At this point, Utah State may not even need to play another game to determine the theme of this season because everyone associated with the program knows that the Aggies have suffered close loss after close loss over the course of the year.

But starting with tonight's game at Hawaii, the Aggies know that there is much more to salvage from what has been a two-win season thus far.

The game with the Warriors is a very winnable one. So is the San Jose State game next week. Defeating Boise State will be next to impossible, but a win over Idaho in the season finale would be a huge victory.

"This team is going to continue to fight," USU coach Gary Andersen said. "There's still a lot to play for this season. There is enough invested in this team that it's going to remain a family."

If you're counting at home, Utah State has a good chance to win three of its final four games this season. If that were to happen, the Aggies would finish the year 5-7, which would be their best finish since they went 5-6 in 2000.

Utah State has one of the most explosive offenses in the Western Athletic Conference. Robert Turbin, the sophomore running back, is close to eclipsing the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the season, and junior quarterback Diondre Borel, in addition to being the dual threat that he is, has thrown 11 touchdown passes and just one interception this year. That pick was thrown against Utah in the first game of the season.

"We have

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a lot that we want to accomplish," Andersen said. "We want to get Robert to 1,500 yards this season. We can win more WAC games, and we can finish with a winning record at home for the season. We need to develop as a football team and see why we win and why we lose."

The Aggies are facing a Hawaii team that's used to winning as a program but has done a lot of losing this season. The Warriors are 0-5 in the WAC and 2-6 on the year, with both of those wins coming in the first two weeks of the schedule. They still throw the ball with efficiency, and they still score points. But they've dealt with a difficult season, and they are trying to win their first league game tonight against the Aggies.

"They can throw downfield, and they have a good corps of receivers," Andersen said. "They will test us, but getting to their quarterback is going to be big."

tjones@sltrib.com

Utah State at Hawaii

At Aloha Stadium, Honolulu

Kickoff » 8 p.m. MST

Radio » 1230 AM

Series history » Utah State leads 5-4

Last meeting » Utah State 30-14, Nov. 1, 2008

About the Aggies » Hawaii is one of three conference teams that Utah State holds a series advantage over. ... Robert Turbin has the chance to go over 1,000 rushing yards for the season. ... Diondre Borel has thrown one interception and 11 TD passes this season. ... USU has two players and two coaches from Hawaii on its roster.

About the Warriors » Former Judge star Lewis Walker is a redshirt freshman defensive back. ... The Warriors are 34-24-1 in homecoming games. ... Hawaii is third in the nation with 352 passing yards per game and 19th nationally in total offense.