By Keith Antigiovanni
The San Diego State University (SDSU) Aztecs start conference play this Friday when the Boise State Broncos, a perennial Mountain West Conference (MWC) power, visit Snapdragon Stadium. The Aztecs have thus far played to the level of the competition winning two games over teams they were favored over (Idaho State, Ohio) then dropped its past two games against PAC-12 opponents, UCLA and Oregon State in convincing fashion.
Now that the non-conference schedule is out of the way the Aztecs can focus on winning the Mountain West this season as they face conference opponents in eight of the next nine weeks with one week being a bye. Boise State (1-2) comes in after winning their first game of the season against North Dakota State, 42-16.
For the Aztecs to make the necessary leap this week quarterback Jalen Mayden must be more efficient as a passer. He is has completed 70 of 116 passes (60%) this year for 701 yards but only 3 touchdown passes and 4 interceptions. If the previous week is any indication Mayden’s play is in the right direction after his 20 of 32, 256- yard performance. He has also had a strong performance as a rusher with 193 yards on 40 carries and 2 touchdowns. Mark Redman, the Senior tight end leads the team in receiving wit 16 receptions for 179 yards and 2 touchdowns but currently only one other receiver has over 100 yards, wide receiver Mehki Shaw (9 catches, 104 yards and 1 touchdown).
The defense has collected 8 interceptions with Senior cornerback Cedarious Barfield leading the team with 3 and Tupu Alualu is the team leader in sacks (3), overall the team has 7 sacks.
Since 2011 when Boise State joined the MWC and Rocky Long became Head Coach of SDSU both clubs have been two of the top teams in the conference. Remarkably in 10 MWC Championship games, the two programs have combined for 9 appearances (Boise State-6, SDSU-3) but never met in a championship game.
In 2012 the Broncos and Aztecs finished tied for the MWC championship then when the MWC Championship game was instituted in the 2013 season both started their run of success. Boise State made the conference championship game in 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, winning (2014, 2017, 2019) while SDSU made it in 2015, 2016 and 2021, winning twice (2015, 2016). Overall, the two programs are tied 4-4 in head-to-head results with the Broncos winning the most recent meeting, 35-13 in 2022.
Image Credit: Canva
