San Diego State game day preview

Well another Saturday of college football is upon us and here is my game day preview for Oregon State @ San Diego State. Despite the Aztecs 0-2 start to the season they do have a respectable team that fields 12 returners from last seasons Mountain West co-Championship Poinsettia Bowl team.

Stats from Beavers vs Aztecs

Games:3

San Diego State leads 2-1, first meeting between the teams was in 1972 and San Diego State won 17-8. Last meeting was 2000 and Oregon State won in Corvallis 35-3.

What to look out for from San Diego State: They have a tough defense that blitzes frequently. With Oregon State's banged up offensive line the protection of quarterback Sean Mannion is critical. The offense of San Diego State returns injured running back Adam Muema who rushed for over 1,400 yards last season. With the Oregon States defense not able to wrap up and stop some running games this could be a key to San Diego State being victorious.

San Diego State also will be playing with a chip on their shoulder after losing their first two games, one to FCS opponent in Eastern Illinois and in Columbus to Ohio State.

What to look for from Oregon State: One thing we can look for is the emergence of a running game. With Storm Woods out due to injury Terron Ward and freshman Chris Brown will be stepping up to carry the load. Let's hope they can hit some holes and the Beavers can get over the 100 yard rushing mark for the first time this season. Will the defense be able to contain and hang on? Last week with a 17 point lead the Beavers defense squandered it but eventually held on to win the game in overtime. If the Aztecs decide to have their quarterback run will they be able to contain him?

Overall I think this game will be a hard fought match up but eventually the Beavers will find the momentum they need in order to win. Sean Mannion and Brandin Cooks are quietly putting together a solid season. Presently Cooks has 498 receiving yards with 7 touchdowns. Mannion has completed 73% of his passes for 12 touchdowns, 1237 yards, and he is presently the nation's leader in touchdown passes. Oregon State also goes into the game leading the nation in passing with 438.7 per game. This contest can go either way and don't be surprised in case the Beavers get upset, but for the sake of Beaver Nation let's hope that they don't lose this game.

Final Score Prediction: Oregon State 37 San Diego State 23