GAME INFORMATION

Date: Saturday, October 11

Location: Mackay Stadium, Reno, Nevada

Kickoff: 7:30 PM PT

TV: CBS SPORTS NETWORK

Aztecs Radio Network: San Diego Sports 760

On the road again for Lewis and his 4-1 Aztecs. They make their third road trip of the season and are currently 1-1 in away stadiums.

This contest kicks off a two-game road trip with a bye sandwiched in between and a flight to Fresno. A win here would keep them undefeated in conference play and give them a winning record on the road.

“We got some business to tend to on the road this week, and I’m excited for that opportunity against a really good UNR team. Don’t get it twisted. The record does not indicate or show how talented they are. They’re hitting their stride,” Lewis excitedly said of this week’s matchup. “You know, they made a quarterback change, and you can tell that he’s [quarterback Carter Jones] got some, some play-making ability. They’ve used him before, and in some different sets. You know, they won the second half of their game, and have momentum, and they’re going back home, and they have not been home in a while. So, we need to roll our sleeves up and be humble enough to know how hard it is to win in this day and age of college football and winning in general. I know they’re going to be prepared and they’re going to be a physical team, and they do things the right way, and have tremendous respect for Coach Choate and his staff and how they go about it.”

The Wolfpack is sitting at 1-4, but is trending upward despite its record. Last week’s loss to Fresno State saw true freshman quarterback Carter Jones play the entire second half and put up promising numbers as he completed 11 of 15 passes for 121 yards and two touchdowns. The change at quarterback play seems to have rejuvenated the team.

On defense, the strength is their defensive lineman. Dylan Labarbera, Logologo Va’a, and Jonathan Maldonado are a wrecking crew for opposing quarterbacks. Their defense is disruptive and takes advantage of mistakes, as they have four interceptions and one fumble recovery so far this season. That success is a result of them getting after the quarterback, as they have sacked opposing passers 13 times.

This matchup will be won in the trenches as SDSU’s O-line will be tested early and often. On defense, the Red and Black will have to get after this young quarterback, apply pressure all night long, and take advantage of any errant passes he may throw. 

The last time these two teams faced off was during the 2023 season as the Wolfpack made the trip to San Diego. The game was a ground-and-pound defensive slugfest as neither team’s offense threw for more than 100 yards. Nevada came out victorious 6-0.

Keys To The Game

• Protect Jayden Denegal

This game will be a good test for the Aztecs’ offensive line. This front on defense can get after the quarterback, and if they allow them to continue to do so this week, Denegal could be in trouble.

SDSU is undefeated this season when Denegal is sacked one time or less. The key to the success of this offense is built upon the running game slowing down the rush and setting up the pass.

If the offensive line can play explosive out of the gates and keep the Wolfpack defensive line on their heels, they can set up the offense big time for the remainder of the game, but the tone will have to be set early.

The only game Denegal was sacked multiple times (3) was the road loss to Washington State, which was the first game he was sacked in after the team’s huge shutout victory during the home opener against Stony Brook.

Nevada’s 13 sacks are tied for first among Mountain West teams with Hawaii and SDSU.

“What I’ve seen so far is definitely very physical up front. Obviously, they want to stop the run. They want to get to the passers,” senior LT Christian Jones said of the Wolfpack’s defensive line. “It’s going to be a good opportunity for our O-line to showcase what we’ve got. They’re going to be coming after us, and we’re going to be coming after them, so it’s a good opportunity.”  

Jones has been a rock on the offensive line and hopes to continue his success this week.

• Pressure Jones All Game

San Diego State has five players with multiple sacks: August Salvati, Trey White, Ryan Henderson, Niles King, and Owen Chambliss. 

SDSU’s key to success on defense this week will be getting after Jones. He is a young quarterback and will be playing in his first game as a starter. They will need to apply pressure early and often to prevent him from being comfortable in the pocket. 

Rob Aurich needs to mix up the blitz packages and pressures his defense will bring on the field Saturday. If he can get to the quarterback, it will create opportunities for the secondary to make plays on the football and hopefully intercept Jones.

Chris Johnson has had a stellar year for the Aztecs and made some huge plays, including his 97-yard pick-six against Cal. He is the number one rated corner in the nation according to Pro Football Focus with a rating of 90.4. 

This formula of pressuring the quarterback while playing tight physical coverage in the secondary can allow the Red and Black to potentially win the turnover battle, which will give them a solid chance at controlling the game and getting another road win.

Players To Watch

• Carter Jones 

Coming out of high school, Jones was a three-star quarterback from Lancaster, Texas. Before committing to Nevada, Jones had offers from many schools, including two other Mountain West teams, Colorado State and Wyoming. 

After getting his time to shine against Fresno State, he took full advantage and made the plays he needed to make to impress his coach.

“He was very poised, and I think that was the thing that impressed me the most,” said Nevada head coach Jeff Choate following the loss. “We know what his talent level is, but he didn’t change his demeanor during the fact that he was in the game, and that situation didn’t impact him at all.”

Jones will have a whole week of prep as the starter, followed by a home game against the Aztecs. He will face a tough defense and be tested early.

As with the quarterback position in football, this game will be a major test for him and will be won or lost depending on his performance. He is sure to see exotic blitz packages and all-out pressure from the Red and Black, and as all the Aztec defenders will have their eyes on Jones, so should the viewers at the stadium and watching from home.

• Jonathan Maldonado

As emphasized earlier, the Aztec offense will need to keep this defense on its heels and create opportunities in the pass game. 

If there’s one player who can be deemed the most disruptive on the Wolf Pack defense, that’s Maldonado. Just like the EDGE position is the cornerstone of Aurich’s defense, the EDGE plays a key role for the Wolf Pack, and Maldonado is a disruptive force.

Through five games, he has 20 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and an interception. 

Denegal has to make sure he keeps an eye out for where #9 is and be sure his offensive line protection is set to allow him as much time as possible to step up in the pocket and complete his throw. 

With a player like Maldonado running right at him with Lucky Sutton and throwing quick screens his way would allow the Aztecs to slow up his rush, but beware of his ability to make plays in coverage as well.

Johnny Olivieri

Johnny is born and raised in San Diego and a diehard fan of all his hometown teams. He is an avid collector of sports memorabilia that help paint a picture of the history of sports in San Diego. He spends a lot of his time attending sports games across San Diego county and enjoys studying the history and spreading knowledge of San Diego’s diverse sports.