The Air Force Falcons (2-1, 1-0) take on the San Diego State Aztecs (1-2, 0-0) as the Falcons look to go 2-0 in conference play. Air Force is the number one rushing team in the nation with 344.3 yards a game. San Diego State looks to get their first road win in the last 10 tries.
San Diego QB Ryan Lindley and the pass have been the SDSU offense this year as the running game is only averaging 81 yards a game. He has tossed for 725 yards and 5 touchdowns. Lindley's favorite target and rising star WR Vincent Brown is already nearing his last season totals in touchdowns and yardage. Brown leads the conference in yards per game with 141.3, his next closest competitor is at 96 yards. The offensive line is getting good pass protection as they have given up only one sack all year.
On defense they have had issues stopping the run, an obvious problem going in to a game against Air Force at Falcon Stadium. They are giving up 135 yards per game on the ground, don't expect that number to get any lower this weekend.
For the Falcons the big question is the health status of QB Tim Jefferson who sprained his ankle. Air Force has given no helpful update on Jefferson but I wouldn't expect to see him out there at 100%. Look for sophomore Connor Dietz to take some or all of the snaps. In a backup role this year he has looked good with 106 rushing yards and 2-4 passing with a touchdown. He lead them to five scoring drives, could have been seven except for two missed field goals, against the New Mexico Lobos defense.
On defense the Falcons will have to do all they can to contain Brown and force Lindley into making mistakes. Last week they created five turnovers; two fumbles, two interceptions, and one turnover on downs.
Look for Air Force to win big again against a bottom team of the MWC. For SDSU to have a chance they will need Lindley to stay smart with the ball and have RB Brandon Sullivan find some holes to keep from being one-dimensional on offense.