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San Diego State vs Air Force: Preview, prediction, live stream and more

By Connor Muldowney

SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Christian Chapman #10 of the San Diego State Aztecs looks to pass during the second half of a game against the Stanford Cardinal at Qualcomm Stadium on September 16, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Christian Chapman #10 of the San Diego State Aztecs looks to pass during the second half of a game against the Stanford Cardinal at Qualcomm Stadium on September 16, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Saturday’s San Diego State vs Air Force game wasn’t on anyone’s radar a week ago, but both teams are on the rise.

Who would have thought San Diego State would have pulled off an upset against Stanford in Week 3? Outside the city of San Diego, not many believed the Aztecs were strong enough to keep up, but they proved themselves and jumped to No. 22 in the AP Poll.

Rashaad Penny ended up starring in a game that featured Bryce Love, which put the senior on the national radar. He rushed for 175 yards and a touchdown, pushing his season total to 588 yards and four scores. He’s becoming one of the top players to watch in college football. The run game has carried the offense thus far, but the passing game could use some work.

On the other hand, Air Force is coming off a close road loss at the hands of the Michigan Wolverines. The Big Ten power probably wasn’t expecting such a battle from the Falcons, but they got one. The Falcons’ run game really kept the game close and made the Wolverines sweat it out.

Air Force averages about 320 rushing yards per game, led by Timothy McVey who has 160 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. Starting quarterback Arion Worthman has attempted just 19 passes all year for 236 yards and three touchdowns and he’s second on the team with 93 rushing yards and a score.

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s San Diego State vs Air Force game:

Date: Saturday, Sept. 23
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Usaf Academy, Colo.
Venue: Falcon Stadium
TV: CBS Sports Network
Live Stream: CBS Sports Live

Keys to Victory

For San Diego State to pull off the big road win against Mountain West foe Air Force, it is going to need to stop the run. Air Force is known for putting up big yards on the ground and if the Aztecs can hold the Falcons under 250 yards, it’ll be good news for their chances. It’s strength against strength in this one.

Obviously, Air Force is going to have to run more effectively than it did last week against Michigan. It was the Falcons’ worst rushing output since 2014 but they still found some open running lanes against that tough Michigan defense. Rely on Worthman to beat the Aztecs with his legs and let McVey continue to star. Maybe surprise the Aztecs with more than a couple of passes downfield.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: Complete first round after Week 3

Prediction

Honestly, this one is going to be much closer than people think. The Falcons are coming off a confidence-boosting showing against Michigan and San Diego State just took down Stanford. However, the Aztecs have a better offense than Michigan does at this point in the season and Air Force will have trouble stopping them. Air Force will make it close with the strong run game, accounting for another 300 yards on the ground.

Final Score: San Diego State 31, Air Force 27

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