A team’s true character isn’t measured by how it handles success,but rather how it reacts in the face of adversity.

For the San Diego State football team, it is safe to say it fallsinto the category of the latter. After dropping a gut-wrenching 33-10loss to UCLA, the Aztecs will begin conference play on the road 12p.m. Saturday at Wyoming. The Cowboys are off to one of their beststarts in recent years, as they boast a 3-1 record heading intoSaturday’s matchup.

Being that Wyoming isn’t exactly considered hostile territory, anSDSU victory will come down to how it deals with its latest setback.

Despite the Cowboys’ 3-1 record, they haven’t been very efficienton offense and mediocre on defense, at best. Wyoming’s key to successhas been making crucial plays when it matters most.

Here’s a look at Saturday’s matchups:

When the Aztecs pass

Junior signal caller Matt Dlugolecki has put up solid numbers thusfar, but hasn’t been efficient with getting his team into the endzone. That could change against the Cowboys as they have relinquishedan average of 254 passing yards per game. But despite surrenderinghefty yardage through the air, Wyoming’s corners have been causingturnovers, snagging seven interceptions in just four games.Cornerback Terrance Butler leads the team with two picks.

Dlugolecki will have to be careful with some of his throws, andmust avoid throwing off his back leg. As long as the offensive lineholds and Dlugolecki makes the right progressions, the junior shouldhave multiple options to throw to. Look for junior wideout Jeff Webb,who has racked up two-straight 100-yard games to continue hishot-streak.

Advantage: Aztecs

When the Aztecs run

The Cowboys’ run-defense has been mediocre, as they have given upan average of 124 ypg. SDSU’s tandem of Michael Franklin and BrandonBornes didn’t get many carries last week because the Aztecs wereplaying from behind for the majority of the game.

If Wyoming puts up its usual performance defending the pass, therunning lanes should open up for both Franklin and Bornes.

Advantage: Aztecs

When the Cowboys pass

With the departure of Casey Bramlet to the Cincinnati Bengals, hisyounger brother Corey is now the Cowboys’ field general. So far, hehas not come close to shadowing Big Bramlet’s playing ability,averaging just 170 ypg. Wideout Jovon Bouknight will be Bramlet’smain target as he has hauled in 18 catches for 275 yards and twotouchdowns. Although SDSU’s corners have played well statistically,it has been very prone to getting beat deep.

If Wyoming is smart, it will utilize Bouknight on fly routesagainst the Aztec defensive backs. Otherwise, Bramlet should finishwith sub-par numbers through the air.

Advantage: Aztecs

When the Cowboys run

So far in 2004, Wyoming has been incorporating its quarterback inthe running game and it has worked surprisingly well.

Joseph Harris, who has 248 yards rushing, three touchdowns and hasaveraged 4.6 yards per carry, leads the way, but Bramlet is not farbehind. The Cowboy signal caller has compiled 200 yards on 42 carriesalong with a touchdown.

Last year, SDSU has little trouble with the run, and with itsspeedy linebacker corps still intact, Saturday should be nodifferent.

Advantage: Aztecs

– Kourosh Safavi