Utah State football: Aggies aspire to be like Boise State

Boise State is what everyone in the Western Athletic Conference aspires to be.

The Broncos, no longer the little team that could, are regular fixtures in the Top 25 polls and typically boast a Top 10 ranking.

BSU has won 10 or more game in eight of the last 10 seasons and can brag of having the nation's best record since 1999 at 108-20.

In the last several seasons, the Broncos have an incredible streak of 54 consecutive regular season victories at home.

"Let's just say they're well deserving of their ranking," Utah State coach Gary Andersen said of the opponent his Aggies will face this Friday evening in what is certain to be a frigid Romney Stadium. "They are as good an opponent as I have prepared for in a number of years."

The Broncos, currently ranked No. 6 in both national polls, are hoping to complete their third undefeated regular season in the past four years. They figure to be the toughest opponent the Aggies have faced this season and Andersen said he'll probably spend a few sleepless nights trying to gameplan for the ESPN2-broadcast game.

"There's not a weakness," Andersen said. "They're solid everywhere you look at them."

Boise State features the nation's top scoring offense at 43.6 points per game and moves the ball at a 444.3 yards per game clip.

As powerful as the Broncos are on offense, Andersen's most concerned with BSU defense.

"The reason they're undefeated," Andersen said, "is because they are so solid on defense."

Solid enough, in fact, to rate as the No. 12 unit in the country in allowing yards at 295.8 yards per game and No. 15 in points allowed at 16.9.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME? Over the years Utah State's lousy performance on the field has led to a lousy performance at the ticket office.

So lousy, in fact, there have been seasons Utah State has dipped below the NCAA mandated 15,000 average for home attendance to stay as an FBS program.

This year, the Aggies will almost assuredly hit that mark safely — they're currently averaging a little more than 15,000 and the Broncos might bring that many fans with them.

But while the money Bronco fans spend on tickets will be nice, it could turn the Aggies' home field into a Boise-friendly environment, especially if USU fans stay home and out of the cold — forecasts call for a kickoff temperature in the 20s — to watch the game on television.

SHUT OUT AGAIN: Robert Turbin's 190-yard, two touchdown performance seemed like a pretty good nomination for WAC player of the week honors. But Boise State receiver Austin Pettis (8 receptions, 123 yards, 4 touchdowns) got the weekly honor instead.

The news means Utah State still has yet to have a player win the WAC player of the week award this season.