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The traveling San Diego State Aztecs (6-1, 3-0 MW) go to Logan, UT to face off against the Utah State State Aggies (3-4, 1-3 MW). San Diego State again looks dominant after defeating West division opponent San Jose State 42-3. The Mountain division looks superior and more competitive than the West, and the Aggies will put up a fight defending home turf.
Tack on the fact the Aggies are looking to avenge their defeat from last year’s heartbreaking loss at Qualcomm Stadium. The Aggies came off a high of beating Boise State only to be beaten and broken 42-14.
This time the Aggies are trending down. Their only conference victory came last week against the garbage fire of Fresno State. The better of the California schools, San Diego State, continues their Heisman tour and looks to bring more heartbreak to Logan. Here are the simplified keys to an Aztec victory.
Key to victory
Don't get sloppy
San Diego State must maintain their game plan. Run the ball, don’t turn it over, and if all else fails feed to Donnel Pumphrey. The Heisman-candidate is always on everyone’s radar, and with a strong offensive line that continues to dictate the tempo of the game, no one can shut Pumphrey down.
The Aggies will do their best to wreck the run game and force mistakes. It’s a tough task because the Aztecs backs have been so good in conference play and the Aztecs haven’t made mistakes. The team is +2 in turnovers in conference play.
Prediction
It continues to be unfair to line up Pumphrey and Rashaad Penny in the backfield against the Utah State linebackers. Even though Utah State has defense that gives up around 150 yards of rushing per game, SDSU seems like the right team, again, to take advantage of that stat.
San Diego State will struggle through the air through the game. Pumphrey runs the ball for 130 yards and 2 touchdowns and Penny catches one touchdown from the backfield. Kent Myers and Tonny Lindsey will keep the Aztecs honest, but the banged up Aztec defense will come through in the second half.
San Diego State 24, Utah State 20