San Diego State (3-1) will look to continue its strong start when it hosts Colorado State (1-3) in a late-night Mountain West clash. The Aztecs are 6.5-point favorites in a game featuring a low over/under of 41.5, suggesting a defensive grind between two inconsistent offenses.
While both teams enter with questions on offense, San Diego State’s elite defense has been the difference in its 3-1 start. The Aztecs are coming off a 6-3 win over Northern Illinois, where the defense dominated and the offense did just enough to escape with a win.
Quarterback Jayden Denegal went 13-for-20 for 110 yards but threw two interceptions. Running back Lucky Sutton carried the load with 88 yards on 17 carries, and receiver Jordan Napier caught six passes for 52 yards.
San Diego State Aztecs (3-1)
Offense
- 316 yards per game (120th in FBS)
- Passing: 168.3 YPG (112th)
- Rushing: 148.3 YPG (84th)
- Scoring: 23.8 PPG (94th)
- 3rd Down Conversion: 33.3% (114th in FBS)
Defense
- Total Defense: 239.8 YPG allowed (12th)
- Passing: 146 YPG (13th)
- Rushing: 93.8 YPG (25th)
- Scoring: 9.8 PPG allowed (6th)
Strengths
- Ranked 1st in red zone offense (100% scoring)
- Tough, physical defensive front
- Balanced rushing attack
Concerns
- Offensive efficiency remains low
- Denegal has thrown just 3 TDs with 2 INTs
- Poor third-down conversion rate
Colorado State Rams (1-3)
The Rams from Fort Collins are coming off a 20-3 loss to Washington State in which backup quarterback Jackson Brousseau threw for 188 yards on 19-of-28 attempts. Starter Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi has struggled this season with a 53.7% completion rate, one touchdown, and two interceptions. CSU's offense has lacked consistency and explosion all year.
Offense
- 344.3 YPG (102nd in FBS)
- Passing: 190.8 YPG (73rd)
- Rushing: 153.5 YPG (73rd)
- Scoring: 15.3 PPG (131st)
Defense
- Total: 356 YPG allowed (65th
- Passing: 187 YPG (46th)
- Rushing: 169 YPG (107th)
- Scoring: 23.0 PPG (64th)
Weaknesses
- Red zone defense ranks 121st (opponents score every trip)
- 117th in penalty yards (72.3 YPG)
- Inconsistent quarterback play
- Just 1 touchdown through the air this season
Key Matchups & Factors
- SDSU’s rushing attack vs. Colorado State’s weak run defense (169 YPG allowed)
- Aztecs’ red zone efficiency (1st nationally) vs. Rams' red zone defense (121st)
- Penalties: Colorado State ranks among the worst in discipline
- Field position and turnovers could define the game due to both offenses' inconsistency
What to look for on Friday night?
If SDSU can avoid turnovers and continue to dominate defensively, they should control this game. Colorado State's inability to score consistently or get red zone stops makes this a tough road test. With a strong run game and elite red zone execution, the Aztecs are in a solid position to move to 4-1 before facing Nevada next week. Meanwhile, the Rams will need a near-perfect performance to snap their skid before hosting Fresno State.
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