

When the Aggies' 2014 schedule was unveiled, road games at Colorado State and Boise State stood out as the most difficult.

Those games still look challenging. But the Falcons could be the surprise team of the league so far.

"Colorado State may be one of the hottest teams in the country right now," Wells said. "They're playing really well. Boise State won a tough road game. It's hard to think past Air Force, but there are a lot of good teams. There may not be a nationally ranked team, but that doesn't matter. The teams are very well coached and it's very hard-nosed football being played right now."

Last year the Aggies easily beat Air Force 52-20, but offensive lineman Austin Stephens said the Aggies aren't taking the Falcons lightly.

"They are coming off a big win just like we are," he said. "They are good and are going to be revved up. We need to come out and be ready to play and give our best."

That best will hopefully notch their first league win of the year, and let the confidence continue to build.

"It's good we got our confidence back after a tough loss," Suite said. "But we can't overlook anyone. Air Force presents a tough challenge for us defensively and we have to be ready." —

Air Force at Utah State

O Kickoff • 8:15 p.m.

TV • ESPNU

Radio • 610 KVNU.com

Records • Utah State (3-2), Air Force (4-1, 1-1)

Series history • Tied 1-1

Last meeting • USU won, 52-20, Sept. 7, 2013

About the Aggies • USU has won five straight Mountain West games and 18 of its 19 league games dating back to 2011. … USU's defense has forced 15 turnovers in the last four games. … Placekicker Nick Diaz is one PAT shy of tying Brad Bohn (1997-2000) for the school record with 107 extra points made. … The Aggies are 134-163-8 vs. current members of the Mountain West.

About the Falcons • The Falcons have won their last three games after losing at Wyoming 17-13 on Sept. 6. … Rank 11th nationally averaging 298 yards with Jacobi Owens leading the team with 113 carries for 617 yards and four touchdowns.