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That dream needs some help to become a reality, mainly that No. That, in turn, keeps SDSU in the hunt for an appearance in the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl, where the MW champion will be paired with a Pac-12 opponent.Ī victory also keeps alive the Aztecs’ outside shot an a NY6 bowl. More importantly, a victory would ensure that the Aztecs play in - and host - the 2021 Mountain West championship game on Dec. If not for a 21-point first quarter at Arizona, SDSU would be averaging only 3.7 points a game in the opening period.Īn SDSU victory would be its 11th of the season, tying a school record most recently realized during the 2015-16 seasons that included Mountain West championships. The second quarter has been the Broncos’ biggest (112 points).ĭon’t read too much into it if the Aztecs’ offense is sluggish at the start. SDSU’s defense had not allowed an opponent to score on its first possession this season before last week, when UNLV made a field goal.īoise State has done its best work offensively in the first half, scoring 207 of its 334 points before halftime. Which team acclimates itself the best should be evident early. simply isn’t part of their routine.īut it is what it is and both sides will make the best of it. Wake-up callīoth teams will tell you they are eager and excited to be playing a mid-morning game.Īthletes and coaches are creatures of habit and playing at 9 a.m. SDSU has limited turnovers to one or none in nine of 11 games. The defense has 17 takeaways (12 interceptions, 5 fumble recoveries) while the offense has 11 giveaways (5 interceptions, 6 fumbles lost). SDSU ranks tied for 21st in turnover margin at plus-7.
Their defense has 23 takeaways (13 interceptions, 10 fumble recoveries) while the offense has only 12 giveaways (7 interceptions, 5 fumbles lost). The Broncos are tied for fifth in the nation with a plus-11 turnover margin. Some of the success of Boise State and SDSU can be attributed to both teams being able to take the ball away substantially more often than they cough it up. Bellinger moved about unencumbered when practice opened this week.
Last week, Bellinger wore a boot on his right foot early in the week at practice, likely to protect his Achilles. Tight end Daniel Bellinger did not have any catches last week, but could be expected to get more targets against the Broncos. He needs 102 yards against the Broncos to get there. It also would give Bell a chance to reach 1,000 rushing yards this season. Johnson can’t go wrong looking for wide receiver Jesse Matthews (30 catches, 267 yards, 5 TDs), who had nine catches for 75 yards and three touchdowns against the Rebels.Ī big game from SDSU running back Greg Bell would take some of the pressure off Johnson. Remaining on target with his passes, running when the situation presents itself and continuing to make good, decisive choices will keep the offense pointed in the right direction. Quarterback Lucas Johnson had perhaps his most productive outing last week at UNLV, completing 18 of 24 passes (75 percent) for 192 yards with three touchdowns against one interception. SDSU’s offense has shown signs of progress in recent weeks, an encouraging sign coming into the biggest game of the season. Sophomore running back George Holani (99 carries, 499 yards, TD) has boosted the Broncos’ running game of late, rushing for more than 100 yards in three straight games. If Boise State can establish the running game, it will relieve some of the pressure on Bachmeier. He and Shakir are the biggest scoring threats in the receiving corps. The availability of junior wide receiver Stefan Cobbs (28 catches, 381 yards, 5 TDs), who has been sidelined the past two weeks with an injury, will be of interest. While the front seven attempts to get to Bachmeier, the back end of the SDSU defense would be wise to keep an eye on Boise State senior wide receiver Khalil Shakir (71 catches, 1,043 yards, 6 TDs), who is far and away the quarterback’s favorite target (no one else has more than 34 catches). SDSU defensive end Cameron Thomas, who leads the Aztecs with 9 1/2 sacks, is the leading candidate to introduce himself first to the QB. Letting Bachmeier know they’re there would benefit the Aztecs in this game.