The running game has been almost non-existent since the loss ofLarry Ned several weeks ago. In response, the passing game hasstepped up, as Dick Cheney said, “big time.” Lon Sheriff led anothercomeback on the road in his last game when San Diego State defeatedNew Mexico. The sophomore seems to be maturing game by game and has achance of developing into a formidable quarterback. His maturation isaided by the play of his speedy wide receivers.
Key Matchups: Aztecs offensive line vs. Falcons defensive line
The key for SDSU’s passing game is in the protection of itsquarterback. If Sheriff gets time to throw, he usually has success.This line has stayed away from injury the past few weeks, and isstarting to play together.
Advantage: Aztecs
When the Aztecs run
After being stifled in the first half against New Mexico, GarricSimmons began to find his way through the defense, and helped SDSUcome back in the 17-16 victory. He only amassed 88 yards, but waseffective in the fourth quarter, gaining 53 yards. James Truvillionsaid he’ll play, giving the Aztecs more speed at the position.
Key Matchup: Aztecs running backs vs. weather
With low temperatures certain and snow a possibility, the Aztecsmight have to run the ball often. How the SDSU backs handle theresponsibility might be the difference in the game.
Advantage: Falcons
When the Falcons pass
The key to the game might be in the number of passes Mike Thiessenthrows. If he has to throw 25 passes, Air Force will be out of itsgame plan. As seen by last week’s circus, though, that might not besuch a bad thing. The Falcons now turn to an SDSU secondary that hasfinally found a cornerback opposite Ricky Sharpe.
Former quarterback/former safety Brian Russell is now seeing timeat cornerback, and is helping to shore up the secondary.
Key Matchup: Thiessen vs. Sharpe
There’s a better chance that Sharpe will cause Thiessen to fumblethan of intercepting him. Thiessen will be running Sharpe’s wayoften, and we will find out the tackling ability of the youngcornerback.
Advantage: Aztecs
When the Falcons run
Air Force will run on first down often. Then they will run onsecond down often. If possible on third down, the Falcons will run.That pretty much sums it up. Last year against SDSU, backupquarterback Mike Thiessen ran all over the Aztecs. This time around,SDSU has a new look defense, but it’s a look that is stillsuccessful. Defensive coordinator Ken Delgado has picked up where hislegendary predecessor Claude Gilbert left off, as his unit rankssecond in the Mountain West Conference in run defense. How good theyare will be determined when they face Air Force’s conference-leadingrushing attack.
Key Matchup: Thiessen and fullbacks vs. Aztec linebackers
Strength against strength. Can SDSU stop the option quarterbackthis time around? Can the Aztecs then also stop fullback Nate Beardwho rushed for 149 yards last week? As solid as the run defense is,probably not.
Advantage: Aztecs
–Compiled by Jared Quient
