Week 7 Previews MTN West
Fri., Oct. 15 @ 7:30 pm PT
San Diego State Aztecs at San José State Spartans
SERIES HISTORY
Friday marks the 45th meeting between San Diego State and San José State. SDSU leads the series, 22-20-2.
San Diego State streak of seven consecutive victories in the series was snapped last season in a 28-17 loss in Carson, California. The Aztecs are 7-1 in the last eight games played between the teams and 14-4 in the last 18 games.
The Aztecs have won the last four games played between the teams in San Jose.
In the last eight games in the series (San Diego State has won seven of those games), the Aztecs have outscored the Spartans, 256- 112, and have a 2,215-546 advantage in rushing yards.
San Diego State entered this game in 2018 with a lead in the series for the first time since owning a 2-1 advantage following the 1937 game. San José State went on to win the next 11 games played between the teams.
San Diego State has not trailed at any point of the game in five of the last seven meetings between the teams (exception: 2018 and 2020).
When SJSU took a lead in the first quarter of the 2018 game it marked the first time the Aztecs trailed in a game against the Spartans since SDSU took a 34-30 lead with 3:32 to play in the 2013 game. SDSU did not trail for 249:36 of game clock between the teams.
Against San José State, San Diego State has 16 100-yard rushing games and three 300-yard passing games.
In the 2017 meeting at San Jose, San Diego State rushed for a school-record 554 yards against the Spartans.
In the last nine meetings, San Diego State has produced nine 100-yard rushing efforts. In 2018, Rashaad Penny rushed 20 times for 234 yards and three touchdowns, while Juwan Washington added 16 carries for 134 yards and two touchdowns and Chase Jasmin had 14 carries for 82 yards and one score.
SDSU and SJSU met annually from 1968 to 1977, but went 18 years before the two former PCAA rivals renewed acquaintances in 1995 as members of the Western Athletic Conference.
San Diego State has outrushed San José State in 15 of the last 17 meetings.
San Diego State has rushed for 2,215 yards in the last eight games against San José State (276.9 yards per game). The Aztecs have averaged 5.5 yards per rush and have 26 rushing touchdowns in those games.
In the beginning of the series the Spartans dominated the Aztecs, going 12-0-1 in an early 13 game stretch from 1938-56. The men from Montezuma Mesa were shut out by SJSU in nine of those 13 meetings. Since then though, SDSU has posted a 16-6-1 record and has won 14 of the last 18 encounters.
Eleven of the last 15 games between the two schools have been especially lopsided (21 or more points) and have ended in favor of the Aztecs 10 times. The winning margin in the last 15 contests has been 20.7 points, despite the fact that three of the last nine games have been decided by four points or less.
San Diego State Aztecs
SCENE SETTER
Off to just its second 5-0 start in the last 46 seasons and looking to become bowl eligible for a 12th consecutive season, No. 24/24 San Diego State travels north to face defending Mountain West champion San José State in a Friday night game.
San Diego State is one of 13 undefeated teams in the nation (out of 130 FBS programs). Of the 13, the Aztecs are the only unbeaten team in the Mountain Wes and the only unbeaten program in the Pacific Time Zone.
The Aztecs have been dominant to date with three of their five victories coming by at least 18 points. San Diego State owns a season scoring margin of +95 (+19.0 ppg). Including only games against FBS opponents this season, the Aztecs are tied for 10th nationally in scoring margin.
The last time the Aztecs opened 5-0 and had a scoring margin of at least +95 was 1975 (+118).
San Diego State moves to No. 24 in the AP Top 25 Poll and makes its season debut in the coaches poll at No. 24. This matches the highest AP ranking for the Aztecs since a No. 19 position on Oct. 8, 2017. This is the 26th week SDSU has appeared in the AP poll in school history and the 12th appearance since the start of the 2016 campaign.
SDSU has made appearances in the AP Top 25 in four of the last six seasons (2016, 2017, 2019 and 2021) after experiencing a 341-poll drought (from Nov. 14, 1995 through Sept. 11, 2016).
San Diego State ranks among the top 20 teams nationally in 17 NCAA statistical categories. Most impressive is that all three areas – offense (6), defense (9) and special teams (2)- are represented. Listing only the major categories, on defense the Aztecs are 2nd in rushing defense (50.0), 2nd in tackles for loss (9.0), 6th in passing efficiency defense (105.76), 7th in total defense (270.4), 8th in sacks (3.60), 9th in red zone defense (66.7), 16th in scoring defense (16.6) and 19th in interceptions (7). On offense, the Aztecs are 10th in rushing offense (244.4), 11th in fewest interceptions (2), 17th in turnovers lost (5), 18th in sacks allowed (1.20) and 20th in time of possession (32:33). On special teams, SDSU is 2nd in blocked punts (3), 5th in net punting (44.76) and, according to ESPN efficiencies, the Aztecs special teams rank fourth nationally as a unit.
Junior punter/placekicker Matt Araiza continues to lead the nation in punting with a 54.1-yard average. Araiza not only leads the nation in punt average, he is also 3.08 yards ahead of NCAA record holder Braden Mann of Texas A&M set in 2018 at 50.98. Araiza’s current advantage over the record pace is wide enough that the Aztec junior could have consecutive 0-yard punts, he would be just under at 50.97 right now.
Junior defensive end Cameron Thomas has the sixth best defensive rating in the nation (per PFF) among players with 250 snaps. He has 11 quarterback hits (2nd nationally), and leads the team in tackles for loss (eight) and quarterback hurries (10).
Senior left tackle Zachary Thomas ranks 12th nationally among tackles in Pro Football Focus blocking grades. In 337 snaps this season, Thomas has allowed no sacks, no QB hits and has not committed a penalty
SAN DIEGO STATE GAME NOTES
San Diego State is one of just nine schools nationally that is ranked among the top 26 teams in both total offense and total defense. That list includes Baylor, Boston College, Cincinnati, Coastal Carolina, Georgia, Houston, Michigan, Michigan State and San Diego State.
San Diego State has won six straight “home games” and is 7-1 at its temporary home in Carson, California. Since Nov. 2, 2013, the Aztecs are 40-10 in home games, outscoring the opposition by 577 points (1,441-864) during that span. SDSU will open its new stadium in Mission Valley on Sept. 3, 3022 against Arizona.
On Saturday, San Diego State used its proven formula of powerful running game (203 rushing yards) and stout defense (allowed 193 total yards and yielded no offensive points) in a 31-7 victory over New Mexico at Dignity Health Sports Park. The Aztecs scored on their first drive of the game and cruised to their eighth straight victory in the series.
The Aztecs held the Lobos to 66 yards rushing and 193 total yards. It was the 27th straight game SDSU has held its opponent to less than 450 yards of total offense and the sixth straight game it has held its opponent to less than 100 yards rushing. Both streaks currently lead the nation.
San Diego State’s streak of five straight 200-yard rushing games is tied for the second-longest in the country, trailing only Coastal Carolina’s six-game streak. Other teams with five straight 200-yard rushing efforts are Army West Point and Oregon State.
Senior running back Greg Bell recorded his fourth 100-yard rushing game of the season (every game except Towson when he was injured on the second offensive series of the game). Despite missing essentially all of one game (he had two carries against the Tigers), he is 19th nationally in rushing averaging 104.0 yards per game. He now has eight 100-yard rushing games in his 12 games as an Aztec (nine career 100-yard rushing games) to tie for 12th place in school history (tied with Lynell Hamilton, Paul Hewitt and Wayne Pittman).
Senior quarterback Jordan Brookshire improved to 4-1 as a starter, going 11-of-24 for 130 yards, including 8-for-13 after the first quarter. In his first game back from injury, he became the first Aztec quarterback in nine years to rush for two touchdowns as he was credited with 45 yards rushing on five carries.
Defensively, San Diego State has been one of the top units nationally for the better part of a decade. In the 13 games in which Kurt Mattix has served as defensive coordinator (since the start of 2020 season) San Diego State ranks nationally second in rushing touchdowns allowed (5), second in yards per rush (2.7), third in rushing yards allowed per game (79.7), fourth in total defense (278.5), sixth in pass efficiency defense (111.0) and eighth in scoring defense (17.3)
SEASON REVIEW
San Diego State is coming off a 4-4 campaign, including a 4-2 record in Mountain West play. Despite having its winning seasons streak snapped at 10 (SDSU has now finished .500 or better in 11 straight seasons), the Aztecs posted their best league record since going 6-2 in Mountain West play in 2017.
San Diego State spent the 2020 campaign trying to integrate a new head coach (Brady Hoke), offensive coordinator (Jeff Hecklinski) and defensive coordinator (Kurt Mattix) during pandemic protocols. The pandemic made things particularly difficult as SDSU did not have a full pads spring practice when that was canceled, did not have the ability to work out in person during summer and had stringent protocols when fall practice started. Among the more challenging protocols in the fall were lineman that were socially distanced in drills (six feet apart, SDSU ran plays goal line-to-goal line) and footballs that had to be washed after any individual touched them.
Despite those circumstances, the Aztecs posted the aforementioned 4-2 conference record and owned a scoring margin of +79 in conference games. SDSU’s two losses came in very competitive games. Against San José State, SDSU held a fourth quarter lead but had turnovers on three consecutive possessions in a loss to the Spartans. Against Nevada, SDSU had first and goal on the Wolf Pack 6-yard line in the closing minutes of the game, but was unable to score.
Due to injuries in 2020, San Diego State was one of 17 schools in the nation to start at least three players at the quarterback position. Of those 17 teams, only six posted a record of .500 or better – Army West Point, Georgia, LSU, UTSA and Virginia were the others. As a group, those 17 schools posted a record of 54-97 (35.8 percent).
First-year defensive coordinator Kurt Mattix and the defense had a remarkable season. Once again, San Diego State ranked among the national leaders in every statistical category, including a school-record best third ranking in total defense (283.5), seventh in rushing defense (98.2, third straight season and fifth time in six years the Aztecs were seventh or higher in the category), 11th in scoring defense (17.8) and 11th in passing defense (185.2).
SEASON SETUP
San Diego State returns 17 starters on offense and defense (19 if you include a national award candidate at placekicker).
The Aztecs return eight starters on offense, including four of five starters on the offensive line, two wide receivers, a tight end and a running back.
Five SDSU offensive players are either up for national awards at their position and/or were preseason first-team all-conference selections – senior running back Greg Bell (Maxwell Award Watch List (college player of the year) and Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List), senior tight end Daniel Bellinger (Mackey Award Watch List (outstanding college TE) and Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List), senior running back and return specialist Jordan Byrd (Paul Hornung Award Watch List (most versatile player)). junior guard William Dunkle (PFF all-Mountain West first team), senior offensive tackle Zachary Thomas (Outland Trophy Award Watch List (most outstanding interior lineman), Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List, consensus first-team all-Mountain West) and senior center Alama Uluave (Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watch List).
Senior running back Greg Bell, who is a preseason selection to the Maxwell Award Watch List for player of the year, looks to build on his quick start last season. Bell became the first back in school history to post four straight 100-yard rushing games to start his SDSU career. The senior suffered an injury at Nevada on Nov. 21 that plagued him the remainder of the season. He ended his campaign with 637 yards rushing, six rushing touchdowns and a 5.6 yards per carry average in just seven games.
Senior tight end Daniel Bellinger, who is on the Mackey List for top tight end, has always been known for his physical play at the line of scrimmage. As last season went on, he became a weapon in the passing attack as well.
San Diego State’s offensive line (left to right) – Zachary Thomas, Chris Martinez, Alama Uluave, William Dunkle and Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson – have combined for 72 career starts (Crenshaw-Dickson has made his first five starts this year).
Senior quarterback Jordan Brookshire emerged from a three-man quarterback competition to earn the starting spot (announced by Coach Hoke on Aug. 25). Brookshire, who was listed fourth on the depth chart prior to the 2020 campaign, played in three games last season and started the last final contests. Coming against a very challenging schedule – at Colorado, Colorado State and at No. 14 Brigham Young, Brookshire was 42-for-74 (56.8 percent) for 410 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. In addition, he was credited with 101 yards rushing for the 2020 season.
Seven members of the defensive group received preseason accolades, led by the trio of senior cornerback Tayler Hawkins (Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List), senior linebacker Caden McDonald (Bronko Nagurski Award Watch List (most outstanding defensive player), Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List (college defensive player of the year), Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List and first-team all-Mountain West Conference (media)) and junior defensive end Cameron Thomas (Bronko Nagurski Award Watch List (most outstanding defensive player), Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List (college defensive player of the year) and consensus first-team all-Mountain West Conference).
The strength on the defensive side of the ball is up front. All three of the defensive lineman received preseason accolades. DE Thomas’ lengthy accolades can be found above, senior defensive tackle Jonah Tavai was named a second-team all-league selection by several outlets (including Phil Steele and PFF) and senior defensive end Keshawn Banks was also a second-team preseason selection (Lindy’s Sports). The trio has combined to start 58 games and is a huge reason why the Aztecs were second nationally last season in yards allowed per play (4.36).
San Diego State’s special teams are in good hands with a pair of national award worthy players. Junior Matt Araiza returns to handle placekicking and kickoffs. Araiza was 10-of-14 on field goal attempts last season, with a long of 48 yards. He easily converted from 50 yards out at the final scrimmage this fall at DHSP. Senior Jordan Byrd is one of the nation’s top return men, and led the Mountain West a season ago and was seventh nationally in kickoff return average (31.9).
PROGRAM-AT-A-GLANCE
Since the start of the 2015 campaign, San Diego State is 58-22 with a 72.5 percent winning percentage (T-11th nationally with Wisconsin) and the Aztecs are 57-19 75.0 percent) since Oct. 3, 2015 (T-7th nationally with Boise State).
SDSU has four double-digit victory seasons in the last seven years. Only 10 schools in the nation can say that – San Diego State, Alabama, Appalachian State, Boise State, Clemson, Georgia, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma and Wisconsin.
San Diego State has posted 11 consecutive seasons with at least a .500 record. In 10 of those 11 seasons, the Aztecs have posted a winning record. That is tied for the eighth-longest streak nationally and is tied with Washington for the longest streak among Pacific Time Zone teams.
Since the start of the 2019 campaign, San Diego State is 14-2 in games decided by seven or more points.
The Aztecs’ last seven losses have come by a combined 53 points and nine of their last 12 losses have been by 11 points or less.
San Diego State is 57-19 in its last 76 overall games and 36-13 in its last 49 regular-season games against Mountain West opponents.
The Aztecs are 14-8 in their last 22 games decided by eight points or less
TRENDING
Searching for the formula to a San Diego State victory? Look no further.
OFFENSIVE KEYS
San Diego State is 52-2 the last 54 times it has rushed for 200 yards. The Aztecs have surpassed 200 yards rushing in all five games this season.
The Aztecs are 69-15 since 2011 when committing one turnover or less, something SDSU has done in 21 of its last 26 games.
San Diego State’s 25 turnovers since the start of the 2019 are the fifth fewest in the country (Kent State leads with 20).
SDSU had an advantage in time of possession in 19 of the last 26 games. Since 2011, the Aztecs are 30-7 when possessing the football for at least 35 minutes.
DEFENSIVE KEYS
The Aztecs are 60-3 since 2011 when holding the opposition to 17 points or less. SDSU has held 14 of its last 20 opponents to 17 points or less.
The Aztecs are 32-7 since 2011 when allowing less than 150 passing yards.
San Diego State is 50-5 the last 55 times it has held the opposition to a 33.3 percent or less mark on third down.
Since 2009, San Diego State’s record broken down by opponent passing efficency: less than 110: 59-8; between 110-150: 39-23; greater than 150: 5-23.
Since the start of the 2015 campaign, SDSU is 37-2 when holding its opponent to a passing efficiency rating of below 110. SDSU has done that in four of five games this season.
SPECIAL TEAMS / OVERALL TRENDS
The Aztecs have are 38-2 the last 40 times when owning a turnover advantage.
San Diego State is 18-2 the last 20 times it has an advantage in field position.
Since the start of the 2015 season, San Diego State is tied for the most kickoff returns for touchdowns (13) with Kansas State.
Since the start of the 2020 season, San Diego State has eight non-offensive touchdowns, tied for second nationally (Alabama, 9).
This season, the Aztecs have four non-offensive touchdowns (two punt return, kickoff return, interception return). That is tied for second, behind Ohio State (5).
THE 5-0 START
San Diego State is off to just its second 5-0 start in the last 46 seasons (also: 2017).
This is the fifth 5-0 start for the Aztecs in the 53 seasons at the Division I level.
Despite playing a pair of Pac-12 opponents this season, San Diego State’s scoring margin of +95 is its best in a season which opened 5-0 since the Aztecs were +118 after a 5-0 start in 1975.
DOMINANT AT THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE
San Diego State is one of only two teams in the nation to rank in the top 10 in both rushing offense and rushing defense (also: Army).
The Aztecs are second nationally in rushing defense, allowing 50.0 yards per game, and eighth in rushing offense, at 244.4 yards per contest.
SDSU’s rushing margin of +194.4 yards per game is third nationally, trailing only a pair of service academy teams in Air Force (+278.0) and Army (+264.2). Below is a look at the top five teams.
THIRD QUARTER WARRIORS
Through five games, San Diego State has outscored the opposition, 69-7, in the third quarter.
In fact, the Aztecs have allowed only six points and one non-offensive touchdowns in the third quarter of its last eight games dating back to last season.
The lone third quarter points the Aztecs have allowed this season came on a 27-yard fumble return against New Mexico last week. That is the only third quarter TD allowed by SDSU in its last eight third quarters.
BULLET NOTES – OFFENSE
San Diego State returns eight starters on offense this season – senior running back Greg Bell, senior tight end Daniel Bellinger, junior right guard William Dunkle, senior left guard Chris Martinez, junior wide receiver Jesse Matthews, senior wide receiver Kobe Smith, senior left tackle Zachary Thomas, and senior center Alama Uluave.
Jeff Hecklinski is in his second season as offensive coordinator at San Diego State. Hecklinski was on Hoke’s original SDSU staff in 2009 and 2010 as the assistant head coach, running backs coach and recruiting coordinator. He was also with Hoke at Michigan (2011-14) and Ball State (2004-08). He replaced Jeff Horton, who now serves as the associate head coach and running backs coach.
Of all FBS schools that have played at least 62 games since 2015, San Diego State is fourth in fewest turnovers with 83 (LSU is first with 74).
OFFENSIVE NUMBERS
The Aztecs are 43-4 the last 47 times they have scored at least 30 points. SDSU has won its last nine games when scoring at least 30 points.
Since Oct. 3, 2015, San Diego State is 51-8 when scoring at least 20 points. The Aztecs have won six straight games in this category.
SDSU is 24-6 since 2011 when getting at least 36 minutes of time of possession.
Since the beginning of 2014, SDSU is 53-13 when committing one turnover or less (five straight wins) and 12-15 when having two or more turnovers in the game. San Diego State has one turnover or less in 18 of 23 games.
San Diego State has one turnover or less in 39 of its last 53 games.
SDSU is 45-9 in the last 54 games when owning an edge in time of possession.
RB Greg Bell is tied for sixth in the Mountain West in total touchdowns (5), while RB/KR/PR Jordan Byrd and QB Jordon Brookshire are tied for ninth with four.
n SDSU is averaging 10.75 yards per point (only includes games between FBS opponents), which is tied for the eighth-most efficient offense in FBS.
RUSHING OFFENSE
San Diego State is 50-2 the last 52 times it has rushed for at least 200 yards and is 47-1 in its last 48 regular-season games when rushing for 200-plus yards.
San Diego State has a 100-yard rusher in 37 of its last 66 games since 2016 (46, 100-yard rushers total) and 46 of the last 80 games since 2015 (58, 100-yard rushers total). Since Jeff Horton arrived as the running back coach in 2011, SDSU has a 100-yard rusher in 82 of the 132 games and 98, 100-yard rushers overall.
San Diego State had two rushers at New Mexico State (Jordan Byrd – 118 and Chance Bell – 116) on Sept. 14, 2019 for the 30th time in program history. The Aztecs are 29-1 in those occasions, including a 19-game win streak.
San Diego State has cleared 200 yards rushing for the fifth consecutive week for the first time since the final five games of the 2017 season.
The Aztecs have back-to-back games with at least four rushing touchdowns for the first time since the 2015 season (Nov. 21 at UNLV and Nov. 28 vs. Nevada).
RB Greg Bell ranks second in the Mountain West in rushing yards per game (104.00, T-19th in FBS), rushing yards (520, T-27th in FBS) and rush average (5.53, 44th in FBS), tied for second in rushing attempts per game (18.80, T-27th in FBS) and rushing attempts (94, T-29th in FBS), tied for fourth in rushing touchdowns (5, T-50th in FBS), fifth in scrimmage yards per game (104.40, 47th in FBS) and seventh in all-purpose yards per game (104.40).
G. Bell became SDSU’s 80th different 100-yard rusher with 111 yards vs. UNLV in the 2020 opener on Oct. 24.
G. Bell ran for 161 yards against New Mexico State on Sept. 4, 2021, the sixth most in an Aztec season opener, trailing only the likes of David Turner (239 in 1976), Marshall Faulk (220 vs. USC in 1992 and 181 vs. CSUN in 1993), Rashaad Penny (197 vs. UC Davis in 2017) and Ronnie Hillman (189 vs. Cal Poly in 2011).
G. Bell’s 161 were the most by an Aztec since Rashaad Penny had 221 vs. Army West Point in the 2017 Armed Forces Bowl (Dec. 23).
G. Bell became the first Aztec in program history to start his Aztec career with three straight 100-yard rushing games to begin the 2020 season (ended up with four straight).
G. Bell is one of 10 Aztecs in program history with at least four consecutive 100-yard rushing games.
G. Bell is one of 15 Aztecs in program history with at least eight 100-yard rushing games.
G. Bell has nine 100-yard rushing games in 16 career Division I games, including eight times at San Diego State in 12 games.
G. Bell already ranks 31st in SDSU program history with 1,157 rushing yards in just 12 games.
QB Jordon Brookshire ranks in a tie for sixth in the Mountain West in rushing touchdowns (4, T-73rd in FBS), while RB Jordan Byrd ranks in a tie for 10th with three.
Byrd had a 73-yard touchdown at Utah State on Oct. 31, 2020, the longest by an Aztec since Rashaad Penny’s 81-yard touchdown run against Army West Point in the 2017 Armed Forces Bowl (Dec. 23).
If you take away the four times QB Jordon Brookshire has been sacked (for 32 yards), he has rushed 16 times for 114 yards (7.1 avg.) and four touchdowns.
Brookshire’s four rushing touchdowns rank in a tie for 12th in the country among quarterbacks (second in MW).
Brookshire rushed 23 times for 38 yards in his first career start against Colorado State on Dec. 5, 2020, which matched Kevin O’Connell (vs. San José State on Sept. 24, 2005) for the most by an Aztec quarterback since at least 1996.
If you take away the two times QB Lucas Johnson has been sacked (for 19 yards), he has rushed 10 times for 121 yards (12.1 avg.).
Johnson’s 8.5 rush average ranks second in the country among quarterbacks (min. 10 att.).
Johnson ran for 87 yards against Utah, the most by an Aztec quarterback since Ryan Katz had 89 at Fresno State on Sept. 29, 2021 and the fourth most in a game since at least 1996. Including in the 87 rushing yards was a career-long 54-yard rush, which was the longest by an Aztec quarterback since Katz had a 67-yarder at Fresno State on Sept. 29, 2012 and third longest since at least 1996.
Johnson’s 10.0 YPC average led the country among quarterbacks (min. 8 att.) in 2020.
PASSING OFFENSE
Since the start of the 2017 season, San Diego State has thrown 24 interceptions. That is tied for the second-fewest picks in the nation over that span (min. 45 GP). In contrast, New Mexico State has thrown 63 interceptions over that span, which is the most since 2017.
QB Jordon Brookshire earned his first career start against Colorado State on Dec. 5, 2020, completing 14 of 24 pass attempts for 130 yards and a touchdown without throwing an interception. Brookshire became the fifth quarterback to win his starting debut over the last six chances (SDSU quarterbacks were 1-13 in the previous 14 debuts prior to this stretch).
Brookshire is 4-1 as the SDSU’s starting quarterback.
Among freshmen in SDSU single-season history in 2019, WR Jesse Matthews ranked second in receptions (48) and third in receiving yards (633) last year.
Matthews had the fifth-most catches (48) in the country without a dropped pass in 2019 (according to Pro Football Focus).
WR Kobe Smith had back-to-back 100-yard receiving games in 2019, the first Aztec to do so since Ezell Ruffin had three straight in 2013.
Smith and Matthews are two of 41 players in program history with at least three 100-yard receiving games.
TE Daniel Bellinger ranks ninth in the country in reception average (23.3, min. 7 rec.).
Among the tight ends in the Mountain West, Bellinger ranks fourth in receiving yards (163), and tied for fifth in receptions (7) and touchdowns (1).
Against Arizona on Sept. 11, Bellinger became the first Aztec tight end to break 100 receiving yards since Gavin Escobar had 108 vs. UNLV on Oct. 27, 2012. His 113 yards were the most by an Aztec tight end since Escobar had 117 against North Dakota on Sept. 15, 2012.
Bellinger became the 87th different Aztec to record a 100-yard receiving game
Bellinger’s 73-yard catch from Brookshire against Arizona was the longest by an Aztec tight end since at least the 1996 season, the fifth longest in the country this year by a tight end and the longest by an Aztec since Ryan Agnew connected on a 74-yarder to Jesse Matthews in the 2019 New Mexico Bowl.
BULLET NOTES – DEFENSE
Kurt Mattix is in his second season as defensive coordinator at San Diego State. He previously served as defensive coordinator at Eastern Kentucky and worked with Hoke at Michigan. Mattix was named a nominee for the Broyles Award for the top assistant coach last season.
San Diego State’s returns eight starters off a team that finished third in the nation in total defense (283.50) and 11th in scoring defense (17.75) a year ago. Starters that are back for the Aztecs are senior defensive tackle Jonah Tavai, senior defensive end Keshawn Banks, junior defensive end Cameron Thomas, senior linebackers Andrew Aleki and Caden McDonald, senior safety Trenton Thompson, senior cornerback Tayler Hawkins and junior safety Cedarious Barfield.
DEFENSIVE NUMBERS
SDSU has gone 27 straight games keeping its opponents under 450 yards of total offense, the longest active streak in FBS.
San Diego State has held its opponent to single digits 18 times time since 2015 (80 games).
The Aztecs have allowed just 319 points over the last 82 quarters (3.89 points per quarter).
SDSU has allowed just 386 points over the last 26 games (14.8 ppg).
SDSU has held an opponent scoreless on its opening drive 60 times since 2015 (80 games).
Opponents last year had 99 drives where they tried to score on SDSU’s defense (excludes kneel downs to end half/game). The Aztecs forced three-and-outs (or better) in 46 of those drives (46.5 pct.). SDSU averaged 5.75 three-and-outs per game.
This year opponents have had 72 drives where they tried to score on SDSU’s defense (excludes kneel downs to end half/game). The Aztecs have forced three-and-outs (or less) in 38 of those drives (52.8 pct.). SDSU is averaging 7.60 three-and-outs per game.
The Aztecs are allowing 3.93 yards per play, which ranks third in the country.
San Diego State is allowing just 0.204 points per play against FBS teams, which ranks sixth in the country.
Opponents punt 0.12 times per offensive play against the Aztecs, which ranks as the lowest mark in the country (only includes games between FBS opponents).
Opponents average 3.8 punts per offensive score, which ranks as the second-lowest mark in the country (only includes games between FBS opponents).
SDSU’s FBS scoring defense ranks (only includes games between FBS opponents) by quarter: 1st – T-41st (4.25); 2nd – T-9th (2.50); 3rd – 5th (1.75); 4th – T-36th (5.25) – and by half: 1st – 12th (6.75); 2nd – T-8th (7.00).
CB Tayler Hawkins had played in 47 straight games, the longest streak on the team, before missing the Towson game on Sept. 25 with an injury.
Hawkins and S Trenton Thompson have each played 48 games, which is the most on the team.
LB Caden McDonald has played in 39 straight games, the longest streak on the team.
McDonald has started 22 straight games, the longest streak on the Aztec defense and tied for the longest on the team.
DE Keshawn Banks and DT/DE Cameron Thomas have the most starts among active Aztecs (25).
S Cedarious Barfield has played the most defensive snaps (355) on the team.
C. Thomas ranks second in the Mountain West in tackles for loss per game (1.60, T-8th in FBS) and tied for third in total tackles for loss (8.0, T-14th in FBS).
Over C. Thomas’ last eight games (three last year and five this year), he has totaled 50 tackles (28 solo), 15.5 tackles for loss and five sacks.
McDonald was named the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 26, 2020 for his play against UNLV (Oct. 24), when he posted career highs of eight tackles, three tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks after entering the season with 36 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks in 26 career games. The 2.5 sacks matched the most by a SDSU player since Jay Henderson’s three sacks vs. Northern Illinois on Sept. 30, 2017.
LB Segun Olubi is tied third in the Mountain West in total forced fumbles (2, T-12th in FBS) and tied for fifth in forced fumbles per game (0.40, T-14th in FBS).
Olubi forced two fumbles in the opener against New Mexico State, which is tied for the most in a game in school history and the most in a FBS game this season. The feat has now happened 14 times in program history.
LB Michael Shawcroft is tied for 10th in the Mountain West in both forced fumbles (1, T-72nd in FBS) and forced fumbles per game (0.25, T-74th in FBS).
CB Dallas Branch and LB Garret Fountain rank in a tie for ninth in the Mountain West in fumble recoveries (1, T-39th in FBS).
CB Noah Avinger started the opener against New Mexico State, becoming the first true freshman Aztec cornerback to start since Leon McFadden in 2009 and just the third true freshman to start on defense since 2009 (also S Tariq Thompson in 2017).
Avinger was named the Mountain West Freshman of the Week on Sept. 27 for his play against Towson (Sept. 25) when he came up with three tackles (two solo), including 0.5 tackles for loss, an interception and a pass breakup in just his second career start as a true freshman. The interception led to a Jordan Byrd rushing touchdown to put the Aztecs up, 35-14, early in the third quarter. The interception was one of the keys to a third quarter that saw SDSU outscore Towson, 24-0, and limit the Tigers to just four total yards. In all, Towson had just 13 yards of total offense against San Diego State in the second half. The ½ tackle for loss and pass breakup were also the first of his career.
RUSHING DEFENSE
Opponents rushed 258 times last year and only seven attempts were longer than 20 yards (2.7 pct.). This year opponents have rushed 130 times with only three attempts longer than 20 yards (2.3 pct.).
Opponents are averaging 1.91 rushing yards per attempt this season and 50.0 rushing yards per game, both which rank second in the nation.
Opponent rush average vs. SDSU by quarter: 1st – 2.5; 2nd – 2.4; 3rd – -(0.1); 4th – 2.5 – and by half: 1st – 2.5; 2nd – 1.4. n SDSU has held six straight opponents to less than 100 yards rushing for the first time in its Division I era (since 1969). That is the longest active streak in the nation.
SDSU opponents have just 17 rushing first downs this season against the Aztecs on 131 rushing attempts.
DE Cameron Thomas leads the team with 16 tackles on rushing plays.
PASSING DEFENSE
Since the beginning of the 2015 campaign, San Diego State’s 106 interceptions are the third most in the country, while its 12 interception returns for touchdowns are tied for sixth in the country.
Opponents are averaging 9.42 yards per completion this season, which ranks second in the country, and 5.17 yards per pass attempt this season (fourth).
CB Tayler Hawkins ranks in a tie for third in the Mountain West in interceptions per game (0.50, T-9th in FBS), fourth in passes defended per game (INT + PBU) (1.25, T-18th in FBS), tied for fourth in total interceptions (2, T-21st in FBS), and tied for fifth in total passes defended (5, T-64th in FBS).
S Trenton Thompson ranks fifth in the Mountain West in passes defended per game (INT + PBU) (1.20, T-20th in FBS), and tied for fifth in total passes defended (6, T-28th in FBS) and total pass breakups (5, T-31st in FBS).
LB Andrew Aleki ranks in a tie for second in the Mountain West in interceptions returned for a touchdown (1, T-3rd in FBS).
CB Noah Tumblin is tied for eighth in the Mountain West in total pass breakups (4, T-58th in FBS).
Tumblin’s four pass breakups in the opener against New Mexico State are tied for the fourth most in a game in FBS this season and tied for the fifth most in a game in school history (an Aztec has only recorded games with at least four PBUs 15 times in program history).
Tumblin leads the Aztecs with 19 tackles on passing plays.
BULLET NOTES – SPECIAL TEAMS
Since the start of the 2015 season, San Diego State has 13 kickoff returns for touchdowns, tied for the most in FBS play over that time. To put that stat into erspective, 25 other teams have played at least 60 games over that span and do not have a single kick return touchdown.
The Aztecs also have five 100-yard kickoff return touchdowns since 2015, tied with Western Michigan for the most in FBS play over that span.
SDSU had a non-offensive touchdown in each of the first four games of the season.
SDSU’s four non-offensive touchdowns are tied for the second most in FBS play this season.
For his career, K Matt Araiza ranks fourth at SDSU in field goal percentage (.771) (min. 25 att.) and tied for sixth in field goals (37).
Araiza made a field goal in 17 straight games to begin his career before not attempting one at Nevada on Nov. 21, 2020.
Araiza has multiple field goals in 12 of his 26 career games.
Araiza leads all FBS players in punt average (54.06) and punt yards per game (356.80), and ranks in a tie for first in PAT percentage (1.000), second in punt yards (1,784), fourth in kickoff average (64.94), fifth in net punt average (44.76), sixth in punts per game (6.60, 2nd in MW), tied for seventh in punts inside the 20-yard line (14, 2nd in FBS), tied for 15th in total punts (33, 3rd in FBS), tied for 18th in kickoff touchbacks (24, 1st in MW), 22nd in kickoff touchback percentage (77.42, 1st in MW), tied for 26th in made PATs (23, 1st in MW) and tied for 28th in attempted PATs (23, 1st in MW). Araiza also is second in the MW in kickoff yards (2,013, T-51st in FBS), tied for second in total kickoffs (31, T-54th in FBS), tied for fifth in kicking points (38, T-57th in FBS), tied for sixth in field goal attempts (8, T-53rd in FBS), tied for seventh in points per game (7.60, T-73rd in FBS), eighth in field goals per game (1.00, T-72nd in FBS), tied for eighth in total points (38) and total field goals (5), and ninth in field goal percentage (62.50).
Araiza has the eighth longest (77 yards), 12th (75) and 17th-longest punts (72) this season.
Araiza already has three career punts of at least 70 yards out of 38 punts, which is tied with Michael Hughes (230 career punts) for the most in school history.
Araiza set a school record with a 56.78 punt average against New Mexico State on Sept. 4 (nine punts for 511 yards), breaking the previous record by almost two yards (Mike Saxon, 54.83 on six punts at Brigham Young on Oct. 22, 1983), and was the second-highest FBS single-game average this season (min. 5 punts) and the third-best mark in league history (min. 5 punts).
Since 1996, an FBS player has had at least nine punts in a game 2,110 times. Araiza’s 56.8 average against New Mexico State is the second-highest average (min. 9 punts) in the last 26 seasons, only trailing a 57.7 average by Wake Forest’s Dom Maggio against Clemson on Nov. 16, 2019.
Included in his Araiza’s nine punts vs. New Mexico State were a 77-yarder in the second quarter, which was the fifth-longest punt in program history and longest since Brian Stahovich’s school-record 89 yarder at Wyoming on Oct. 30, 2010. Later added a 75-yarder, which is tied for the seventh longest at SDSU.
Araiza had six 50-yard punts (at 39 feet elevation) against New Mexico State, which were one short of the NCAA record of seven (according to NCAA record book), set by Colorado’s Mark Mariscal vs. USC on Sept. 14, 2002 at 5,328 feet elevation in Boulder, Colorado.
Araiza was named the Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Week on Sept. 27 for his play against Towson (Sept. 25) when he punted three times for 197 yards and a 65.7 average with two inside the 20-yard line, making both of his field goal attempts (48 and 36 yards) and all six PATs, tying a career high with 12 points, kicking off eight times with six going for touchbacks and logging a solo tackle on one of his kickoffs. In the punting game, where he had a long of 72 yards, Araiza’s 65.7 punt average was the highest in an FBS game since at least 1996 (min. 3 punts), more than a yard ahead the No. 2 player on the list (Florida Atlantic’s Dalton Schomp (64.3) against Old Dominion on Nov. 19, 2016) and almost four yards further than the top MW performer in a game in league history (Colorado State’s Pete Kontodiakos (61.8) against Hawai’i on Oct. 27, 2012). The 65.7 average on three punts easily eclipsed his school-record average of 56.8 against New Mexico State on Sept. 4, 2021, but he didn’t reach the minimum (4 punts) allowed to count for the program record. Off his punts, Towson had an average starting fielding position of its own 13.3-yard line as he ended up with a 59.0 net punt average.
Araiza set a school single-season record with 22 field goals in 2019, surpassing John Baron II’s 21 in 2016, and tied for fifth in field goal percentage (84.62).
Among freshmen kickers in the country in 2019, Araiza ranked first in field goals (22), and was third in field goal percentage (84.62) and eighth in points by kickers (94).
Araiza was one of only five kickers in FBS play in 2019 to make at least one field goal in every game (min. 12 games).
KR Jordan Byrd ranks second in program history in kick return average (26.2) and fourth in kick return touchdowns (2).
Byrd leads the Mountain West in punt returns per game (2.80, 2nd in FBS), total punt returns (14, T-3rd in FBS), kick return touchdowns (1, T-3rd in FBS) and punt return yards per game (16.00, T-27th in FBS), and second in punt return average (5.71, 44th in FBS), third in combined kick return yards (255, 35th in FBS), fourth in punt return yards (80, T-37th in FBS) and seventh in kick return yards (175, 57th in FBS).
Byrd returned a kickoff 100 yards or a touchdown against Utah on Sept. 18 to become the fifth Aztec in program history with a 100-yard kickoff return (has happened eight times overall) and first since Rashaad Penny against Nevada on Nov. 18, 2017.
Byrd’s 63.0 kick return average is the highest in a FBS game this season (min. 2 KR) and the fourth highest by an Aztec since at least 1996 (min. 2 KR). Byrd now has two of the four-highest kick return averages in a game by an Aztec since at least 1996 (74.0 vs. Colorado State on Dec. 5, 2020 (No. 1) and 63.0 vs. Utah on Sept. 18, 2021 (No. 4)).
Byrd is one of only five FBS players with a 100-yard kick return for a touchdown this season.
Byrd was named the MW Special Teams Player of the Week on Dec. 7, 2020 for his play at Colorado State on Dec. 5 when he returned two kickoffs for a career-high 148 yards (74.0 avg.), including a 93-yard touchdown. The 74.0 kickoff return average was also the second highest in Mountain West history and the second highest in a FBS game last season. Additionally, the 148 kickoff return yards were the most by an Aztec since Davion Mauldin totaled 151 yards on Nov. 7, 2009 vs. TCU and the ninth most in program history.
PR BJ Busbee returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown against Colorado State on Dec. 5, the first by an Aztec on a non-blocked return since Rashaad Penny on Nov. 18, 2017. Busbee’s 90-yard punt return was the longest by an Aztec since Damon Gourdine’s school-record 98-yard return on Oct. 24, 1998 vs. Utah, the second longest in Mountain West history, the second-longest punt return in FBS play last season and tied for the third longest in program history. Busbee finished with a 29.0 punt return average for the game, which was the second-highest average by an Aztec since at least 1996 (min. 3 PR) and the eighth highest in a FBS game last season (min 3 PR).
Byrd (93-yard kick return) and Busbee (90-yard punt return) helped San Diego State become the first team with a kickoff return and punt return in the same quarter (second) on Dec. 5, 2020 vs. Colorado State since Oct. 31, 2015 vs. Tennessee (third quarter at Kentucky).
SDSU scored two non-offensive touchdowns in the 2020 Colorado State game for the eighth time since 2015.
The Aztecs have returned a kickoff and punt for a touchdown three times in the same game in the last 25 seasons (since 1996).
San Diego State’s 267 kickoff/punt return yards in the Colorado State game were the most in a FBS game last season and the most by an Aztec team since at least 1996.
RB Kaegun Williams was named the Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Week on Sept. 4 for his play in a 38-14 win at Arizona, when he blocked a punt in the first quarter, which was scooped up by Tyrell Shavers and returned 27 yards for a touchdown, to put the Aztecs up, 21-0, and proved to be the game-winning score. In addition to playing on all four special teams units – kickoff, punt, kick return and punt return – Williams also ran nine times for 42 yards (4.7 avg.) with a long of 23 yards and caught a 13-yard pass.
Trenton Thompson and Tyrell Shavers rank in a tie for fourth in program history in blocked kicks (2).
Shavers has two blocked kicks this year, one off Brad Burton’s school record of three set in 1989.
Shavers is tied for the FBS lead in blocked kicks (2) and is tied for third in punt return touchdowns (1, T-1st in MW).
Williams is tied for eighth in FBS in blocked kicks (1, T-2nd in MW).
Shavers has returned two blocked punts for touchdowns over his career (also had one at No. 6/5 LSU while with Alabama on Sept. 26, 2020.
Araiza leads the special teams unit with four tackles. He also tops the Aztecs in kick return tackles (2) and is tied for first in tackles on the punt return unit (2 with Isaiah McElvane, Patrick McMorris and Segun Olubi).
San José State Spartans
Series history: San Diego State leads the series, 22-20-2. The Spartans won last year’s contest, 28-17 in Carson, Calif., after trailing 10-0 in the second quarter. San Jose State’s victory was its first over San Diego State since the two schools played each other as Mountain West opponents beginning in 2013 and ended a string of seven consecutive Aztec wins.
San Jose State’s last win in the series in CEFCU Stadium was a 35-10 decision on September 13, 2008. San Diego State has wins in its last four visits to San Jose.
Second game vs. nationally-ranked team in 2021: The No. 24-San Diego State team is the second nationally-ranked opponent San Jose State is facing in 2021. Earlier, the Spartans lost to No. 15-USC, 30-7, on September 4.
San Jose State’s last win against a nationally-ranked opponent was a 62-52 triumph over No. 16/No. 16 Fresno State on November 29, 2013. Since then, the Spartans are 0-6 against Associated Press top-25 foes at the time of the game.
This year’s San Jose State-San Diego State marks the second time the Spartans face a nationally ranked Aztecs squad. On December 3, 1977, No. 16-San Diego State outlasted San Jose State, 37-34, in CEFCU Stadium in the final regular season game. The Spartans finished with a 4-7 record while the Aztecs completed the season with a 10-1 mark under head coach and San José State alum Claude Gilbert.
Homecoming history: San José State plays its 85th Homecoming game on October 15 against San Diego State. The Spartans have a Homecoming record of 47-34-2.
San Jose State’s’ most recent Homecoming Game win was a 33-10 triumph over UNLV in 2014. This year’s Homecoming contest marks the sixth time San Diego State served as the opposition.
Sat., Oct. 16 @ 1:30 pm MT
Fresno State Bulldogs at Wyoming Cowboys
THE BREAKDOWN
• Fresno State and Wyoming are set to compete for the 13th time on Saturday.
• Fresno State leads the all-time series, 7-5.
• Last time the teams met was in 2018. Fresno State won 27-3 at Bulldog Stadium.
• Fresno State returns from its bye week, having played six-straight games to open the season.
Fresno State Bulldogs
THE BONES
• Fresno State Athletics is celebrating its centennial year and the 2021 football season is the 100th season of competition in program history.
• Fresno State played six straight games to open up the season, one of only six FBS schools to play six games heading into week six of the college football season.
• Fresno State has now played as many games as it did in the entire 2020 season.
• Fresno State’s loss to Hawai’i on Oct. 2 dropped it from the national polls and out of the Top 25.
• Whether it be transfers or true freshmen, Fresno State has seen a handful of fresh faces see their first taste of Bulldog game action through the first six games this season. Twenty three first-year ‘Dogs have played in at least one game on the year.
• Fresno State’s 2021 team captains are quarterback Jake Haener, running back Ronnie Rivers, defensive end David Perales and linebacker Tyson Maeva.
• QB Jake Haener ranks in the top 10 in six statistical categories among FBS players this season. The Bulldog quarterback is in the top five in five of those areas.
• The Bulldogs have made quick work on the offensive scoring drives, having seven touchdown scoring drives this season that have been scored in less than 1:00.
• Senior running back Ronnie Rivers became the program’s all-time leading touchdown scorer with touchdown No. 45 of his career against UConn on Aug. 28.
• At Hawai’i, Mims had the longest kickoff return of the season as he returned the opening kickoff for 37 yards. It was the most return yards on a single kickoff return since Jamire Jordan had a 65- yard return against San Jose State on Nov. 24, 2018.
• Jalen Cropper has scored at least one receiving touchdown in seven-straight games, dating back to the 2020 season finale against New Mexico (Dec. 12).
• Fresno State’s defense has registered at least 8.0 tackles for loss in five of six games played this season. The Bulldogs are third in the FBS in total tackles for loss (50.0) and are averaging 8.3 TFL per game this season, enough for fourth in the FBS.
• Fresno State is No. 7 in the FBS in fumbles recovered this season (7). The Bulldogs have recovered at least one fumble in each game on the year, with a season-best two at then-No. 13 UCLA.
• On Friday, Sept. 24, Fresno State Athletics announced it will retire the number 22 jersey in recognition of Bulldog fullback Lorenzo Neal (1990-92). The retirement celebration will take place at Fresno State’s next home game, homecoming, on Oct. 23 versus Nevada
THE COWBOYS
SCOUTING WYOMING
Wyoming is 4-1 (0-1 MW) this season. The Cowboys started the season 4-0 before suffering their first loss in their Mountain West opener to Air Force, falling to the Falcons 24-14.
SERIES HISTORY
Saturday’s game will be the 13th meeting all-time between the Bulldogs and Cowboys. The ‘Dogs claimed the series lead 7-5 after defeating the Cowboys in their last two meetings. Fresno State won the last two games played against Wyoming in Laramie. All but one of the previous 11 meetings between the two teams have come as conference opponents with six coming as members of the WAC (1992-97) and four in the Mountain West (2012-14, 2017). The two teams split the six meetings as members of the WAC with all three wins for the ‘Dogs coming at home. Since moving to the MW in 2012, the Bulldogs are 3-1 against Wyoming with a 1-1 mark at Bulldog Stadium and a 2-0 record on the road. The lone meeting between the two programs as non-conference opponents came in 2009 at the New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque. The Cowboys topped the ‘Dogs 35-28 as Fresno State was in the WAC at the time while the Cowboys were members of the Mountain West. It was the lone meeting between the two programs from 1998-2011.
LAST TIME VERSUS THE COWBOYS
The Fresno State football team defeated Wyoming 27-3 on Oct. 13, 2018. Fresno State’s defense limited Wyoming to 221 total yards and forced one turnover while the Bulldog offense totaled 391 yards and did not commit a turnover. Quarterback Marcus McMaryion accounted for four total touchdowns in the game, two passing and two rushing. Running back Ronnie Rivers added 90 all-purpose yards with 53 yards receiving, 22 yards rushing and 15 punt return yards.
Wyoming Cowboys
Wyoming Cowboys Focused on Going 1-0 Each Week, Have Built a 4-1 Start to 2021 Season: Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl has been emphasizing to his team all season that they need to focus on going 1-0 each week.
The 2021 Wyoming Cowboys were able to do that through the first four weeks of the season to improve to 4-0, marking the best start by a Bohl coached team at Wyoming.
But in their fifth game of the season, the Cowboys fell at Air Force by a score of 24-14. UW’s previous best start under Bohl was 3-0 start back in 2019. That 2019 team went on to post an 8-5 season, including a championship in the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl.
The last time Wyoming posted a 4-0 start was 25 years ago in 1996 when then head coach Joe Tiller led the Cowboys to a 9-0 start on way to a 10-2 record, WAC Pacific Division title and a No. 22 national ranking in the final Associated Press and Coaches polls
Wyoming vs. Fresno State Preview
• The Wyoming Cowboys will host their first Mountain West home game of the 2021 season this Saturday versus Fresno State. During the Craig Bohl era at Wyoming, the Cowboys are 17-9 (.654) in Mountain West regular-season home games. Since 2016, UW is even better in MW regular-season home contests, posting a 14-4 (.778) record. See more on Page 2 of these game notes.
• Wyoming and Fresno State have played some memorable games through the years.
• As they get ready to host Fresno State on Saturday, their will be 28 California Cowboys preparing to face the Bulldogs from Fresno, Calif. UW has more players from the state of California on its roster than it does from any other state.
California Cowboys: As the Wyoming Cowboys prepare to host Fresno State this Saturday, it is worth noting that Wyoming has more players from the state of California than it has players from any other state.
• There are 28 California Cowboys on the Wyoming roster this season — more than any other state represented on the Wyoming roster.
• Five of Wyoming’s current starters are Californians, that is second only to six starters from the state of Colorado.
• Current Cowboy starters from California include: Solomon Byrd, DE (Palmdale, Calif.); Sean Chambers, QB (Kerman); Easton Gibbs, LB (Temecula); Azizi Hearn, CB (Oceanside); and Ravontae Holt, DT (Sacramento).
• Eight other Californians, who have been key contributors this season are: Caleb Cooley, ST (Chico); Keonte Glinton, N (Bakersfield); Victor Jones, DE (Sacramento); Dawaiian McNeely, RB (Ceres, Calif.); Colin O’Brien (Mission Viejo), Connor Shay, LB (Danville); Rome Weber, SS (San Bernardino); and Miles Williams, FS (Oxnard).
2021 Wyoming Offensive Balance — 48 Percent Rushing and 52 Percent
Passing: Through the first five games of this season, Wyoming’s offense has begun to develop the balance it has been striving for.
In game one vs. Montana State, the Pokes rushed for 151 yards and had 196 yards passing yards for a total of 347 yards of total offense. That equated to 43.5 percent from the running game and 56.5 percent from the passing game.
Wyoming generated 191 rushing yards and 204 passing yards in the win at Northern Illinois for 395 yards of total offense. The rushing attack was responsible for 48.4 percent of the offensive output and the passing game generated 51.6 percent.
Against Ball State, the Pokes accounted for 378 yards of total offense — 177 rushing yards and 201 passing. The running game provided 46.8 percent of the offense and the passing game generated 53.2 percent.
Cowboys Again Among Mountain West Tackle Leaders in 2021: A year ago in 2020, Wyoming had four players rank among the top tacklers in the Mountain West. In 2021, the Pokes again have a quartet of defensive players ranked among the league leaders.
• Chad Muma currently ranks No. 2 in the MW, averaging 9.4 tackles per game.
• Cornerback C.J. Coldon has averaged 6.6 tackles per game this year to rank No. 16.
• Easton Gibbs, Muma’s running mate at linebacker, is No. 24 in the league at 5.8 per game.
• Safety Esaias Gandy is making 5.8 tackles per game to also rank No. 24 in the conference
Sat., Oct. 16 @ 5:00 pm MT
Colorado State Rams at New Mexico Lobos
Colorado State Rams
NOTING THE RAMS
• Colorado State enters year two – and the first true full season – under head coach Steve Addazio who was named the program’s 23rd head coach on Dec. 12, 2019. Addazio is in his 11th year as an FBS head coach in 2021 with the Rams after seven seasons at Boston College (2013-19) and two seasons at Temple (2011-12). He is only the second Colorado State head coach (Earle Bruce) to have won a bowl game as a head coach with another school.
• Addazio has been a head coach in five bowl games and led his teams to six bowl games. He has coached in more bowl games as a head coach than all other CSU head coaches except Earle Bruce (10 prior to CSU).
• Colorado State returned all but one starter from the 2020 squad and has a roster which includes 33 senior, fifth-year or beyond players.
• Tight end Trey McBride, fresh off a 2020 All-American season, elected to return to Colorado State in 2021 and is bringing NFL scouts to campus on a weekly basis. McBride appeared on Todd McShay’s Big Board as the top tight end and No. 27 overall prospect for the 2022 NFL Draft.
• Senior Ryan Stonehouse, a two-time All-American (2018, 2020), is currently the NCAA’s all-time career leader in punt average with a 47.2 mark. The three-time All-Mountain West performer is aiming to finish his career above 46.31.
• SACK MASTERS: Colorado State enjoyed an offseason of highlights at the professional level as former Ram Shaq Barrett – the NFL’s leading sacker in 2019 – won a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay, and Al Baker (1974-77) was unofficially named the NFL’s single-season sack record holder based on a review of film by Pro Football Reference for his 23 sacks in his rookie season.
• Speaking of sacks, Colorado State returns every contributor from a defensive front that led the nation in tackles for loss per game last season, including All-Mountain West First Team performer Scott Patchan who ranked No. 6 nationally in the category a season ago. The Rams were the most improved defensive line in the nation in 2020.
NOTING THE GAME
• The Rams head on the road this week for their conference road opener at rival New Mexico. It will be the 68th meeting between the schools, placing New Mexico as one of CSU’s most frequent opponents (Wyoming – 111; Colorado – 91; Utah – 80; Utah State – 76; BYU – 68)
• The two teams did not play in 2020 as a result of COVID-19 restrictions in the state of New Mexico at the time.
• Colorado State is currently riding a 10-game winning streak dating back to 2010 vs. New Mexico.
• Colorado State receiver Jordan Kress, a Loveland, Colo., native, transferred to the Rams this season after four years at New Mexico.
• The Rams are aiming to begin conference play 2-0 – and remain atop the Mountain Division – for the first time since 2017 when they started the year 4-0.
New Mexico Lobos
No Notes Available
Sat., Oct. 16 @ 4:00 pm PT
Utah State Aggies at UNLV Rebels
Utah State Aggies
KICKOFF COVERAGE
• Utah State is 38-27 (.585) all-time in the Mountain West, including a 17-14 (.548) road record, and has won 49 of its last 75 (.653) league games dating back to 2011. In fact, USU is 17-10 (.630) in its last 27 MW games and 21-15 (.583) in its last 36 games against all opponents.
• Utah State (38-27) has the third-best record against Mountain West opponents (including championship games) since USU joined the league in 2013. Boise State (55-13) has the best record in the league during that time, while San Diego State (47-18) has the second-best record. UNLV has the 11th-best record (19-44).
• Utah State is 18-7 (.720) against teams from the West Division of the Mountain West, which is the second-best record by any school in the league behind Boise State (21-7). Overall, USU has won nine of its last 12 games against MW West Division opponents, including a 4-0 record against UNLV.
• Utah State ranks among the top 50 teams in the nation in 12 statistical categories, including ranking second in the Mountain West and 14th in the nation in total offense at 491.0 yards per game. USU also ranks 12th in the nation in passing offense (318.6 ypg), sixth in the nation in tackles for loss (8.0 pg), 30th in the nation in punt returns (12.0 ypr) and 45th in the nation in net punting (41.1 ypp).
• Senior WR Deven Thompkins leads the Mountain West and ranks fourth in the nation in receiving (127.8 ypg). Thompkins is also ninth in the nation in receptions (7.6 pg),18th in the nation in all-purpose yards (133.8 ypg) and 35th in the nation in receiving touchdowns with four (0.80 pg). Additionally, graduate senior ILB Justin Rice is seventh in the nation with three interceptions (0.60 pg) and 15th in the nation in tackles (9.4 pg), while graduate senior PK Connor Coles ranks 16th nationally in field goals made (1.6 pg) and 44th in the nation in field goal percentage (.800).
UTAH STATE RESUMES MOUNTAIN WEST PLAY AT UNLV SATURDAY
• Utah State (3-2, 1-1 MW) resumes Mountain West play this weekend with a road game at UNLV (0-5, 0-1 MW) on Saturday, Oct. 16, at 5 p.m. (MT). Both USU and UNLV had a bye last weekend. The game will be televised on CBS Sports Network (Xfinity Ch. 269/753HD, DISH Ch. 158, DirecTV Ch. 221) with John Sadak (play-by-play) and Randy Cross (analyst) on the call.
• Utah State is 9-5-1 all-time in known games played on Oct. 16.
LOOKING AT UTAH STATE IN 2021
• Utah State is 3-2 on the season following its 34-20 home loss to 13th-ranked BYU two weekends ago. USU, which is 1-1 in Mountain West play, is led by graduate junior QB Logan Bonner, who is 91-of-157 (.580) passing for 1,235 yards (247.0 ypg) with nine touchdowns and six interceptions. Graduate junior RB Calvin Tyler Jr. has rushed for 417 yards on 79 carries (5.3 ypc/83.4 ypg) with four touchdowns. And, senior WR Deven Thompkins has caught 38 passes for 639 yards (16.8 ypr/127.8 ypg) and four touchdowns. Defensively, graduate senior ILB Justin Rice has 47 tackles, which includes 6.0 tackles for loss, to go along with three interceptions and one forced fumble. As a team, USU is averaging 29.2 points and 493.8 yards of total offense (175.2 rushing, 318.6 passing), and allowing 30.6 points and 463.8 yards of total offense (204.0 rushing, 259.8 passing).
UTAH STATE IS 2-0 ON THE ROAD THIS SEASON
• Utah State has played very well during its two road games this year as it posted a 26-23 win at Washington State, for its first road win against a Power 5 opponent since 1971, and a 49-45 win at Mountain West-foe Air Force. In its two road games this year, Utah State is averaging 37.5 points and 534.5 yards of total offense (201 rushing, 333.5 passing), and is 20-of-36 (.556) on third down conversions and 5-of-6 (833) on fourth down. USU is also 7-for-7 in the red zone with five touchdowns and two field goals. Furthermore, Utah State is even in the turnover battle in road games this year with three turnovers and three takeaways and has a 30-10 scoring advantage in the final 15 minutes of those two road games.
AGGIES RALLY FROM THREE DOUBLE-DIGIT DEFICITS TO START SEASON
• Utah State rallied from double-digit deficits to win each of its first three games this season, marking the first time in school history that has happened. In fact, USU overcame a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit in each of its two road wins this season.
• In its 49-45 road win at Air Force, Utah State actually overcame four double-digit deficits to get the win. First, USU trailed 10-0 before taking a 13-10 lead. USU then trailed 24-13 and later 31-20 before taking a 34-31 lead. USU then trailed 45-34 before scoring 15 unanswered points in the final 9:51 for the win.
• In its 48-24 home win against North Dakota, Utah State outscored the Fighting Hawks 41-3 over the final three quarters after trailing 21-7 in the first 15 minutes of play.
• In its 26-23 season-opening road win at Washington State, Utah State overcame a 12-point (23-11) fourth-quarter deficit by scoring 15 unanswered points in the final 5:25 of the game.
• Prior to this season, the last time USU won back-to-back games where it trailed by double digits was in 2011.
UTAH STATE DOMINATING THE FOURTH QUARTER
• Utah State has dominated the fourth quarter this season as it has outscored its opponents 61- 30 in the final 15 minutes of games. USU began the year by outscoring Washington State 15-3 in the fourth quarter, then outscored North Dakota 21-0 in the fourth quarter, before outscoring Air Force 15-7 in the final 15 minutes of play. In its last two games, Boise State outscored USU 10-3 in the fourth quarter and BYU outscored the Aggies 10-7 in the final 15 minutes.
UTAH STATE HAVING SUCCESS ON FOURTH DOWN
• Utah State has been very aggressive in its play calling this season and has converted 10-of16 (.625) fourth downs. Ironically, USU has gone on to score points in each of those 10 drives it converted a fourth down with eight touchdowns and two field goals.
BLAKE ANDERSON NOTABLES
• Utah State first-year head coach Blake Anderson is just the third head coach in school history, and first since E. Lowell Romney in 1919, to win his first three games at Utah State. The only other USU head coach to accomplish this feat was Fred M. Walker, who led USU to a 7-0 record in 1907. Furthermore, Anderson is one of 19 FBS head coaches in their first year at the their current school, and he was one of only two head coaches, along with South Alabama’s Kane Wommack, to start the season 3-0.
AGGIES HAVE ONLY ALLOWED FIVE SCORES FOLLOWING NINE TURNOVERS
• Utah State’s defense has only allowed 23 points (2 TD, 3 FG) following nine Aggie turnovers this season. In fact, one of the touchdowns allowed was on a short field as the opponent forced a fumble at the USU 21-yard line.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Utah State has won 12 straight football games following a bye week dating back to the 2011 season and 10 of those 12 wins have been against league opponents. USU’s last loss following a bye was a 35-34 double overtime home loss to Colorado State in 2011.
SCOUTING UNLV
• UNLV is 0-5 on the season and 0-1 in Mountain West play following its 24-17 non-conference road loss at UTSA two weekends ago. The Rebels are led by freshman QB Cameron Friel, who is 42-of-65 (.646) passing for 512 yards (170.7 ypg) with one touchdown and three interceptions. Senior RB Charles Williams leads the team in rushing with 219 yards on 47 carries (4.7 ypc/109.5 ypg) with two touchdowns, and junior WR Steve Jenkins has caught 14 passes for 217 yards (15.5 ypr/43.4 ypg) with two touchdowns. Defensively, junior ILB Jacoby Windmon has a team-best 41 tackles, which includes 1.0 sacks and 2.0 tackles for loss, while senior ILB Austin Ajiake has 36 tackles. As a team, UNLV is averaging 18.6 points and 282.4 yards of total offense per game (102.8 rushing, 179.6 passing) and allowing 36.4 points and 453.8 yards of total offense (151.0 passing, 302.8 rushing). UNLV returns 18 starters (O8, D-10) and 48 lettermen (O-19, D-26, S-3) from last year’s team that went 0-6 in Mountain West play. Marcus Arroyo is 0-11 in his second season as a collegiate head coach at UNLV.
AGGIES AND REBELS SERIES HISTORY
• Utah State and UNLV will be meeting for the 25th time in series history this weekend, with USU owning a 17-7 advantage, which includes an 8-4 road record. Overall, USU has won 14 of the last 17 games played in the series, including five straight. The first game played in the series was on Sept. 25, 1971, in Logan with USU winning, 27-7. USU won the last meeting between the two teams, 59-28, on Oct. 13, 2018, in Logan. USU also won the last meeting between the two teams in Las Vegas, 52-28, on Oct. 21, 2017. The last time UNLV won a game in the series was on Aug. 30, 2008, in Las Vegas by a final score of 27-17, while its last win in Logan was on Aug. 30, 2007, by a final score of 23-16.
AGGIES AND REBELS SERIES 16TH-MOST PLAYED IN SCHOOL HISTORY
• Utah State and UNLV will be meeting for the 25th time in series history this weekend, which is the 16th-most played series in USU history.
SERIES NOTABLES BETWEEN UTAH STATE AND UNLV
The following are series notables between Utah State and UNLV dating back to 2004 and encompassing the last nine meetings.
• Utah State has won five straight games played in the series, outscoring UNLV 208-113 (41.6-22.6).
• Utah State has averaged 527.0 yards of offense (338.0 passing, 189.0 rushing) during its five-game winning streak against UNLV.
• The team that has had more yards of total offense has won the last seven meetings in the series.
• The team with fewer turnovers has won six of the last nine meetings in the series.
• The winning team has scored first in five of the past nine meetings, as Utah State is 3-0 in those games and UNLV is 2-4.
• The team that has led at the half has won four of the last five games played in the series.
• The losing team has scored 20 or fewer points in four of the last eight games, while the team with more penalties has won six of the past eight games in the series.
• There has only been one shutout in series history, a 42-0 Utah State road win in 1995.
• Eleven of the 24 games played in the series have been decided by one score.
• Utah State has had a 100-yard receiver in four of the last five meetings, and had two 100-yard receivers in back-to-back games in 2012 and 2013. Overall, USU has had seven 100-yard receivers in the last nine meetings, as compared to three for UNLV.
• Utah State has had two 100-yard rushers and three 300-yard passers in the last nine meetings, as compared to four 100-yard rushers and one 100-yard receiver for UNLV.
• In Utah State’s 35-13 home win in 2012, it had a 400-yard passer, two 100-yard receivers and a 100- yard rusher.
UNLV Rebels
SATURDAY’S PREVIEW…
With its nonconference schedule now complete, UNLV (0-5/0-1) returns home for two games in a span of just six days at Allegiant Stadium, starting Saturday afternoon vs. \Utah State (3-2/1-1) … In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Rebels will wear a pink ribbon decal while the first 6,000 fans will receive a pink UNLV rally towel courtesy of Comprehensive Cancer Center … This is the first of three straight Rebel outings — and seven overall in 2021 — to be televised by CBS Sports Network … Both teams come in after having a bye week … In September, UNLV played three consecutive ranked FBS teams for the first time in program history and the Rebels’ first five opponents currently boast an eye-popping combined record of 24-5 … UNLV’s Super Senior Charles Williams heads in with the most career net rushing yards gained on the FBS level (3,344) among all current players. Liberty’s Joshua Mack has more career rush yards but a majority of them were gained on the FCS level before transferring to his current school … UNLV PK Daniel Gutierrez has made 13 consecutive field goals, which is tied for the fifth-longest streak in the nation … The Rebels rank 17th nationally in red-zone production this fall at 93 percent (14-15). The team’s only miss inside the opponent 20-yard line this season came at UTSA when UNLV failed to convert on a fourth-and-one at the Roadrunner 20.
REBELS vs. AGGIES NOTES…
This marks Utah State’s first visit to Las Vegas since 2017 … USU leads the all-time series 17-7 and has won five straight over the Rebels … These programs first staged a home-and-home series back in 1971 & ‘73 and later played 13 times as Big West Conference (originally PCAA) rivals from 1983-95 … The Rebels and
Aggies have played some of the closest contests in UNLV history as 11 of the 24 games were decided by a touchdown or less, including three by just one or two points
… UNLV lists one player from the state of Utah on its current roster: DL Waisale Muavesi from Provo’s Timpview HS … Two Rebel assistants spent time at USU:
second-year DL coach Chad Kauha’aha’a oversaw the Aggie OL from 2009-10 while first-year OL coach TJ Woods had two stints in Logan: 2007-12 and 2019-20.
REBELATIONS…
The Rebels have lost the turnover battle just once this season — finishing minus-three at UTSA … All seven UNLV turnovers this season have come from the quarterback position (four picks and three fumbles spread among three signal-callers) … UNLV started a different quarterback in the first three games of the season (all of whom were making their first collegiate start) before Doug Brumfield took the opening snap at Fresno State for his second start. Former TCU transfer Justin Rogers started the season-opener before Brumfield relieved him in the second half. Brumfield then started at ASU before being knocked out with an injury. That necessitated true freshman Cameron Friel making his collegiate debut vs. Iowa State in Week Three, making him the first true freshman to start at QB for UNLV since Omar Clayton in 2007. Friel also started at UTSA and currently ranks first in school history for completion percentage by a freshman with 64.6, leading the 61.1 turned in by Clayton that ‘07 season … UNLV, in fact, has already had four QBs complete passes this fall as the ISU game also saw the Rebel debut of walk-on grad transfer Tate Martell, a summer addition who starred at Las Vegas’ Bishop Gorman High School before signing with Ohio State and then transferring to Miami … Three different Rebels have thrown at least one TD this fall (2 by Brumfield, 1 each by Friel and Rogers) … As a rookie in 2020, Brumfield played in the final two games of the season, spelling six-game starting senior Max Gilliam … During last year’s abbreviated six-date schedule, UNLV started the same quarterback (Gilliam) for every game in a season for the first time since local product Jon Denton out of Green Valley High School started all 12 in 1996 … UNLV has not returned a punt for a touchdown in 20 years — the longest drought in the nation. The last Rebel to do it was Troy Mason, who went 52 yards vs. San Diego State on Oct. 13, 2001, at Sam Boyd Stadium … The Rebels have four interceptions (coming from three different players, including two from Phillip Hill) after only picking off two passes all of last season … Despite missing the UTSA game with an injury, Las Vegas native and former TCU transfer Adam Plant Jr. leads the team with two QB sacks … UNLV’s roster includes nine Super Seniors made possible when the NCAA did not count 2020 against player eligibility because of COVID-19. The unusual group of Rebels includes four sixth-year players and one — offensive lineman Clayton Bradley, who transferred to Las Vegas as a sixth-year graduate of USC a year ago and chose to play one more fall — who is one of 18 players lining up for their SEVENTH season across the FBS this fall … UNLV features four new full-time assistant coaches in 2021 (OL coach TJ Woods, WRs Jonathan Krause, CBs Clay Jennings and TEs Nate Longshore, the latter of whom spent 2020 as offensive analyst) as the staff continues to bring impressive combined on-field experience to Las Vegas. Not only is head coach Marcus Arroyo the first former Power Five coordinator to take over the Rebels, of his 10 current full-time assistant coaches, five came directly from P5 programs spread out among the Pac-12 (3) and Big 12 (2).
Sat., Oct. 16 @ 7:00 pm MT
Air Force Falcons at Boise State Broncos
Air Force Falcons
STORYLINES
• Air Force is 5-1 for the first time since 2010…the Falcons could improve to 6-1 for the first time since 2002 with a win this week
• Air Force is receiving votes in both national polls…The Falcons are 33rd in the Associated Press poll with two points and 35th in the USA Today/AFCA Coaches poll with nine points
• Air Force and Boise State are meeting for the 10th time overall, all as conference foes…Boise State leads the series, 6-3…Air Force is 2-2 at home and 1-4 at Boise State
• Air Force leads the nation in rushing with a 341.3 average…this is the third consecutive week the Falcons have led the nation, which is the longest streak since weeks 1-3 in 2012
• Air Force leads the MW and ranks 13th nationally in scoring defense (16.2)…the Falcons are allowing just 15.6 points per game over the last two seasons
THE SERIES
• Air Force and Boise State are meeting for the 10th time overall, all as conference foes
• Boise State leads the series, 6-3
• Air Force is 2-2 at home and 1-4 at Boise State
• Boise State has won four straight after Air Force won three straight from 2014-16
• Boise State defeated Air Force, 49-30, last season in Falcon Stadium
• Boise State beat Air Force, 30-19, in 2019 in the last meeting at Boise State
• The teams first played Oct. 22, 2011, at Boise State, resulting in a 37-26 Boise State win
Year by Year
2011 – BSU 37-26 (A)
2013 – BSU 42-20 (A)
2014 – AF 28-14 (H)
2015 – AF 37-30 (A)
2016 – AF 27-20 (H)
2017 – BSU 44-18 (A)
2018 – BSU 48-38 (H)
2019 – BSU 30-19 (A)
2020 – BSU 49-30 (H)
Site is for AF
LAST SEASON
(Oct. 31, 2020) Boise State defeated Air Force, 49-30, in Falcon Stadium. The 25th-ranked Broncos scored on the game’s opening play with a 75-yard touchdown pass from Jack Sears to CT Thomas to take a 7-0 lead. The Falcons scored the first two times they had it on rushing touchdowns from Brandon Lewis and Matthew Murla to take a 14-7 lead. Boise State exploded for 21 points in the second quarter to take a 28-17 halftime lead. The Broncos extended the lead to 35-17 with the second TD connect between Sears and Thomas. Following an Air Force touchdown run by Murla to cut it to 35-24, Avery Williams returned the ensuing kickoff 88 yards for a score to make it 42-24. Both teams added a touchdown to make up the final margin. Boise State had 459 total yards, including 280 passing. Sears hit 17-20 passes for 280 yards and three scores. Air Force had 484 total yards, including a season-high 415 rushing. Lewis led the way with a career-high 112 yards, while Elijah Robinson chipped in with 90 and Warren Bryan 87.
LAST TIME AT BOISE STATE
(Sept. 20, 2019) Boise State defeated Air Force, 30-19, in Boise. The teams exchanged scores through three quarters, capped by a Hank Bachmeier to John Bates 28 yard scoring strike to give the Broncos a 17-13 lead headed into the fourth quarter. Robert Mahone scored a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns to make it 30-13. His first was set up by a fourth-and-10 conversion and the second when Boise State stopped Air Force on fourth-and-one. The Falcons scored on a Hammond to Geraud Sanders 31 yard scoring toss, but a blocked PAT made up the final margin. The teams each gained 355 total yards. Air Force rushed for 242 yards, led by Taven Birdow’s 67 yards. Hammond added a season-best 62. The Air Force defense was led by Jeremy Fejedelem, who had nine tackles, and Lakota Wills, who had eight and a career-best three tackles for loss.
LOOKING AT BOISE STATE
Boise State is 3-3 overall and 1-1 in the Mountain West … The Broncos are coming off a 26-17 victory at No. 10 BYU last week … Boise State is coached by Andy Avalos, who is a 2005 graduate of the school, and is in his first season as a head coach … BSU averages 31.5 points per game while allowing 21.8 … The Broncos have alternated loss, win in their six games this season … Hank Backmeier leads the offense, hiƫ ng 138-212 passes for 1,691 yards and 11 touchdowns … Khalil Shakir leads the team in receiving with 36 catches for 584 yards and four touchdowns … the defense is led by JL Skinner, who has 53 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and four pass breakups … he has also recovered and forced two fumbles.
AN AIR FORCE WIN WOULD
• Air Force would improve to 6-1 overall for the first time since 2002
• Air Force would improve to 3-1 in MW play
• Air Force would improve to 3-0 on the road this season
• Air Force would improve to 4-6 all-time vs. Boise State
• Air Force would snap a two-game losing streak on the Blue turf, winning for the first time since a 37-30 win in 2015
• Air Force would improve to 2-4 all-time at Boise State
Boise State Broncos
THE GAME
Following a road victory over 10thranked BYU in its final nonconference game of the 2021 regular season, the Boise State football team returns home to host Air Force in a return to Mountain West action at Albertsons Stadium, Saturday. The Broncos and Falcons are slated to kick off at 7 p.m., and the game will be nationally
televised on FS1.
A HISTORIC WIN
The Broncos’ victory over No. 10 BYU this past week was the first road win over a top 10 team since defeating No. 8 Fresno State, Oct. 19, 2001 (35-30). Boise State, now 6-3 all-time against top-10 teams, registered the Mountain West’s first nonconference road win over a school ranked in the top 10 since TCU defeated No. 7 Oklahoma, Sept. 4, 2005 (17-10).
BRONCO GAME NOTES
THE SERIES
The Broncos have won each of the last four meetings against Air Force after dropping three-straight from 2014-16, one of only three opponents to beat Boise State in back-to-back-to-back seasons in school history (Idaho and Nevada). The Broncos lead the all-time series 6-3, including a 4-1 mark at home.
LAST GAME BEFORE OPEN WEEK
This week’s game against Air Force will be the Broncos’ seventh-straight to open the season before their open week. Not counting the abbreviated COVID season of 2020, Boise State has not started a season with more games without an open week since 2015. That season Boise State went nine-straight weeks to open the season.
AN INTERESTING PARALLEL
Prior to the Broncos’ 26-17 road victory over 10th-ranked BYU, Boise State, under first-year head coach Andy Avalos, had gone 2-3 to open the season for the first
time since 2001. That season, under first-year head coach Dan Hawkins, Boise State went on the road and knocked off No. 8 Fresno State (35-30).
BRINGING THE CHAOS
Prior to the 2020 season, which, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, forced capacity at Albertsons Stadium to 1,100 or less, Bronco Nation contributed to an environment that produced 44 false starts by opposing teams from 2018-19. That mark was the highest total of any stadium in the country, as were Bronco opponents’ 3.14 false starts per game. Including the Broncos’ first three 2021 home games, the first capacity crowds since the 2019 Mountain West Championship Game against Hawai’i, Dec. 7, 2019, Boise State opponents have combined for 56 false starts and 3.29 per game, marks that lead the country. Opponents have committed at least one false start in 17-straight games at Albertsons Stadium and multiple false starts in 15 of those contests.
CLOSING TIME
Boise State has won 122 straight games at home when leading after three quarters, a streak that dates back to 1998. Navy, whose streak is second to Boise State at 62, is the only school whose streak started last century (1999). Only five other schools started a streak prior to 2011. Alabama (60, began in 2011) and Ohio (53,
began in 2007) are the only other schools to boast a stretch that is one-third as long as Boise State’s. Of the other 129 FBS schools, 74 have lost a game when leading entering the fourth quarter in the last four years, including 18 this season.
Sat., Oct. 16 @ 7:30 pm PT
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors at Nevada Wolf Pack
Series Information: Nevada leads, 14-11
in Reno: Nevada leads, 8-2
Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
GAME STORYLINES
• Saturday’s match-up is the 26th meeting between the schools. Nevada leads the series 14-11 including an 8-2 advantage in Reno.
• Nevada was UH’s first intercollegiate opponent when the schools met during the 1920 season. After that initial meeting, the teams faced off only three times over the next 80 years but have met every year since 2000.
• UH defeated Nevada 54-3 in Reno in 2019 for the program’s largest margin of victory ever in a Mountain West contest. In that game, the Rainbow Warriors raced out
to a 28-0 halftime lead and concluded with 512 yards of total offense, while holding the Wolf Pack to a season-low 203.
• Last year, UH handed Nevada its first loss of the season after a 24-21 victory in Honolulu. The win was Hawai‘i’s second straight over the Wolf Pack and marked the first time that UH beat Nevada in consecutive years since winning three straight from 2006-08. The victory was the closest margin by either team in the last 13 meetings
• Nevada head coach Jay Norvell spent one season on Todd Graham’s staff at Arizona State in 2016 before being hired by Nevada. At ASU, Norvell served as wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator.
• Nevada assistant coach Timmy Chang is in his fifth season at Nevada, coaching the wide receivers in 2021 after three seasons as tight end coach. The former UH
quarterback once held the NCAA record for passing yards.
• Nevada leads the Mountain West and ranks No. 2 nationally with an average of
•.40 sacks per game. UH is 94th nationally in sacks allowed at 2.67 per game.
• Beginning this week, UH’s next three Mountain West opponents have a combined win-loss record of 12-3 (Nevada, 4-1; Utah State, 3-2; San Diego State, 5-0). Hawai‘i’s last three conference opponents are a combined 6-9.
• This Saturday’s game marks UH’s fourth of seven road games this season. Hawai‘i is 1-2 on the road this year and is 2-4 in true road games under coach Todd Graham.
• Quarterback Chevan Cordeiro is 64 yards away from 1,000 career rushing yards. When he reaches that mark, he will become just the third UH signal caller joining
Michael Carter and Glenn Freitas to reach that mark.
• UH has rushed for better than 200 yards in two straight games and three times overall this season. Hawai‘i is averaging 159.3 rushing yards per game this season.
• Defensively, UH is tied for third nationally with 16 turnovers caused. In the last-two games, the Warriors have combined for nine turnovers (5 INT, 4 FR), including a season-high six takeaways in an upset over Fresno State two weeks ago.
LAST MEETING VS. NEVADA
UH 24, NEV 21 — Nov. 28, 2020
Aloha Stadium; Honolulu, O‘ahu
• Hawai‘i snapped a two-game skid with a 24-21 win over previously undefeated Nevada. It marked UH’s second straight win over the Wolf Pack, who entered the game atop the Mountain West standings at 5-0.
• UH limited the nation’s leading receiver Romeo Doubs to one catch for 10 yards and held quarterback Carson Strong to nearly 200 yards under his average.
• The three-point margin was the closest by either team in the last 13 meetings in the series.
• WR/RB Calvin Turner totaled 152 all-purpose yards, which included a career-high 10 catches for 77 yards and scored his team-leading eighth touchdown on the year.
• QB Chevan Cordeiro threw for 246 yards on 26-of-32 passing and also rushed 15 times for 62 yards and his two-yard touchdown run with 9:31 left put the Warriors up by 10.
• UH converted 9-of-14 on third down attempts.
TEAM NOTES
HAWAI‘I IN THE MOUNTAIN WEST
• Hawai‘i is in its 10th season in the Mountain West and owns a 24-50 (.324) all-time mark —13-26 at home and 11-24 on the road
WATCH OUT
• A total of five Warriors are listed on the Watch Lists for national awards, including two each by WR/RB Calvin Turner, Jr., and LB Darius Muasau.
OTHER TEAM NOTES
• In its first three home games, UH out-scored its opponents 45-7 in the first quarter.
• After going a nation-leading 154 straight games without a blocked punt, UH allowed two blocked punts in the first four games of this season (UCLA and SJSU).
• UCLA returned its blocked punt for a touchdown, marking the first time since 2004, UH allowed an opponent to do so.
• UH dropped its first season opener since 2016. UH had previously won four straight season openers and five in the last six years.
• UH’s 34-point loss to UCLA was the largest margin of defeat in a season opener since 2012 at USC (49-10) and its 269 yards of offense was its least in a season opener since 2013 (231 yards vs USC).
• UH’s first win at its new home the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex was against Portland State which coincidentally was its first win at its old home, Aloha Stadium.
• UH’s win over Portland State was its 18th consecutive over a FCS opponent dating back to the 2001 season. The average margin of wins in those games have been 27.7 points.
• UH won its seventh consecutive home-opener dating back to 2015.
• A total of 16 members of the 2021 team currently hold bachelor degrees.
Nevada Wolf Pack
WOLF PACK BACK IN MOUNTAIN WEST ACTION AGAINST HAWAI’I
Nevada (4-1), following a 55-28 win against New Mexico State, hosts Hawai’i (3-3) for a 7:30 p.m. (PT) kickoff on Homecoming. Saturday’s contest will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network, with Dave Ryan (play-by-play), Cory Chavous (analyst), and Desmond Purnell (Sideline) on the call. This marks the 25th matchup with Hawai’i and Nevada leads the all-time series 13-11. The Wolf Pack plays its second conference game of the season after taking the MWC opener 41-31 at Boise State on Oct. 2.
The Wolf Pack Radio Network will call the game as well on 94.5 FM with John Ramey (play-byplay) and Mike Edwards (analyst) in the booth, with the 60-minute pregame show to begin at 6:30 p.m. PT.
SERIES HISTORY
Nevada and Hawaii faceoff for the 25th time in school history. The Wolf Pack look to defeat the Rainbow Warriors for the first time since 2018 after dropping the last two contests. Most recently, Hawai’i defeated Nevada 24-21 in Manoa, Hawaii. The last time the Pack took down the Rainbow Warriors was a 40-22 win on the road. In that game, RB Toa Taua rushed for 126 yards and one touchdown and QB Ty Gangi passed for 247 yards and a score. WR Elijah Cooks made three receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown and added a 40-yard rushing TD on a bubble screen. Taua also completed two passes for 14 yards. The Pack defense held Hawai’i to eight points in the second half.
CRUISING INTO HOMECOMING
Nevada opened its 2021 season with a 22-17 victory over the California Golden Bears in Berkeley on Sept. 4. Prior to the win over Cal, Nevada’s last road win at a Power 5 team also came at Cal when Nevada defeated the Golden Bears 31-24 on Sept. 1, 2012. After Cal opened the game with a 14-0 lead, Nevada scored 22 unanswered points to lead the remainder of the game. Carson Strong threw for 312 yards and two touchdowns, posting his ninth 300- yard passing game of his career. Kicker Brandon Talton recorded his 12th multi-FG game of his career after going 3-for-4 for Nevada. Romeo Doubs finished with six catches for 83 yards and a touchdown, Cole Turner led all Pack receivers with seven catches (for 75 yards), and WR Tory Horton led the Pack with 94 receiving yards on three catches. Elijah Cooks recorded his first touchdown since the 2020 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on Jan. 3, 2020. The Pack defense came up clutch to secure Nevada’s victory. Cornerback Isaiah Essissima, a transfer from Wake Forest, made his first interception in a Nevada jersey in his Wolf Pack debut, stopping a late fourth-quarter Cal drive with a pick. Sam Hammond and Daniel Grzesiak tallied sacks for the Pack, including Hammond’s 13-yard loss which resulted in a missed Cal field goal attempt.
JoJuan Claiborne led the Pack defense with 10 tackles (eight solo), and shared a tackle-for-loss. Nevada handled business on Sept. 11 in its first home game of the 2021 season. The Pack defeated Idaho State, 49-10. Carson Strong powered the Pack offense, throwing for 381 yards and four touchdowns. Strong completed 34 of 43 passes, including two touchdowns to Elijah Cooks, who finished with even receptions for 89 yards. Devonte Lee recorded a 2-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter and caught a 15-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth. Cole Turner had a touchdown catch. Backup quarterback Nate Cox stepped in the game in the fourth quarter, delivering a 43-yard touchdown to Harry Ballard.
The Pack dropped its first game of the season to No. 25 Kansas State in Manhattan, Kan., on Sept. 18. Despite the 38-17 final score being in favor of the Wildcats, the Pack and Kansas State began the fourth quarter tied at 17. WR Romeo Doubs made 7 catches for 121 yards for a season high in yardage. His previous season-best was 83 yards on six receptions against Cal on Sept. 4. It marked his most receiving yards since he gained 133 yards on 5 receptions at Hawai’i on Nov. 21, 2020.
Nevada secured its first conference win of the season in Boise, Idaho, on Oct. 2. The Pack defeated the Broncos, 41-31, in a packed Albertson’s Stadium. Carson Strong threw for 263 yards and a touchdown while running back Toa Taua rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns. Nevada snapped its six-game losing streak to the Broncos, dating back to 2010. Nevada last won in Boise in 1997. Tristan Nichols forced a fumble on Boise State quarterback Hank Bachmeier. Then, five plays later, Taua punched it into the end zone from 12 yards out to give Nevada a permanent lead. Placekicker Brandon Talton had a strong game, going 4-for-4 in field goal attempts and 3-for-3 on PATs.
The Pack picked up its fourth win of the season after cruising to a 55-28 victory over New Mexico State on Saturday. Carson Strong threw a career-high six touchdown passes — four in the second quarter — and Nevada cruised to a 55-28 win over New Mexico State on Saturday night.
Strong, who did not play in the fourth quarter, finished 25-of-32 passing for 377 yards with one interception. His six touchdown passes were one shy of Nevada’s single-game record, and were the most by a Wolf Pack quarterback since Mike Maxwell twice tossed seven touchdowns in a game, against UNLV and Louisiana-Monroe, in 1995 Nevada took the opening kick of the second half and Turner’s 3-yard scoring catch capped a seven-play, 75-yard drive that made it 38-3. Strong connected with Henry Ballard for a 33-yard touchdown about four minutes later and cornerback BerDale Robins ripped the ball from New Mexico State’s Jared Wyatt and raced 25 yards for a score to give Nevada a 52-3 lead going into the fourth quarter.
LEADING THE NATION
The Wolf Pack lead the nation in sacks after accumulating 22 through five games. Tristan Nichols leads Nevada with six, while Sam Hammond (4.0), Dom Peterson (3.5), Daniel Grzesiak (2.0, Chris Love (2.0), Lawson Hall (1.0), Trevor Price (1.0), AJ King (1.0), Tyson Williams (1.0), and Jack Powers (1.0) have all chipped in.
