Colorado State (3-2, 1-0 Mountain West) at Utah State (3-2, 1-0)

2:30 p.m. Saturday; Maverik Stadium (Logan, Utah) TV: AT&T SportsNet Radio: 102.9 FM, 1340 AM Line: Colorado State is favored by eight points.

About Utah State

It’s been five games of extremes for the Aggies. Two blowout losses: 59-10 at Wisconsin and 46-10 at Wake Forest. Three convincing victories: 51-13 against Idaho State, 61-10 at San Jose State and 40-24 against in-state rival Brigham Young.

Story lines

• Dreaming of the beach? CSU coach Mike Bobo says the most difficult aspect of playing at Hawaii, which the Rams did last weekend, is a recovery period the following week. How will the Rams perform fresh off jet lag with a short week of preparation for another hostile road environment? Keep a close eye on CSU’s late-game energy to determine whether fatigue becomes a factor against Utah State. • Senior quarterback finding his rhythm. Nick Stevens had one of his best games in the Rams’ rout of Hawaii. What might be most significant? Zero interceptions. It was the first game this season that Stevens didn’t throw a pick. Utah State’s defense leads the nation in turnovers forced (16, including seven picks). Can Stevens stay on target? • Rookies vs. veterans. Utah State ranks fifth nationally in total first-time starters (18, including all five starting offensive linemen). And through the first three weeks of the season, Utah State had a total of 37 players appear in their first game. The young Aggies have proven up to task when playing at home this season, posting two dominating victories. CSU has veteran leadership at several key positions. The Rams need to show it Saturday.