The loss to Oregon is in the past. So is the loss to Utah, and the defeat BYU handed the Aggies.

Utah State, while not happy at all with those losses, is happy nonetheless to be done with nonconference opponents. The reason being that, while nonconference wins would have been lovely, the top goal for the Aggies as they reach for respectability is to climb from the bottom half to the top half of the Western Athletic Conference.

And with a win over Idaho already in the books, USU can take another step toward that goal today when the Aggies face San Jose State on the road.

At stake is a continued share of first place in the WAC standings.

"We scored on a very good defense (last week against BYU) that hadn't been scored on in two weeks, so that was encouraging," USU coach Brent Guy said. "We are going up against a team against San Jose that is leading the league in defense, so it will be a challenge for our offense to not turn it over. They are also leading the league in turnover margin. So those will be critical factors going into the WAC schedule."

The Spartans have been one of the surprise teams in the WAC this year. With wins against San Diego State and at Hawaii, SJSU is rested and confident after a bye week.

"We can't start so slow on the road this week," Guy said. "We have to start fast and get into the football game against San Jose State and not make critical errors early that can give them momentum."

Aside from having a chance to stay at the top of the WAC, the Aggies are hoping to fix a turnover problem that has hurt them in recent games.

Against BYU last week, USU turnovers allowed the Cougars to build a 24-0 lead without even recording a first down. Controlling the ball and the clock are, understandably, big priorities.

"We have to beat them at their own game," USU cornerback Roy Hurst said. "That is making them turn the ball over and making their offense make some bad decisions."

Beating the Spartans, particularly in San Jose, has not been easy for the Aggies. USU has dropped the last seven contests played in Spartan Stadium. The Ags have not won in San Jose since 1980.

After three straight home games, the Aggies are on the road for two games and play at Nevada next week before hosting Fresno State in Romney Stadium on Oct. 25.

Aggies on the air

Utah State (1-4, 1-0 WAC) at San Jose St. (3-2, 1-0)
Today, 5:30 p.m.
TV: ESPNU
Radio: 1320AM, 610AM

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E-mail: jeborn@desnews.com