Preview SDSU @ CSU 10/24/09

San Diego State 2-4 (0-2), coming off a 28-38 loss to No.18 BYU in San Diego, travels to Fort Collins to face the Colorado State Rams 3-4 (0-3).

After starting off strong at 3-0, the Rams have lost 4 straight after facing a very tough stretch of games.  CSU has lost to 3 ranked teams and one receiving votes on the current streak, No. 16 BYU, Idaho, No. 19 Utah, and No. 10 TCU, whom  are a combined 23-3 (.885). During the losing streak, they were dominated offensively by BYU and TCU, although keeping TCU's offense quiet for most of the first half. They played very tight games with Idaho and Utah, but blowing a 20-7 lead against Idaho.

They had 3 INTs against Utah, and a strong secondary will be key to stopping San Diego State's offense. CSU's offense only managed 182 yards of total offense against TCU, but have put up huge offense numbers in every other game. They have rushed for over 100 yards in 4 games, led by RB Leonard Mason, and they should have another good rushing night against SDSU.

The Aztecs once again have started their season off slow, beating only FCS Southern Utah and New Mexico State. They have played teams much tougher this year, thanks to a first year coaching staff led by head coach Brady Hoke. They still have failed to establish must of a rushing attack, but freshman Walter Kazee seems to have taken over as the starting RB. SDSU's passing attack is led by sophomore QB Ryan Lindley and junior WR Vincent Brown who is #3 in the nation in receiving yards.

BYU's secondary struggled against the passing game, CSU will have to game plan their defense around it. Although the Aztecs usually struggle on the road, they have won two straight over CSU at Fort Collins, the Rams last win coming in 2003.

SDSU leads the all-time series 15-13.