Colorado State at San Diego State 12/5/20 - NCAA Football Picks & Predictions

Colorado State will head on the road to SDCCU Stadium to take on the San Diego State Aztecs who find themselves on a two-game losing streak. San Diego State has dropped back to back road games, the first to Nevada and then a 20-10 loss to Colorado to drop the Aztecs to 3-3 on the season. Colorado State has dealt with COVID cancellations the last few weeks and hasn’t played since November 12th when Boise State dominated 52-21 dropping the Colorado State Rams to 1-2 on the year.

The Colorado State offense, led by Patrick O’Brien, is averaging 24 points per game and totaling 343 yards per contest. O’Brien is completing 60.7% of his passes, totalling 477 yards for three touchdowns through the air. He isn’t exactly a duel threat but his 6’5, 235 pound frame is great for short-yardage and he’s found the endzone twice through quarterback sneaks. 

O’Brien’s favorite target has been junior tight end Trey McBride who has reeled in 17 passes for 268 yards and four touchdowns, which already matches his season total last year in touchdowns. The Rams rushing attack has been a struggle this season averaging just 3.2 yards per carry as a team and leading the way is sophomore A’Jon Vivents. Vivents is averaging 4.8 yards per carry and has totaled 164 yards and found the endzone just once.

The quarterback situation for San Diego State is too put it lightly, a dumpster fire. The Aztecs have had three quarterbacks see action this season due to injuries, performance, and of course COVID. The starter in this game hasn’t been announced but if junior Lucas Johnson is healthy, he’s the guy I would expect to start. Johnson came in against Nevada completed 58.3% of his passes for 184 yards, throwing for a touchdown and running for another.

With the quarterback questions surrounding the Aztecs, they’ve leaned heavily on their rushing attack which as a team is averaging 5 yards per carry. Leading that group are the Bell brothers; Older brother, senior Greg Bell is averaging 6 yard per carry rushing for 565 yards and six touchdowns and catching another. The younger brother, junior Chance Bell has totaled 275 yards and found paydirt three times this season.

San Diego State’s ferocious defense is something that could give the stuttering Colorado State offense troubles, the Aztecs are allowing 16.2 points per game and just 269.8 yards which leads the Mountain West in total defense. Colorado State hasn’t shared the same success allowing opponents to average 349.5 points per game and scoring a Mountain West worst 38 points per game.