Sept. 19, 2004
Complete Game Notes vs. Nevada (Sept. 25, 2004) in PDF Format
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Game 3
Nevada (2-1) at San Diego State (1-1)
Sept. 25, 2004 u 6:07 p.m.
San Diego, Calif.
Qualcomm Stadium (54,000)
Television: No local or national television.
Radio: KOGO 600 AM (San Diego) and goaztecs.com - John Fricke (play-by-play), John Kentera (analyst), Mike Costa (sidelines), Alan Horton (pre-game, postgame).
Internet: Goaztecs.com
The San Diego State Aztecs (1-1) host their final non-conference game of the football season when the Nevada Wolf Pack visit Qualcomm Stadium Saturday night for a 6:07 p.m. kickoff. It will be just the fourth all-time meeting between the schools and the first since the 1995 season. Nevada struggled in a season-opening loss at Louisiana Tech but has bounced back with lopsided wins over Cal State Sacramento and Buffalo. The Aztecs will be trying to rebound from a tantalizing 24-21 loss at No. 17 Michigan on Saturday. The Aztecs wiped out a 17-7 first-half deficit to lead 21-17 at the break. The Wolverines scored on their first possession of the second half and spent the rest of the afternoon holding off the Aztecs. Michigan outgained the Aztecs by 16 yards. Nevada enters the game with the nation's 38th-ranked defense and 29th-ranked offense.
Home Streak
San Diego State returns to Mission Valley to defend their home turf when Nevada visits Qualcomm Stadium Saturday night for a 6:07 kickoff. The Aztecs have won their last three home games (Wyoming, Air Force and Idaho State) and five of their last seven at the Q, dating back to last season. The home win streak matches San Diego State's longest since the 1998 team won four straight, over Hawaii, Utah, Fresno State and UTEP, on its way to the Las Vegas Bowl. San Diego State is trying to win its first two home games for the second straight season. Before last year's team opened 2-0 at home, the Aztecs had not accomplished the feat since 1996.
Younger By The Day
San Diego State's promising early start is being led by a dramatic youth movement. In the first two games of the season consider the contributions by the underclassmen:
* - The first two games have included the first career starts by offensive linemen Patrick Justman (sophomore), Taylor Schmidt (junior), Chris Pino (junior), Will Robinson (redshirt freshman) and redshirt freshman Mike Kravetz. Another redshirt freshman, Brandyn Dombrowski, won a starting job in the fall but has been slowed by an ankle sprain and saw his first action at Michigan off the bench.
* - Redshirt freshman Antwan Applewhite had his first career interception against the Buckeyes and his 75-yard interception return set up San Diego State's first score of the game. He also had his first career sack at Michigan.
* - Redshirt freshman Brandon Bornes is a key in San Diego State's kickoff return game and has picked up the first carries from scrimmage of his career.
* - New defensive end Martin Miller has quickly become a factor up front with four tackles against Michigan. He is now a solid member of the defensive line rotation.
* - Redshirt freshman Garret Palmer is SDSU's placekicker and redshirt freshman Michael Hughes in the team's punter. True freshman Tyler Schmitt is the team's deep snapper.
Also...
Consider this fact, against Michigan, San Diego State's seniors combined for five catches for 23 yards. Every other offensive stat, rushing, passing or receiving, was recorded by a player that will be returning to the squad next season.
Starting Blocks
One final look at the youthful glow surrounding the Aztec football team. Players who have made their first career starts through two games of 2004 include: sophomore offensive lineman Patrick Justman, redshirt freshmen offensive linemen Will Robinson and Mike Kravetz, and junior college transfer offensive linemen Taylor Schmidt and Chris Pino. On the defensive side, ends Aloalii Lealofi and Robert Miller are first-time starters, as is corner Hubert Caliste and tackle Blake Lobel. In all, 10 Aztecs are new to the starting lineup and sophomore receiver Ramal Porter is pushing for starting duties as well.