San Diego State is accustomed to playing with confidence, although six losses in nine games this season may have allowed some doubt to creep into the collective consciousness.
That’s why this week SDSU linebacker Zyrus Fiaseu was saying the Aztecs need to “play like we have some swagger to us” on Saturday when SDSU (3-6, 1-4 Mountain West) meets Colorado State (3-6, 1-4).
SDSU is a 3 1/2-point underdog against the Rams. Kickoff is 4 p.m. PT (CBS Sports Network) at Canvas Stadium.
Here are five things to watch:
1. Aztecs offense
SDSU needed overtime in last week’s 32-24 loss to Utah State in order to get the touchdown that boosted the Aztecs’ scoring average over 20 points a game this season.
SDSU’s offense still ranks 113th in the country (20.1 ppg) out of 133 FBS schools.
There is little room for error offensively and one thing or another has prevented the Aztecs from being more productive.
SDSU’s offensive line, which could be missing starting left guard Cade Bennett (concussion), often has not been protective enough to keep quarterback Jalen Mayden (148-for-239, 1,597 yards, 9 TDs/7 INTs passing/92 carries, 395 yards, 3 TDs rushing) from being harassed.
SDSU coach Brady Hoke noted five dropped passes by receivers against Utah State.
On another occasion, Mayden overthrew tight end Mark Redman in the end zone for a potential game-winning touchdown.
Mayden is the leading rusher in a running game that has not been as productive as desired, ranking 83rd in the country with 144.1 yards a game.
Offense is in there somewhere. The Aztecs scored 41 points against Hawaii (including a defensive TD) and 31 against Boise State; it’s a matter of bringing it out.
2. Colorado State’s QB
Stopping Colorado State’s offense begins with getting to redshirt freshman quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi (234-for-372, 2,696 yards, 18 TDs/13 INTs), who ranks ninth in the nation with 300 yards passing a game.
“We just have to put pressure on him,” said Fiaseu , adding, “If we don’t apply pressure to him, he’s just going to sit back there and have a field day. But with us, everyone knows we like to lay it to everyone. Everyone knows that we go hard and we’re going to bring something. For us, we just have to make sure that he feels our presence.”
Pressure can force Fowler-Nicolosi into making mistakes. He has thrown 13 of the Rams’ nation-leading 15 interceptions.
Failing to get to Fowler-Nicolosi could be costly because Colorado State has five players with at least 20 receptions, led by senior wide receiver Tory Horton (77 catches, 848 yards, 6 TDs) and junior tight end Dallin Holker (51 catches, 653 yards, 6 TDs).
3. In a rush?
SDSU redshirt freshman running back Lucky Sutton (Cathedral Catholic High School) opened some eyes with two touchdown runs in a midseason game at Hawaii.
Sutton had a career-high 86 yards last week against Utah State, most of it on a 62-yard gallop.
How Sutton builds on those moments remains to be seen after suffering an injury that resulted in him wearing a right knee brace this week in practice.
At least the Aztecs have others to share the rushing load.
Perhaps the biggest deficiency this season for Colorado State has been a ground game producing 71.8 yards a game, which ranks 128th in the nation.
Sophomore Vann Schield (74 carries, 321 yards, 3 TDs) is the Rams’ most productive running back.
4. Defensive pressure
Fiaseu has emerged as SDSU’s top defender. He leads the team in tackles (57), sacks (5), tackles for loss (10 1/2) and forced fumbles (3) and fumble recoveries (2).
If only Fiaseu could get some of that productivity to rub off on SDSU’s defensive line.
The Aztecs knew it would be a challenge replacing all three of their starters up front.
The dropoff has been more significant than expected. Junior transfer Tupu Alualu leads the defensive line with three sacks. The remaining linemen have combined for four sacks..
Meanwhile, Colorado State graduate senior defensive lineman Mohamed Kamara by himself has amassed 10 1/2 sacks, which ranks fourth in the nation.
5. What a win means
A victory is essential if SDSU is to keep alive its hopes of reaching six victories and extending its school-record bowl eligibility streak to 14 years.
A loss, which would be the Aztecs’ seventh of the season, would guarantee the program’s first losing season since going 4-8 in 2009.
