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San Diego State Keys to Victory Against Nevada
San Diego State heads up to Reno on Saturday Night to take on the Nevada Wolf Pack.
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The West division-leading Aztecs look to keep their win streak going.
San Diego State has overcome offensive struggles, late-game surges, and mental mistakes to win games. Saturday presents itself another opportunity for a gritty San Diego State win. Earlier this week, Christian Chapman was cleared to come back to play, despite the winning streak under backup quarterback Ryan Agnew.
Rocky Long on Chapman’s availability Saturday:
“He has been cleared as an emergency,” Long said. “That means if all the other quarterbacks get hurt, he will go in there, take a snap and hand it to the running back. That’s what that means.”
The Aztecs are bowl-eligible going into their game in Reno and face off an improved Wolf Pack team, matching their win total from 2017. This Nevada team is as hungry to end the Aztec winning streak on home turf. Let’s break down how the Aztecs leave Saturday night with a victory:
Lockdown the pass
Nevada leans towards passing the ball with quarterback Ty Gangi under center. Washington State transfer Kaleb Possum has pulled in 595 yards of receiving and McLane Mannix has 616 yards of receiving. It is a tough order for the defensive backs to keep them in check. Throughout the season, the Aztec passing defense has been suspect. Save some clutch plays, this secondary hasn’t been consistent as previous iterations of Aztec defenses. If the defense can get pressure on Gangi, things would be easier for the secondary.
Give the ball to their playmakers
Since going without Juwan Washington, San Diego State has committed to a running back by committee with Chase Jasmin taking most of the snaps. Nevada will be chomping at the bits to stifle the running game. Nevada has only given up more than 200 yards of rushing this season, and they are coming off a game where they only gave up 112 yards of rushing to Hawaii. San Diego State has to impose their running game with Jasmin, Chance Bell, and Jordan Byrd, even if they expect the ball on the ground.
If you can’t blow ‘em out, keep it close
San Diego State has brought the intensity when called for. Coaches have called Boise State their best all-around game. Since their upset on the blue turf, San Diego State has underperformed as favorites at home.
If the Aztecs can hold a lead, they have all strength to run 5-minute drives. San Diego State has won nine of their last 10 (9-1) games decided by eight points or less. Not to mention John Baron has come up clutch for the Aztecs and has been more consistent than some NFL kickers.
San Diego State have a good shot at closing another win, but it will depend on execution and how they will match up against Nevada.