MOSCOW, Idaho — Idaho plays the hottest team in the nation on Thursday, and it is a credit to new coach Don Verlin that the outcome is not a foregone conclusion.

Verlin has produced a big improvement at Idaho (10-12, 4-5 Western Athletic Conference). The school, now in its fourth season in the WAC, was 7-41 in the league over its first three seasons.

Thursday, the Vandals host No. 21 Utah State, which Verlin helped build into a basketball power during a decade as an assistant coach under Stew Morrill. The Aggies (23-1, 11-0 WAC) have won 18 straight games, the longest streak in the nation.

"I know all the players, and the coaches are some of my best friends in coaching, so it's always tough to play your friends," Verlin said Tuesday.

Idaho lost 70-61 when the teams played in Logan last month.

"It definitely was awkward there, but it was more with the fans and the people around," Verlin said. "Hopefully, the awkwardness is on him this time when he comes to our place."

The Vandals, enjoying their best start in a decade, have been the surprise of the WAC this season.

They are led by Mac Hopson, a transfer from Washington State, who's averaging 16.4 points, 5.9 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game. Kashif Watson adds 10 points per game, while Brandon Wiley averages 9.3 points and 6 rebounds.

The Vandals don't have any signature wins over major programs, and suffered lopsided early losses to No. 19 Gonzaga and No. 9 Michigan St. But they have already beaten Nevada, Hawaii, New Mexico State and archrival Boise State, breaking a 14-game winning streak, and sit in fourth place in the league.

Their WAC losses have been narrow except for an uncharacteristic 71-49 pounding at Hawaii in their last outing. They had beaten Hawaii by 20 in Moscow.

"We played as poorly as we have played all year and I don't really know why," Verlin said of the loss. "I think we are a little tired and we may be a little worn down, but we have got to get over that because we have a huge week."

Verlin, who brought in 12 new players, realizes there are plenty of hurdles to overcome.

Idaho has not beaten a ranked opponent since 1982, and hasn't played in the NCAA tournament since 1990.

"You're always excited, especially when you get the best teams on your home court," Verlin said. "I know our guys are excited and looking forward to the game and you are not a competitor if you're not."