Air Force vs. San Diego State: Game Preview, How To Watch, Odds
San Diego State Looking To Close Out Season With Winning Streak
Contact/Follow @Michaelbraydaly & @MWCwire
Regular Season Finale
WEEK 12: Air Force (8-3) vs. San Diego State Aztecs (7-4)
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 26, 7:00 P.M. MT/6:00 P.M. PT
WHERE: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California
WEATHER: Clear, 60 degrees Fahrenheit
RADIO: San Diego Sports 760
SERIES RECORD: Air Force leads San Diego State, 19-18
LAST MEETING: Oct. 23, 2021 – SDSU def. Air Force, 20-14
WEBSITES: Air Force Academy Athletics | San Diego State Athletics
ODDS: Air Force (-1.5)
San Diego State will look to extend its winning streak to four games in Week 13. The Aztecs closed out the final road game of the season with a 34-10 win over New Mexico. The offense played at a high level and put the game away by the end of the second quarter. New Mexico did not score at all in the second half.
This has been a stressful season for the Aztecs, but this winning streak calmed the nerves of many doubters. Following the loss to Fresno State on Oct. 29, the season seemed to be getting away from San Diego State. Fortunately, San Diego State responded with three straight wins over UNLV, San Jose State, and New Mexico.
For Air Force, this season did not meet the team’s expectations. Air Force had was very close to an appearance in the Mountain West Championship Game. Losing to Boise State on Oct. 22, hurt Air Force’s chances of clinching a bid to the championship game. Air Force responded to that loss with three wins in a row over Army, New Mexico, and Colorado State.
How San Diego State Can Win
San Diego State will need another outstanding performance from Jalen Mayden. Aside from his interception against New Mexico, Mayden had a noteworthy performance in the 24-point win last Friday. Mayden finished the game with 280 passing yards and 2 passing touchdowns. He completed 60% of his attempted passes.
The defense will need to slow down Air Force’s running game. The Falcons will likely only pass on offense when they are forced to. Air Force quarterback Haaziq Daniels can open up the running game with his speed and ability to eat up short yardage.
San Diego State will need to plan for Brad Roberts running the ball at least 25 times. In Week 12, Roberts had 37 carries for a total of 184 yards and one touchdown. Roberts will be a threat and the Aztecs will need to pack the line of scrimmage. If they can minimize Roberts’ damage, it will be more difficult for the other running backs and receivers to contribute to the running game.
Prediction:
The outcome will be dependent on both defenses. Air Force’s defense will try to limit Mayden’s throwing ability and force him to throw into tight windows. If Air Force can slow down Mayden in the passing game, it could present an issue for San Diego State. Mayden will be able to adjust and will have at least one passing touchdown in the game.
On defense, if San Diego State can avoid giving up large gains on the ground to Air Force, it should be a competitive game. Since the two teams are close to each other in terms of talent, it should be a tight game.
Do not expect San Diego State to post many points on a stout Air Force defense. The Aztecs cannot afford to allow Air Force to have any success throwing the ball. Air Force has been the more consistent team this season and should be able to pull off the road win over San Diego State.
Final- Air Force def. SDSU, 24-20
