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Logan • If Utah State strikes out Saturday against Nevada, the Aggies' chance of going bowling this season could be in the gutter.

After two straight last-minute losses, Utah State is 5-5 overall and 4-3 in the Mountain West Conference. It needs to beat the Wolf Pack to become bowl-eligible for a school-record fifth straight year.

If they lose, the Aggies will have another chance for the sixth win next week in their regular-season finale against BYU. But it's unlikely they'll be a two-touchdown favorite against the Cougars, as they are against Nevada.

"We want to be in a bowl game, there's no question about it," Utah State coach Matt Wells said. " … It continues to reinforce what we're trying to build — a very consistent, winning program."

Referring to his seniors, Wells said, "I'm very proud of where they have come from and where they are leaving this program. We want to send these guys out right and get them to another bowl game. We have to find a way to do that."

Beating Nevada won't be easy.

The Wolf Pack have won three straight games and, unlike the Aggies, are already bowl-eligible.

In a typical year, Nevada could be making plans for the postseason.

This season, however, the Mountain West might have only six options since the Las Vegas Bowl or Hawaii Bowl can select BYU.

Currently, the Mountain West has five bowl-eligible teams: San Diego State, Air Force, Boise State, New Mexico and Nevada. Two more — Colorado State and Utah State — need one win to reach the six-victory requirement.

If the Rams and Aggies qualify, it could leave one Mountain West team out in the cold when it comes to a bowl invitation.

Nevada coach Brian Polian doesn't want it to be the Wolf Pack.

"I always feel like we need to get one more [win]," he said.

Utah State comes off a 35-28 loss at Air Force. The Falcons piled up 27 first downs and 580 yards of offense.

Against Nevada, the Aggie defense must regroup and deal with the No. 3 rushing offense in the Mountain West. Running backs James Butler and Don Jackson rank in the top six in the conference. Butler rushes for 99 yards per game. Jackson averages 90.

"I see two really good tailbacks — two 1,000-yard tailbacks," Wells said. "Are you kidding me?"

Offensively, Utah State passed effectively against Air Force. But it managed only 75 yards rushing. Running back Devante Mays carried 12 times and gained only 40 yards.

Wells suggested Nevada's defense might be even more formidable than the Falcons.

"… I see a front seven with all seniors," he said. "They're very experienced. They've played a lot of football for Nevada. They are, collectively, as aggressive up the field as any group we've seen in while."

Wells envisions a game similar to the ones Utah State has dropped in back-to-back weeks at New Mexico and Air Force, where they failed to convert late scoring chances.

"It will be a very competitive game," he said. "Nevada has won some close ones and looks very confident. It will probably be a competitive game — right down to the wire."

Again.

Twitter: @sluhm —

Nevada at Utah State

P At Maverik Stadium, Logan

Kickoff • 1:30 p.m.

Online • ESPN3

Radio • 610 AM, 1280 AM, 95.9 FM, 102.1 FM

Records • Utah State 5-5, 4-3; Nevada 6-4, 4-3

Series • Nevada leads, 17-5

Last meeting • Utah State, 21-17 (2011)

About the Aggies • They have not lost three straight games since 2011. … They are 4-0 at home, with wins over Southern Utah (12-9), Colorado State (33-18), Boise State (52-26) and Wyoming (58-27). … LB Nick Vigil leads the Mountain West in tackles per game (11.8). He had 20 last week at Air Force. … WR Hunter Sharps ranks third in the league in receptions (46). He had 13 against the Falcons.

About the Wolf Pack • They come off a 37-34 overtime win over San Jose State. … They have won four of their last five, the only loss at Wyoming (28-21). … They are 2-2 on the road. … They are second in the conference in turnover margin (+10). … Junior K Brett Zuzo is 14-for-16 on field goals this season and 42-for-51 in his career.