When quarterback Ryan Lindley ponders San Diego State football, he is thinking this year about what he considers the new Aztecs.
His team is 3-2 overall going into Saturday night’s game against 23rd-ranked Air Force (5-1, 3-0 Mountain West Conference) and each of the two losses has been by three points. In other words, a 27-24 setback to Missouri in nonconference play and a 24-21 loss to Brigham Young in the MWC, both on the road, conceivably could have gone the Aztecs’ way.
Lindley believes the upturn in performance in coach Brady Hoke’s second season has created a buzz on campus that should be evident in Saturday’s homecoming game.
“Air Force is solid all around,” Lindley said. “They’re methodical in their approach, but they have athletes who can make plays. They like to sit back and pound on your mistakes.”
Lindley can make plays too.
His 1,394 yards passing lead the MWC and he has thrown for nine touchdowns. He also leads the conference in total offense with 1,382 yards.
The big improvement in Lindley’s game this year is his decision-making and getting time in the pocket. The junior has just three interceptions in five games; a year ago he had nine interceptions through five games. As well, he has been sacked just two times this season.
This year, Lindley also has the help of a strong running game. Ronnie Hillman, a freshman, leads the MWC with 118.8 rushing yards per game.
Air Force presents a test for the Aztecs because the Falcons have won the past three games in the series. Falcons coach Troy Calhoun always has considered the Aztecs a dangerous opponent.
“They’ve always had great athletes in the program,” Calhoun said. “It’s a football program that should get eight victories every year.”
Calhoun predicts the 6-foot-4, 215-pound Lindley will be a high pick in the NFL draft in the next two years.
The key this year for the Air Force defense is to make the Aztecs’ offense one dimensional by limiting the running game. However, the Falcons surrendered 285 yards on the ground last week against Colorado State in a 49-27 victory.
“You make it hard on yourself if you give them that double-edged sword of a passing and a running game,” Air Force linebacker Jordan Waiwaiole said. “You want to eliminate one and preferably the running game and force them into passing situations.”
Forcing Lindley to pass isn’t a weakness for the Aztecs.
“We’re playing a lot better this year,” Lindley said, “but we still can play better.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
