San Diego State’s running game has been virtually non-existent thefirst four games of the season. SDSU will receive a much-needed booston the offensive line this week as quick guard Jonathan Ingramreturns from injury. Ingram is a vital component of an offensivefront that has struggled in his absence.
Along with the return of Ingram, the Aztecs will also regain theservices of tight end Raleigh Fletcher. The freshman was injured inSDSU’s loss to Illinois and will help the Aztecs run their two tightend sets more effectively.
Key Matchup: Larry Ned vs. Wyoming’s front seven.
The return of Ingram will greatly help Ned’s production. For thefirst time all season, there will be holes for him to run through.Look for Ned to get his first 100-yard game of the season.
Advantage: SDSU
When the Aztecs pass
Lon Sheriff will try to turn around SDSU’s horrendous startagainst a Cowboys defense that allowed 45 points to a mediocre NewMexico team. One of Sheriff’s big problems thus far has been hisinability to react to the blitz. Sheriff and his wide receivers haveto get on the same page if the Aztecs have any chance of competing inthe Mountain West Conference.
Against Wyoming, Sheriff will receive some much-welcomedprotection with the return of Ingram and Fletcher on the offensivefront. This protection will allow Sheriff to show what he can reallydo. In an effort to help the sophomore regain his focus on football,head coach Ted Tollner has kept Sheriff away from the media for thepast two weeks. Whether or not this focus has returned will becomeapparent Saturday.
Key Matchup: SDSU’s offensive line vs. Cowboys defensive line.
Two things have to happen for the Aztecs to have success passingthe ball. First, their offensive line must do a better job in pickingup the blitz this week than they did against Oregon State. Second,the wide receivers need to make some plays. One of these won’thappen.
At least one.
Advantage: Wyoming
When the Cowboys pass
Wyoming’s most dangerous weapon is its star quarterback JayStoner. The senior is looking to bounce back from a sub-parperformance last weekend against New Mexico. Stoner was sacked fivetimes and threw an interception that led to the first Lobos touchdownof the game.
Despite the 45-10 loss, Stoner was rather efficient. He completed17 of 26 passes for 209 yards.
Against SDSU, Stoner will look to exploit cornerback Donte Gamble.It has been a year of feast or famine for the Aztecs cornerback. Onone hand, he leads the team in pass breakups and has forced threeturnovers. On the other, he has also been beaten a number of times,most recently against Oregon State.
Key Matchup: Stoner vs. Brian Russell
The quarterback of the offense will go up against a quarterback ofthe defense. As a safety, Russell will have the dubious task ofcalling the plays to stop Stoner. If the Aztecs can blitz effectivelyand the corners hold their ground, Stoner might have some problemsthrowing the football.
Advantage: SDSU
When the Cowboys run
Two weeks ago, Wyoming running back Nate Scott was named the MWCOffensive Player of the Week following his dominating performanceagainst Central Michigan. The junior rushed for 192 yards, averagingan astronomical 9.6 yards per carry. Last week against New Mexico,Scott continued to make the most out of each time he touched theball, averaging 8.3 yards per carry.
Scott will face an Aztecs run defense that is rested, but one thatgave up 153 yards rushing in its last outing.
Key Matchup: Cowboys offensive line vs. SDSU’s linebackers
It will be up to the linebacking corps to stunt and plug therunning holes. Scott has the ability to change the course of the gamewith one run. It will be up to the linebackers to fill their gaps andmake tackles, preventing the big play. If they don’t, the Aztecs willbe Scott’s latest victim.
Advantage: Wyoming
— Compiled by Jared Quient
