For the record: The Aztecs (3-2) are coming off a 24-21 loss at Brigham Young in their Mountain West Conference opener. They have defeated Nicholls State (47-0), New Mexico State (41-21) and Utah State (41-7) and also lost to Missouri (27-24).
Streaking: Vincent Brown, a senior wide receiver, has 11 catches for 278 yards and three touchdowns in the Aztecs’ last two games.
Who’s hot: Junior quarterback Ryan Lindley has six TD passes in his last two games. He passed for 220 yards and three TDs against BYU and has three 300-yard games this season.
Who’s not: San Diego State’s defense ranked 16th nationally against the run going into the BYU game. The Cougars weren’t impressed. They rushed for 271 yards and three touchdowns on 62 carries.
Key stat: DeMarco Sampson, a senior wideout, made the 100th reception of his career in the BYU game. For the season, he has 23 catches for 420 yards and two touchdowns.
FYI: After the 2008 season, the Aztecs ranked 113th nationally in total defense. They have improved this year to 31st, and are 17th in scoring defense (allowing 15.8 points per game).
Irv Moss, The Denver Post
