San Diego State Will Win If They Do This…
The Aztecs and Cougars come limping into this Halloween matchup against each other. Both teams have had struggles at quarterback and both feature redshirt freshman in their matchup today.
In addition, both teams will also have played 9 straight games without a bye week after this game is decided. That is a lot of games without a physical or mental break in all the demands and action required in college football.
SDSU has had to deal with injuries, regression, and health issues. WSU is just trying to get through year one of the Kirby Moore era. SDSU has almost impossible odds to earn bowl eligibility—but a win today is necessary. The Cougars are looking to find out which players are good enough to make next year’s roster.
Here are 3 keys for each team come away with a win.
1. Keep the Offense Rolling
SDSU exploded for 49 points and 565 yards of offense against Colorado State, including 369 passing yards from redshirt freshman Stone Saunders in his first collegiate start. Jaylon Hawkins also had 164 receiving yards, while Lucky Sutton and Javion Kinnard combined for four rushing touchdowns.
2. Win the Turnover Battle
Washington State has struggled to protect the football, entering this matchup with a minus-eight turnover margin, one of the worst marks in the country. SDSU can turn that weakness into a major advantage.
3. Take Advantage of Snapdragon Stadium
The Aztecs are 9-1 at home over the past two seasons, and they return to San Diego after consecutive road games. Meanwhile, Washington State has lost five straight and is still searching for its first conference win.
Washington State Will Win If They Do This…
1. Exploit the SDSU Passing Defense
SDSU surrendered 56 points to Colorado State, and its pass defense has been a vulnerability this season. Washington State could take advantage if the Aztecs struggle to pressure the quarterback or leave receivers open downfield.
2. Make the Aztecs Offense One-Dimensional
The Aztecs have weapons in Lucky Sutton and Javion Kinnard, but they need to stay balanced. If Washington State loads the box and forces SDSU into predictable passing situations, the offense could struggle to sustain drives.
3. Eshelman Has the Game of His Life
Redshirt freshman Owen Eshelman is getting another start in his young career. After competing with Boise State last week for much of the game, Eshelman is showing how important he is in the running game as well. SDSU struggles against talented quarterbacks, if Eshelman has a game to prove his abilities it’s this one.
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