The Spartans have recovered from an early 37-16 loss at Air Force, which might be the third- or fourth-best team in the Mountain Division, with league wins over UNLV and Fresno.
When their upcoming game ends late Saturday night, either San Diego State or San Jose State will find itself in first place.
"We tell our guys, 'Every game is important,'" Spartan coach Ron Caragher said. "But then as you get into it, as you continue winning, the bar gets raised and the importance of that game really rises."
• Boise State hasn't had a bye yet and won't until the weekend of Nov.