Air Force Football: Aztecs feeling bit bloodied

With his team decimated by injuries for the second time in three seasons, San Diego State coach Chuck Long is asking, "Why us?"

Literally.

"It's gotten to the point where I'm actually doing a study on it," Long said Tuesday. "Is there something we're not doing or we are doing? I have our doctors, our trainers, our strength and conditioning staff on it as we speak. It's gotten a little bit out of hand here."

San Diego State, which plays host to Air Force at 7:30 Saturday night, has 15 players on its injured list. Seven of those 15 were starters or were expected to be starters at the beginning of the season.

The Aztecs' defensive front has been most affected by the injuries. Six linemen currently are out - three for the year.

The injuries have contributed to the Aztecs' 1-4 start, which includes a loss to Division I-AA Cal Poly in their season opener and a 41-7 loss to TCU last weekend.

"I get a kick out of head coaches (in) postgame interviews on ESPN talking about losing the one guy or the two guys that affected their football team," Long said. "Try losing 15."

Long said the injuries have forced him to use some players who he had wanted to redshirt. It also has affected his game-planning because he often does not know early in a week who will be available. Promising freshman quarterback Ryan Lindley is on that list after suffering a slight separation of his throwing shoulder against TCU. Long said Lindley is day-to-day.

Still, Air Force coach Troy Calhoun considers San Diego State dangerous based on its near upset of Notre Dame this season, the Falcons' recent history in San Diego (two straight losses) and the Aztecs' talent level.

"As a coach, you always look at capability," Calhoun said. "And with them you see a significant amount."

Unfortunately for Long, some of his most capable are in casts and slings.

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Contact the Writer: 636-0365 or jake.schaller@gazette.com. Check out our Air Force blog at gazetteafasports.freedomblogging.com