San Diego State at Air Force: 3 things to look for, and more
3 THINGS TO WATCH
1. Air Force's quarterback
Sophomore quarterback Tim Jefferson sprained his right ankle last Saturday on the Falcons’ second possession against New Mexico. He did not return and left Albuquerque wearing a protective boot on his right foot. Asked Tuesday if there was a good chance Jefferson would play today against San Diego State, coach Troy Calhoun said, “Yes.” But Jefferson was limited in practice early in the week. Backup Connor Dietz, who was solid in relief against the Lobos, spent most of his time with the first-team offense in this week’s practices. He will fill in if Jefferson is limited or unable to play.
2. San Diego State WR Vincent Brown
The 6-foot, 180-pound junior, who Calhoun called “a guy who’s going to be a first-day (NFL) draft pick,” ranks second in the country in receiving yards per game (141.3) and seventh in receptions per game (8.0). He has caught a touchdown pass in each game and has compiled more than 100 yards receiving in four straight games, dating to last season. “They do a good job of getting him in alignments where he has a chance to catch the ball more frequently,” Calhoun said. “The danger that he has — at least from when you look at it from a defensive perspective — is what he can do after he catches a ball. It’s one of those you just hold your breath and say, ‘Get him down.’ He is explosive.”
3. The Rocky Long effect
After 11 seasons as New Mexico’s coach, Rocky Long resigned at the end of the 2008 campaign. He was hired by first-year San Diego State coach Brady Hoke to be the Aztecs’ defensive coordinator, and he inherited a unit that ranked 113th of 119 Football Bowl Subdivision schools in total defense last season, giving up 460.8 yards per game. Long brought the unique 3-3-5 defense (three linemen, three linebackers, five defensive backs) that he employed at New Mexico to San Diego State. Through three games the Aztecs rank 60th in total defense, giving up 339 yards per game. Long’s New Mexico defense gave the Falcons fits last season, limiting them to 228 yards, 113.5 below their season average.
KEY MATCHUP
Air Force’s rushing attack vs. San Diego State’s defense
In its past two meetings with San Diego State, both victories, Air Force has rolled up 90 points and 1,143 yards of offense — including 970 on the ground. The Falcons lead the nation in rushing yards with 344.2 per game. But San Diego State has improved somewhat against the run. The Aztecs rank 66th in rushing defense through three games. That is a big improvement from last season, when the Aztecs ranked second-to-last in rushing defense.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“I’m still trying to take one to the house, though, man. That’s what I’m shooting for. It’s been so long, so I’m trying to be the one who takes it back. I think I’m getting really close. It’s going to come.”
Reggie Rembert — Air Force junior cornerback/kick returner. The Falcons have not returned a punt for a touchdown since 1998 and have not taken a kickoff back for a touchdown since 1985.
NOTE TO QUOTE
In 13 meetings between Air Force and San Diego State since 1994, the team that has committed more turnovers is 0-11. There were two games in which turnovers were equal.
NUMERICALLY SPEAKING
9: Consecutive road losses suffered by San Diego State. The Aztecs have not won on the road since late in 2007.
33:59: Air Force’s average time of possession in its first three games, third in the country.
67: Turnovers Air Force has forced in 29 games under Troy Calhoun. The Falcons are plus-30 in turnover margin during that span.
