Utah State and Hawaii are amazingly similar in terms of records, troubles with turnovers and blown opportunities, and no chance for a post-season bowl game.
"They are a team like we are that needs a win bad," Utah State football coach Brent Guy said.
The Warriors (3-6, 3-4) have lost two straight Western Athletic Conference games, and last week in a 38-28 loss at Nevada they turned the ball over twice in the fourth quarter, which led to 14 Wolf Pack points.
Sound familiar?
The Aggies (2-6, 1-4), who have lost four straight games, turned the ball over four times in a 27-17 loss to Louisiana Tech. The Aggies did tally a season-high 478 yards of total offense and quarterback Leon Jackson III threw for 372 yards.
With their losses, both teams are now out of any postseason-bowl contention and are playing for pride.
"It's definitely going to be important for us," Utah State right tackle Malik Cin said. "Even though we won't be able to have a winning season, I think it's going to put us in the right direction. We just have to keep working hard and get better each week."
Saturday's game kicks off at 9 p.m. (MST), and TV viewing can be purchased on ESPN Game Plan.
Atypically, the Warriors are just 1-3 at Aloha Stadium, but their three losses came to No. 1 USC, Boise State and No. 22 Fresno State, and their lone win was against New Mexico State.
The Aggies, however, are looking deeper than just the Warriors' record.
"Hawaii is a very good team," Cin said. "They gave Fresno State and Boise State a run for their money, so we will have to play good."
USC pounded Hawaii 63-17 in the season opener, but the Warriors lost to Boise State 44-41 and Fresno State 27-13.
The Warriors are averaging 31 points per game at home.
"They have been a different team at home and on the road," Guy said. "The one thing that is different for them is they are not in the bowl hunt like they have been. They will be a hungry team that is trying to finish and prove themselves like we are."
Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan ranks second in the nation in total offense at 365.2 points per game. He threw for 402 yards last week in the loss to the Wolf Pack.
Brennan has completed 268 of 389 passes for 3,186 yards and 25 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. He is second on the team, behind Nate Ilaoa, with 101 yards rushing.
"The biggest thing for them has been: As the quarterback goes and the big plays go, they score," Guy said.
Five Hawaii players have 25 catches or more, led by Davone Bess, who has 76 catches for 938 yards and 10 touchdowns, while Ryan Grice-Mullen has 59 catches for 834 yards and nine scores.
"You are not going to stop Hawaii from throwing and catching the football. They have too many ways to do it," Guy said. "You have to tackle them in space, and you have got to get to the quarterback and sack him. That will be the challenge we have this week. We have got to get to him before he gets the ball off."
Brennan has been sacked 30 times this season, while Utah State defensive end John Chick ranks sixth in the nation in sacks with 1.06 per game (8 1/2 for the season) and 12th in tackles-for-loss with 1.62 per game.
Also working in Utah State's favor is cornerback Jarrett Bush ranks 10th in the nation in passes defended with 1.38 per game.
Freshmen cornerbacks Josh Taylor and Marquise Charles, if he is cleared to play after breaking his tailbone nearly three weeks ago, will be tested on the other side.
Defensive backs Terrance Washington, Antonio Taylor, Bush and Andre Bala are third through sixth respectively in tackles for the Aggies.
Linebackers Jake Hutton and Matt Wiser, who has played every defensive snap for the Aggies this season, are tied for the team lead in tackles with 63.
Aggies on the air
Utah State (2-6, 1-4) at Hawaii (3-6, 3-4)
Saturday, 9 p.m. (MST), Aloha Stadium
TV: ESPN Game Plan
Radio: 610 AM (Logan),
98.3 FM (SLC)
E-mail: jhinton@desnews.com