Idaho football coach Robb Akey says he sees a lot of his own team in today's opponent, Utah State, which would normally be a good thing - except that neither team is above .500 this season.

"I look at us a lot alike - two snakebit teams that continue to play hard," Akey said.

Idaho (2-8, 1-5 Western Athletic Conference) and Utah State (4-5, 2-2) tangle today at 2 p.m. on senior day at the Kibbie Dome.

Utah State is coming off wins at Hawaii (35-31) and vs. San Jose State (34-33). Aggies running back Robert Turbin averages 116.6 rushing yards per game, which is tied for the WAC lead. He has rushed for 16 touchdowns.

Freshman Chuckie Keeton started the season at quarterback, and passed for 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns before suffering a neck injury in the Hawaii game and replaced by junior Adam Kennedy.

Akey said it's possible Keeton could return this week.

Utah State needs two wins in its final three games to be bowl-eligible. The Aggies play host to Nevada next Saturday, and travel to New Mexico State the following week. Utah State has not won five games since 2000.

Though the Vandals' bowl hopes faded away long ago, Akey says there is still a lot to play for - especially on senior day, where 20 Vandals will be honored before the game.

"We've got an opportunity to feel good again, we've got an opportunity to accomplish some goals again, we've got an opportunity to prove that we're capable of playing good football again," Akey said. "I think this week means an awful lot, and it gets magnified by this group of seniors."