San Diego State @ CSU
The win last weekend for the Rams over Air Force could go further than just the plus-one in the ‘W’ category. But that is to be determined this week as they take on the West Division leaders San Diego St.
The Aztecs have not yet lost a conference tilt, but then again, the level of competition up to this point has been suspect (ahem, Hawaii and Fresno State). CSU and SDSU share one common opponent thus far—Utah State. The Aztecs whipped the Aggies last week by a score of 48-14, whereas the Rams were beaten soundly, 33-18. Disclaimer: The Rams looked to have improved since that game that took place almost a month ago.
San Diego State running back Donnel Pumphrey must have seen a ghost a week early when he racked up 181 yards and two touchdowns over Utah State, a team that sported the sixth-ranked rush defense in the nation. They aren’t ranked sixth anymore.
Don’t completely discount the CSU rush defense though. Last weekend they limited a nearly running-exclusive Falcon offense to well below their season average of 320 yards. If the defense is anything but completely atrocious, they may give the Rams a chance, especially considering the emergence of quarterback Nick Stevens. The sophomore ranks second in the Mountain West with 13 touchdown passes, and sits at third for passing yards (1,486) and completion percentage (60.2).
Even if you chalk this game up as a loss for the Rams, they can still go bowling come December. They just need to win three of their last five games, and excluding San Diego State, those teams have a combined record of 9-22 overall.
