SDSU @ Nevada: San Diego State Heads to Reno
Nevada defensive back Nigel Haikins (23) breaks up a second quarter pass to San Diego State wide receiver Lloyd Mills (82) during an NCAA college football game in Reno, Nev., Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014. (AP Photo/Lance Iversen)
San Diego State Aztecs (8-1, 5-0) @ Nevada Wolf Pack (3-6, 1-4)
Saturday November 12 at 7:30 P.M. PST on CBSSN
Mackay Stadium, Reno, Nevada
The Aztecs wrapped up the Mountain West conference last weekend against Hawai’i as they annihilated them 55-0.
They will represent the West Division for a league title for the second straight season. But for now, they will start with game one of two straight road games.
The Aztecs are riding high this week coming off of such a huge home win, and will look to keep rolling in the Mountain West as they head into Nevada. The Wolfpack has struggled mightily this season and are coming off of their third straight loss in which they fell short of a comeback effort.
What to Watch For
Pumphrey to the Top Three
If D.J. Pumphrey can put up 230 rushing yards in Nevada, he will surpass both DeAngelo Williams (6,026) and Tony Dorsett (6,082), and move into third overall on the NCAA All-Time Rushing list. As of now, with five games remaining, he will need to accumulate at least 110 yards in each of the next five games. We’ve all seen what number 19 is capable of and know that he will have little to no challenge doing so. But if he can rush for at least 230 yards in this next matchup, he will cut that needed average down to 78.5 yards per game. This would take a huge amount of pressure off of his shoulders and help him be able to push that overall yardage record beyond being able to be surpassed for the next few years.
Pushing the Scoring Margin
SDSU has the third overall highest win margin in Mountain West history. They stand solely behind the 2009 and 2010 TCU teams, who averaged +32.38 and +33.38 respectively. SDSU is averaging +30.80 and can hopefully push that limit higher with two or three more blowout wins.
Do Not Sleep on this DefenseÂ
State has allowed only 26 points over their last five games. That’s just over five points per game. That’s including the 13 points given up to Utah State in a 40-13 blowout. In overall defensive statistics, SDSU is among the top teams in the nation. They rank in the top 20 (out of 128) in all defensive stats, and inside the top 10 in six separate categories. The defense does not let any man go free and brutally punishes anyone who attempts to.
My Predictions
SDSU will storm into Nevada and hand the Wolf Pack their fourth straight loss. The offense will roll and Christian Chapman will throw for three more touchdowns. State will ride into Wyoming after taming the Wolf Pack 49-6. It will be an interesting one to watch, but not for those filling the seats in Mackay Stadium on Saturday night.
Bold Predictions
D.J. Pumphrey will rush for a monster 250 yards to put himself into the top three all-time rushers, and will also score three touchdowns. Christian Chapman will show he can really hang in this league and put up another three touchdowns with just over 150 yards passing. Damontae Kazee will acquire another pick-six and have his second touchdown in two games. Good times for Aztecs fans.
Derek is a 22-year-old out of Lemon Grove, California. A burning passion for San Diego sports led him to pursue an opportunity to write and share about what’s going on with the teams in America’s Finest City. A young and aspiring sports journalist looking to grow his knowledge and expand his experience at any opportunity.
My hope is the Aztecs don’t look ahead. Stay focused on Nevada. Hope Chapman has 150-200 yds passing and DJ is allowed to play, even after the game is out of hand. Let him pile up the yards, he deserves the record.