Utah State basketball: Aggies look to Idaho for an example

This certainly hasn't always been the case, but when Utah State lines up against the Idaho Vandals today in Moscow's Kibbie Dome, the Aggies will see a team they wouldn't mind being.

"They are bowl eligible. That is what stands out to me," Utah State defensive lineman Junior Keiaho said. "They have changed their program around. They got their six wins and we can't take them lightly. We can't take anyone lightly. They are a really talented team."

The Aggies have been accustomed to sharing the Western Athletic Conference's basement with the Vandals ever since entering the league a few years ago. Idaho replaced its coach after the 2006 season and now, with head coach Robb Akey in his third season on the sidelines, the Vandals are the surprise of the WAC after winning a combined three games in his first two seasons.

The Weber State grad has the Vandals heading to a bowl game with seven wins already this year, and Utah State has taken notice.

"They have had a very good year. I am happy to see Robb having the success he has been able to have, especially after the first two years," Utah State first-year coach Gary Andersen said. "It was a big-time struggle for them. They have won some close football games this year. They have found a way to win, especially early on in the year."

And the Vandals, not exactly assured of a bowl berth — though most predictions have them playing in the Humanitarian Bowl next month — will be eager to bolster their bowl resume with another win in their regular-season finale.

But having lost three of their last four games, the Vandals have lost a big chunk of the momentum they had when they built a 6-1 record.

"I think they are a very good football team. They have had a week off, so they will be preparing for us like crazy," Andersen said. "It looks like they are going to a bowl game, so there will be lots of excitement."

Utah State, on the other hand, has 15 seniors on the roster that it wants to send out on a positive note. The Aggies, as has been the case since 1997, will not be going to a bowl game. They would, however, like to say they beat a bowl team and create their own turnaround.

"I think people see we are almost there, we are just not there yet," said Keiaho, a junior. "It kills me to see we only have three wins, the same as last year. I want to finish this year strong and have that momentum going into the off season."

While Idaho has had an extra week to lick the wounds of a 63-25 drubbing at the hands of Boise State, the Aggies are likewise trying to forget the beating administered by the Broncos in their most recent game.

Utah State will be led by running back Robert Turbin and quarterback Diondre Borel on offense, while Keiaho will lead the Aggie defense against a Vandal offense that averages 444 yards per game — 14th-best in the nation.

e-mail: jeborn@desnews.com

twitter: DesNewsEborn