WILL DAVIS, CORNERBACK

Davis, a senior, leads the nation in passes defended with 16 breakups and five interceptions. He has an interception in each of the past five games.

“It’s pretty crazy,” he said of being No. 1, “but I’m definitely excited about it.”

It’s been a breakthrough season for Davis, who was listed as a backup after missing spring ball with an injury and now is considered an NFL prospect.

“I definitely balled out (in fall camp),” he said, “and that was exactly the camp I wanted. … I felt like I needed to be a starter — that’s how I wanted to finish off my career.”

Davis’ job often is to cover the opponent’s top receiver. He could draw Bernard Reedy in this game. “As a coach, it makes your job easier to say, ‘Just put Willie on him,’ ” Utah State defensive coordinator Dave Aranda said. “He relishes that.”

CHUCKIE KEETON, QUARTERBACK

Keeton was injured late last season and barely played in the bowl game. He regained the starting job in the offseason and has put together an impressive sophomore season.

He has tossed 27 touchdown passes against nine interceptions and completed 67.6 percent of his passes. Four different Aggies have at least five TD catches.

“I’ve played with a little bit more confidence than last year,” he said. “Last year, I was a freshman, so I was trying to stay a little too close to the system. I wasn’t really able to show what I was recruited for and what I was capable of doing. We didn’t win as many games and, in my opinion, I think some of it was because of me.”

Keeton is a dynamic runner, too. He has rushed for 527 yards and seven touchdowns, both of which rank second on the team.

MATT AUSTIN, WIDE RECEIVER

Austin was off scholarship and working for a car dealership detailing vehicles last spring, waiting for a ruling from the NCAA. He was granted a sixth year of eligibility — he missed most of two seasons with injury — and has taken advantage this season.

He has 42 catches for 652 yards and five touchdowns. His 15.5-yard average per catch leads the team.

He caught two game-winning TD passes last year.

“I try to provide a lot of leadership — that comes first,” he said. “Going from there, I make big plays sometimes.”

Austin trails running back Kerwynn Williams by one catch for the season receiving title. They’re friends — and now rivals.

“It’s still on the line,” Austin said. “I’m pushing to be the leading receiver. That’s the goal.”