Penn State Football: Previewing The Opponent: San Diego State

Last Week:

San Diego State isn’t exactly coming to town on top of the world. The Aztecs are just a week removed from losing to newly minted FBS opponent South Alabama falling 34-27. If anything that sets the bar for Penn State to reach which in its own way is an incredible statement. Regardless, SDSU is 1-2 on the year having lost to Cal a week prior and having only beaten San Diego proper 37-3 to open the 2015 season.

Penn State is coming off a 28-3 victory over Rutgers in the Nittany Lions’ most complete game of the season.

The Good:

When it comes to offense, running back Donnel Pumphrey is just about everything the Aztecs bring to the table. The junior 5-9 Vegas product has 68 carries for 249 yards to his name. That’s not exactly flattering but Pumphrey almost always has something to do with SDSU’s most successful plays. Against South Alabama he had 28 carries for just over 100 yards and five receptions for 55 yards. Moral of the story, Pumphrey finds a way to get the job done as the centerpiece of the offense.

Maxwell Smith takes over the quarterback duties for SDSU and while his completion percentage is just under 50-percent, his two TDs and 394 yards are both more than Christian Hackenberg this season. All things considered both Smith and Pumphrey are about the only threats SDSU has to offer. Which could be problematic.

The Bad:

After giving up just three points in the season’s opening game, giving up 34 to South Alabama and 35 to Cal speaks volumes to some of SDSU’s defensive issues. The Aztecs will blitz from everywhere and on occasion not even go into a stance prior to the play. It makes for an interesting look but it doesn’t mean it’s an unsolvable puzzle for a decent offensive line. Outside linebacker Calvin Munson will be involved in every big play the defense makes, leading the team last year in sacks, interceptions and tackles for a loss. The question this weekend will be if he can make enough of them.

The Player To Watch:

Penn State’s defense is going to give better offenses issues which means a fairly predictable SDSU offense is going to have to rely on Pumphrey making plays with his legs. If he can get going the Aztecs have a chance. That being said this game will come down to Munson and his defense slowing down the likes of Saquon Barkley and Akeel Lynch to keep the Aztecs in the contest. If it’s another 300+ yard game on the ground for Penn State it may not matter what Pumphrey can do on his own.

The Prediction: 

Penn State’s win over Rutgers may have been a turning point and Saturday is a chance to prove that. The Nittany Lions needs a good 60 minute win under the belt and this is a chance to do just that. No rain in the forecast means this game comes down to who can make more plays in optimal settings. This one is over before it’s over and maybe Barkely breaks the 200 yard mark.

34-6 Penn State