Both San Diego State and Oregon State trailed in their opening games last week, only to take charge and pull off commanding victories.
The Aztecs defeated Texas A&M – Commerce 45-14 while the Beavers upended Idaho State 38-15. Oregon State had 510 total yards in the win, 362 of them rushing, with running backs Jamious Griffin and Anthony Hankerson logging more than 150 yards each.
That’s why SDSU head coach Sean Lewis wants the Aztecs to contain the Beavers’ running game when the teams meet at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Snapdragon Stadium.
“So, we have to do a good job killing the run and taking that advantage away from them, which is going to be a strong test and a strong challenge,” he said this week.
Of course San Diego State held the Lions to 180 total yards in their win, an accomplishment cornerback Chris Johnson thinks the Aztecs can build upon.
“Starting off really strong, it sets the bar really high for these upcoming weeks especially with these bigger games … obviously (we’ll) try to improve every week,” the junior said.
Saturday will be the seventh meeting between the Aztecs and the Beavers with OSU winning the last four games.
In Corvallis last season, San Diego State got inside Oregon State’s territory in nine of 11 drives, but little came of it in a 26-9 loss.
Saturday will be the Aztecs’ last home game – it will air on CBS Sports Network – until Oct. 5 when they open Mountain West play against Hawaii. In between, SDSU travels to California, followed by a bye week, then a game at Central Michigan.
