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Albuquerque, N.M. • Utah State can become bowl-eligible for the fifth straight year Saturday at New Mexico, but there's more at stake for the Aggies.
Much more.
With a victory over the Lobos, Utah State continues on track for a berth in the Mountain West Conference championship game on Dec. 5.
The Aggies are 4-1 in league play and tied with Boise State and Air Force for first place in the Mountain Division. They already own the head-to-head tiebreaker with Boise State, however, and can give Air Force its second conference loss next week at Falcon Stadium.
In simplest terms, Utah State controls its destiny, with the next step being a victory over New Mexico.
"Our players … know what we're playing for," coach Matt Wells said. "They know what this month is and what this program wants to do — get into the month of November and play ballgames that mean something week-to-week. So it's on to the next round and the next round is New Mexico."
The Aggies, who are 5-3 overall, come off a lopsided 58-27 victory over Wyoming. The Lobos, who are 4-4 this season and 2-2 in the Mountain West, haven't played since a 31-21 loss at San Jose State two weeks ago.
"We're going to get New Mexico's best shot," Wells said. "They've done a nice job of putting themselves in a position to compete here in November. They're coming off a bye week and they'll be as fresh as you can be at this time of the year. This team has gotten better. Watching them on tape … it's very apparent."
Utah State's ability to stop the run will be critical against the Lobos, who rank second in the Mountain West in rushing (248.4) and fourth in scoring (29.9).
In back-to-back games against San Diego State and Wyoming, the Aggies have allowed 606 yards on the ground. The Cowboys' Brian Hill ran for 201 yards. The Aztecs' Donnel Pumphrey rushed for 181.
"We'll just go in and play Utah State defense," senior linebacker Torrey Green said. "If we play defense the way we're supposed to play, we'll be able to stop the run."
Said Wells: "Our defense has to be spot-on. We have to be on-point this week."
It is not known whether senior nose guard David Moala or junior defensive end Ricky Ali'ifua will return from injuries in time to play against New Mexico. Moala has missed two games because of a sprained knee. Ali'ifua did not play against Wyoming because of a shoulder injury.
Wells, who has a policy of not to discussing injuries, said only, "We've got a lot of guys who are day-to-day. This is the month of November. Strap it up and play ball."
Utah State's defense must also control New Mexico's 1-2 quarterback punch of Lamar Jordan and Austin Apodaca. Jordan is a better runner. Apodaca is a better passer. Both will play against the Aggies.
"I don't think either one of them playing every snap is what we need," Lobo coach Bob Davie said. "… We need the combination of both of them and that's what we're going to do. We're going to turn it into the positive and, hopefully, cause defensive coordinators some nightmares because they have to prepare for both."
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Utah State at New Mexico
At University Stadium
Kickoff • 1:30 p.m.
TV • CBS Sports Network
Radio • 610-AM, 1280-AM, 95.9-FM, 102.1-FM
Records • Utah State 5-3, 4-1; New Mexico 4-4, 2-2
Series • New Mexico, 11-10
Last meeting • Utah State, 28-21 (2014)
About the Aggies • They are 1-3 on the road, with a win at Fresno State (56-14) and losses at Utah (24-14), Washington (31-17) and San Diego State (48-14). … Under coach Matt Wells, they are 7-3 in Mountain West Conference road games. … They have scored at least 52 points in three of their last four games.
About the Lobos• They come off a bye. … Their four wins came against Mississippi Valley State, Wyoming, New Mexico State and Hawaii. Those teams own a combined record of 4-31. … They need two wins for bowl eligibility, but their final four opponents include Utah State, Boise State, Colorado State and Air Force.