WHEN THE AZTECS HAVE THE BALL: There is no way to sugarcoat it, no way to put a happy face on horrendous. Having latched on to a measure of momentum after winning two straight, SDSU was nothing short of awful last week, finishing with 140 total yards and a field goal against a UNLV defense that had been allowing 397 yards and 30 points a game. To put that in perspective, the Aztecs finished with 179 total yards against Ohio State. The Aztecs, who had been ranked 14th in the country and first in the MWC on third-down conversions, were 0-for-15. SDSU tailback Lynell Hamilton (strained hamstring) is operating at less than 100 percent, but if Utah is vulnerable it 3/8s on the ground, where the Utes are allowing an average of nearly 165 yards a game. Sophomore Brandon Bornes, who could see substantial playing time, turned in the best performance of his career against Utah last year when he carried 17 times for 112 yards. In the Utes 3/8 21-17 loss to Colorado State last week, Rams tailback Kyle Bell rushed 25 times for 140 yards and scored the game-winning touchdown on a 49-yard run. Edge: Utah
WHEN THE UTES HAVE THE BALL: SDSU's defense did all it could against UNLV, providing the team's lone touchdown on linebacker Joe Martin's 86-yard interception return and positioning the offense with a first-and-goal at the 1 following a 39-yard fumble return by Freddy Keiaho. Unfortunately, the Aztecs' offense refused the gift, settling for a field goal after losing three yards on three plays. SDSU, which ranks No. 2 in the conference in total defense, will face one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the conference in Brian Johnson and must also contend with the league's No. 3 rusher in Quinton Ganther. The Utes' senior running back has three 100-yard games this season. Utah is nothing if not frustrated, failing to score on three straight plays inside the 1-yard line in the final minute of its loss to Colorado State. While the Utes rank third in the conference in total offense, they have turned the ball over 14 times, more than any other team in the MWC. Edge: SDSU
SPECIAL TEAMS: On the heels of last week's career-best performance, SDSU sophomore punter Michael Hughes ranks 11th in the nation with an average of 45.3 yards. Taking advantage of a stiff breeze, Hughes had punts of 78 and 67 yards against UNLV. While Utah place-kicker Dan Beardall owns the best field-goal percentage in the conference, punter Louie Sakoda's average of 30.4 yards is the worst in the league. The Aztecs will face one of the top kick returners in the conference in Utah's Brent Casteel, who ranks No. 2 in the MWC with a 28.2 average. SDSU's return game continues to rank among the poorest in the nation. The Aztecs rank 116th in the country out of 117 Div. IA teams on kickoff returns and 97th on punt returns. Edge: Utah
INTANGIBLES: Should the Aztecs lose, they would need to win all five of their remaining games to become bowl eligible. SDSU has not won five straight since 1995. The Aztecs must set the tempo early, with Utah having outscored opponents 131-82 through the first three quarters. Ganther offers a far greater challenge than UNLV 3/8s Erick Jackson, who carried 29 times for 109 yards last week. Utah, which has allowed an average of 29 points in its last three games, has lost more games in six weeks than it did in the previous two years.
INJURY REPORT: San Diego State: TE Lance Louis (ankle) is probable; RB Lynell Hamilton (hamstring) is questionable; OL Mike Kravetz (ankle) is out. Utah: No injuries reported.
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U. hopes for spark from former QB
He's back: Ex-star Alex Smith will be on the sideline today as theThe magician returns today, and Utah Utes can only hope the magic does, too.
Former quarterback Alex Smith, who led the team to its greatest season a year ago, will be on the sideline when the Utes play San Diego State in their homecoming game at Rice-Eccles Stadium. He's one of the dozens of athletic alumni back in town for the inaugural Reunion Week festivities, and the Utes would love to get back to playing the way they did when he was leading them - and not the way they have the past few weeks.
"It will be two teams in desperate need of a win," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said.
Indeed, Smith might need help recognizing his old team.
The Utes were undefeated and partying after the Fiesta Bowl the last time Smith was with them, before leaving
school early and becoming the No. 1 pick of the NFL draft. But they're 3-3 this season, having lost three of their last four games and faded late in every one to suffer heart-wrenching defeats and eliminate themselves from the Mountain West Conference championship race.
The 2-4 Aztecs are no better off, having been all over the road - blasting Brigham Young, then barely scoring in a loss at UNLV - in a season that could determine the fate of coach Tom Craft.
It's hardly a marquee matchup, but it is one that assuredly will set the tone for the rest of the season.
"A lot of people are doubting us right now," Whittingham said. "But the reality is that we've lost two conference games on the last play of the game. . . . We have a lot of freshmen and sophomores running around out there, and they're good players. You look at us on paper, and I think we have the chance to develop into a very good football team this year and into next."
If so, it starts now.
The Utes have beaten the Aztecs in five the last six meetings - the only loss came in Smith's inauspicious debut late in a blowout in San Diego three years ago - and haven't lost to the Aztecs at home in a decade.
The Utes also are riding a 10-game home winning streak, but might be without second-leading receiver Travis LaTendresse, who injured his ankle in the loss at Colorado State last weekend. And while Whittingham said LaTendresse is "50-50" to play, the Aztecs are expecting injured running back Lynell Hamilton to see at least some work against a Utah defense that has worn down late in games.
"We should be finishing every one on top," middle linebacker Joe Jiannoni said. "We should probably have another Mountain West Conference championship this year. I know we've had opportunities to take [wins] every time. I don't know why we aren't. It bothers me."
Yet Whittingham is right, in that the Utes have been only a few plays away from being undefeated in the league.
And they still can qualify for a bowl game if they win three of their final five games - although that prospect gets a lot dimmer if they fall to the Aztecs, a team without a winning season since 1998 that figures to provide one of the victories.
"We haven't played a good game on the road yet," Craft said. "We have to look forward to doing that, because it's one of the pivotal things that can turn a season around."
The Aztecs have their share of talent, with quarterback Kevin O'Connell, receiver Jeff Webb and Hamilton.
But after wiping out Brigham Young at home, the Aztecs lost 13-10 at UNLV last weekend in a windswept game in which they suffered a fate similar to the Utes at Colorado State - failing to score a touchdown after having first-and-goal from the 1-yard line.
"It was one of those days that nothing seemed to work," O'Connell said, "and it was all on us as players. We didn't execute. . . . But I think we have some good character on this team, and I think it's going to show."
The Utes are thinking the same thing, and the rest of the season stands to go a lot more smoothly for the team that proves correct.
About the Utes: They're riding a 10-game home winning streak. . . . QB Brian Johnson is averaging 297 yards of total offense, to rank 14th nationally. . . . They have outscored opponents 131-82 in the first three quarters of games, but have been outscored 53-16 in the fourth. . . . They rank last in the league by allowing 28 yards on kickoff returns, but the Aztecs rank last by gaining just 14.8 yards.
About the Aztecs: Having lost nine of their last 10 road games, they're aiming for their first win at Utah since 1995. . . . They rank second in the league by allowing just 334.3 yards per game. . . . WR Jeff Webb has caught at least one pass in 27 straight games, and at least three in 22 in a row. He has 41 catches this season for 467 yards and two touchdowns. . . . They have taken a league-worst 19 sacks. . . . Coach Tom Craft is 16-26 in his fourth season.
Three Keys to Victory
1. Shake it off
The Utes must get over the devastating loss at Colorado State and come out strong against an Aztecs team that has strained to score on the road. If they can build a good lead, they will have a chance to either finally finish strong or at least survive a comeback.
2. Spin the Webb
San Diego State's Jeff Webb is among the best receivers in the league, and probably the Aztecs' top threat. The Utah defensive backs must keep him under wraps - and not let him erupt like CSU's David Anderson did against them last weekend.
3. Turnover, please?
Turnovers have played a major role so far, with the Utes having committed five and forced nine in their three victories. In their three losses, though, they have committed nine and forced only four - so clearly, they must commit fewer than the Aztecs.
team tries to right itself
WHEN THE UTES HAVE THE BALL: SDSU's defense did all it could against UNLV, providing the team's lone touchdown on linebacker Joe Martin's 86-yard interception return and positioning the offense with a first-and-goal at the 1 following a 39-yard fumble return by Freddy Keiaho. Unfortunately, the Aztecs' offense refused the gift, settling for a field goal after losing three yards on three plays. SDSU, which ranks No. 2 in the conference in total defense, will face one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the conference in Brian Johnson and must also contend with the league's No. 3 rusher in Quinton Ganther. The Utes' senior running back has three 100-yard games this season. Utah is nothing if not frustrated, failing to score on three straight plays inside the 1-yard line in the final minute of its loss to Colorado State. While the Utes rank third in the conference in total offense, they have turned the ball over 14 times, more than any other team in the MWC. Edge: SDSU
SPECIAL TEAMS: On the heels of last week's career-best performance, SDSU sophomore punter Michael Hughes ranks 11th in the nation with an average of 45.3 yards. Taking advantage of a stiff breeze, Hughes had punts of 78 and 67 yards against UNLV. While Utah place-kicker Dan Beardall owns the best field-goal percentage in the conference, punter Louie Sakoda's average of 30.4 yards is the worst in the league. The Aztecs will face one of the top kick returners in the conference in Utah's Brent Casteel, who ranks No. 2 in the MWC with a 28.2 average. SDSU's return game continues to rank among the poorest in the nation. The Aztecs rank 116th in the country out of 117 Div. IA teams on kickoff returns and 97th on punt returns. Edge: Utah
INTANGIBLES: Should the Aztecs lose, they would need to win all five of their remaining games to become bowl eligible. SDSU has not won five straight since 1995. The Aztecs must set the tempo early, with Utah having outscored opponents 131-82 through the first three quarters. Ganther offers a far greater challenge than UNLV 3/8s Erick Jackson, who carried 29 times for 109 yards last week. Utah, which has allowed an average of 29 points in its last three games, has lost more games in six weeks than it did in the previous two years.
INJURY REPORT: San Diego State: TE Lance Louis (ankle) is probable; RB Lynell Hamilton (hamstring) is questionable; OL Mike Kravetz (ankle) is out. Utah: No injuries reported.
===========
U. hopes for spark from former QB
He's back: Ex-star Alex Smith will be on the sideline today as theThe magician returns today, and Utah Utes can only hope the magic does, too.
Former quarterback Alex Smith, who led the team to its greatest season a year ago, will be on the sideline when the Utes play San Diego State in their homecoming game at Rice-Eccles Stadium. He's one of the dozens of athletic alumni back in town for the inaugural Reunion Week festivities, and the Utes would love to get back to playing the way they did when he was leading them - and not the way they have the past few weeks.
"It will be two teams in desperate need of a win," Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said.
Indeed, Smith might need help recognizing his old team.
The Utes were undefeated and partying after the Fiesta Bowl the last time Smith was with them, before leaving
school early and becoming the No. 1 pick of the NFL draft. But they're 3-3 this season, having lost three of their last four games and faded late in every one to suffer heart-wrenching defeats and eliminate themselves from the Mountain West Conference championship race.
The 2-4 Aztecs are no better off, having been all over the road - blasting Brigham Young, then barely scoring in a loss at UNLV - in a season that could determine the fate of coach Tom Craft.
It's hardly a marquee matchup, but it is one that assuredly will set the tone for the rest of the season.
"A lot of people are doubting us right now," Whittingham said. "But the reality is that we've lost two conference games on the last play of the game. . . . We have a lot of freshmen and sophomores running around out there, and they're good players. You look at us on paper, and I think we have the chance to develop into a very good football team this year and into next."
If so, it starts now.
The Utes have beaten the Aztecs in five the last six meetings - the only loss came in Smith's inauspicious debut late in a blowout in San Diego three years ago - and haven't lost to the Aztecs at home in a decade.
The Utes also are riding a 10-game home winning streak, but might be without second-leading receiver Travis LaTendresse, who injured his ankle in the loss at Colorado State last weekend. And while Whittingham said LaTendresse is "50-50" to play, the Aztecs are expecting injured running back Lynell Hamilton to see at least some work against a Utah defense that has worn down late in games.
"We should be finishing every one on top," middle linebacker Joe Jiannoni said. "We should probably have another Mountain West Conference championship this year. I know we've had opportunities to take [wins] every time. I don't know why we aren't. It bothers me."
Yet Whittingham is right, in that the Utes have been only a few plays away from being undefeated in the league.
And they still can qualify for a bowl game if they win three of their final five games - although that prospect gets a lot dimmer if they fall to the Aztecs, a team without a winning season since 1998 that figures to provide one of the victories.
"We haven't played a good game on the road yet," Craft said. "We have to look forward to doing that, because it's one of the pivotal things that can turn a season around."
The Aztecs have their share of talent, with quarterback Kevin O'Connell, receiver Jeff Webb and Hamilton.
But after wiping out Brigham Young at home, the Aztecs lost 13-10 at UNLV last weekend in a windswept game in which they suffered a fate similar to the Utes at Colorado State - failing to score a touchdown after having first-and-goal from the 1-yard line.
"It was one of those days that nothing seemed to work," O'Connell said, "and it was all on us as players. We didn't execute. . . . But I think we have some good character on this team, and I think it's going to show."
The Utes are thinking the same thing, and the rest of the season stands to go a lot more smoothly for the team that proves correct.
About the Utes: They're riding a 10-game home winning streak. . . . QB Brian Johnson is averaging 297 yards of total offense, to rank 14th nationally. . . . They have outscored opponents 131-82 in the first three quarters of games, but have been outscored 53-16 in the fourth. . . . They rank last in the league by allowing 28 yards on kickoff returns, but the Aztecs rank last by gaining just 14.8 yards.
About the Aztecs: Having lost nine of their last 10 road games, they're aiming for their first win at Utah since 1995. . . . They rank second in the league by allowing just 334.3 yards per game. . . . WR Jeff Webb has caught at least one pass in 27 straight games, and at least three in 22 in a row. He has 41 catches this season for 467 yards and two touchdowns. . . . They have taken a league-worst 19 sacks. . . . Coach Tom Craft is 16-26 in his fourth season.
Three Keys to Victory
1. Shake it off
The Utes must get over the devastating loss at Colorado State and come out strong against an Aztecs team that has strained to score on the road. If they can build a good lead, they will have a chance to either finally finish strong or at least survive a comeback.
2. Spin the Webb
San Diego State's Jeff Webb is among the best receivers in the league, and probably the Aztecs' top threat. The Utah defensive backs must keep him under wraps - and not let him erupt like CSU's David Anderson did against them last weekend.
3. Turnover, please?
Turnovers have played a major role so far, with the Utes having committed five and forced nine in their three victories. In their three losses, though, they have committed nine and forced only four - so clearly, they must commit fewer than the Aztecs.
team tries to right itself
