SDSU Aztecs Head North To Face Oregon State Beavers
After a bye week, the SDSU Aztecs are fresh and ready to face the Beavers of Oregon State. It will be a true test for the Aztecs offense with the loss of lead receiver Ezell Ruffin. This game will be a great match against a Pac 12 opponent to show that conference what they are missing.
Offense
The Aztecs offense will be dependent on their run game with the passing side looking for an identity. Donnel Pumphrey will continue to be the lead back with Chase Price as the ground and pound guy. The running back tandem is very dynamic and can run hard behind this offensive line. I expect 80 yards and 2 touchdowns for Pumphrey with Price getting another touchdown in their. If these guys can get at least 3 touchdowns then they are in good shape.
When the Aztecs need to pass it will be up to quarterback Quinn Kaehler to find his lead receiver. The guys to look for are Eric Judge and Larry Clark. Both are tall receivers and are capable of being deep threats. When they need big yards you will see Kaehler look for these guys but look for Robert Craighead to be the tight end coming off the line. I expect zero turnovers from this passing offense to continue a stance on ball control.
Defense
The defense will need to key on Oregon State running back Terron Ward who shredded University of Hawaii last week. He had 124 yards and 2 touchdowns so if the defense can hold him under 50 yards that will force the passing game to make plays.
The starting Oregon State quarterback is a senior, Sean Mannion, who is a veteran leader. He’s methodical as a quarterback and has only thrown 1 interception on the season. They have many receiving options so the secondary will have to be on a swivel to succeed. To win this game, they have to force 2 turnovers from the quarterback and i think the 3-3-5 defense can scare the quarterback.
Prediction
My predition for this game is 28-23 Win for the Aztecs. I think the run game gets rolling and Kaehler hits Judge for a touchdown here. The running touchdowns come from a couple turnovers by Mannion that the offense capitalized on. The game will start at 7:30 p.m. Pacific on Fox Sports 1.