Kelly Calligan, File Photo

Any football coach will tell you how difficult it is to win games when you commit more turnovers than your opponent.

This season, the difficulty has shown for the San Diego State football team, which has handed the ball over to its opponents 24 times while taking it away only 17 times.

“Turnovers have been frustrating for us this season,” head coach Chuck Long said. “There have been games (in which) we’ve had big yards, but turned the ball over. Last week was a prime example.”

Indeed, it was. Against New Mexico, SDSU netted 431 yards to the Lobos’ 301 and had a clear advantage in time of possession.

But the Aztecs committed four turnovers, including three interceptions thrown by junior quarterback Kevin O’Connell, and ended up getting blown out, 41-14.

“The turnovers, you can’t have those ever, and (throwing three interceptions) is something I won’t be doing again,” O’Connell said.

O’Connell will have to show it if the Aztecs – tied for second-to-last in the Mountain West Conference in turnover margin – are to win in their season finale against Colorado State at 5 p.m. on Saturday at Qualcomm Stadium.

But the Aztecs (2-9, 2-5 in Mountain West Conference play) may find some comfort knowing that the Rams (4-7, 1-6 MWC) are one of the teams they are sharing the bottom of the league with.

“It’s like looking in the mirror,” Long said.

Despite SDSU’s record this season, Long said the seniors that shouldn’t have a problem looking at themselves in the mirror.

“I told the seniors that I really appreciate their effort this year,” Long said. “It’s been a tough year for them because of our record and it being a transition year. It’s hard to learn everything in one year. I commended them on not only holding their poise, but playing hard throughout the year.”

While ending the season 3-9 as opposed to 2-10 may not seem like much of a difference, if the Aztecs win on Saturday against Colorado State, the victory will be unforgettable for senior defensive tackle Jonathan Bailes.

“You will always remember your senior season and, for me, I want to be able to win my last game,” Bailes said. “It would be a great feeling for us to sing the fight song one more time in the locker room for the seniors.”

Yes, even if SDSU is well out of the bowl picture. But that doesn’t mean the heart of the team will stop beating come Saturday.

“I told the seniors everyone has aspirations of the next level, but the odds are usually stacked against you,” Long said. “Sometimes it’s a three-year career at best. This may be the last football game most of the seniors will play, so make the most of it.

“To give the seniors a winning moment to finish their careers would mean a lot to me and the coaching staff.”