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Behind Enemy Lines: SDSU Q&A with writer and a fan

October 30, 2015

Want to know about the opponent? Ask someone who covers them.

That’s David Frerker, who runs sandiegosportsdomination.com, a great blog which covers everything San Diego sports oriented. And for a twist, Frerker has been having fans answer questions for him all season long, so he invited San Diego State Aztecs football fan Douglas Clevenger to answer along with him.

And now, your inside info on SDSU.

1. SDSU’s record is 5-3, 4-0 MW: How good is this team and have they reached their potential? Or, are they continuing to improve?

David Frerker: This San Diego State team is very good. It did not look very good for the Aztecs at the beginning of the season, however. They beat down cross town “rival” University of San Diego 37-3 and managed to not score an offensive touchdown. They then got killed 35-7 by the University of California Berkeley (Cal). Following that poor performance, the Aztecs lost in overtime 34-27 to University of Southern Alabama, a Sun Belt team. The Aztecs then lost 37-21 at Penn State. Since the game against Penn State, one major thing happened to the Aztecs team; the offensive line grew up.

They are blocking for the best running back in the Mountain West in Donnel Pumphrey, who before the season was named an under the radar Heisman Candidate. SDSU played horrible the first four games of the season and Pumphrey averaged 3.5 yards per carry on 86 carries for 305 yards and only two touchdowns. The last four games the offensive line has grown up; Pumphrey has averaged 6.3 yards per carry on 605 yards and seven touchdowns. The offense has improved a ton so far this season. The Aztecs defense also keeps improving every week. They feel that they can still play a more complete game defensively.

Douglas Clevenger: The team is playing the best in conference right now and getting better. The offense is continuing to improve and the defense, which has been solid all year, is getting more aggressive and physical.

2. How were the Aztecs able to blow out Utah State last week so handily?

David Frerker: This answer is very simple. You need to strike fear into the heart of the opponent. The San Diego State defense did just that. They went after the Utah State quarterback very early in the game with some major hits. The Aztecs were able to force four turnovers (3 fumbles and 1 interception). The Aztecs offensive then scored on a majority of the drives following the turnovers but Utah State.

San Diego State University DB Damontae Kazee lights up a Utah State University WR on a major hit. This is one of 4 major hits by the SDSU Defense. Posted by San Diego Sports Domination on Saturday, October 24, 2015

Douglas Clevenger: Everything came together. We had gotten all our players back from suspension, it was a showdown of unbeatens in the conference which provided extra motivation, we were at home, and Utah State turned the ball over.

3. SDSU is leading the nation in yards per game allowed (181.8) in October. How is the defense so effective? Nick Stevens said they like to move a safety into the box to act like a linebacker. Are there other tricks up the Aztecs sleeve?

David Frerker: The defense is so effective because they have many threats that an offensive has to account for. Coming into this season the SDSU defensive backs were named the best in the Mountain West. Defensive back Damontae Kazee has been a threat for SDSU in the cover game as he leads the team in interceptions with five. On the other side of the defensive you have one of the most veteran defensive backs in college football in J.J Whittaker. Whittaker has two interceptions himself this season. The Aztecs linebacking core is the best in the MW, too. Led by Calvin Munson, Jake Fely and Ryan Dunn. Calvin Munson was just named the top defensive player in Mountain West Conference and a possible lock for defensive player of the year. Jake Fely is a true veteran at linebacker and perhaps one of the best to have ever played at San Diego State. Between those three linebackers they have 136 tackles, 8 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions.

The Aztecs play the 3-3-5 defense that Rocky Long has become famous for. The Aztecs can also run a 4-3-4 out of that same alignment. SDSU is a team known for bringing a ton of pressure and love to blitz. The Aztecs defense only has one weakness and that is at the safety position. To beat the Aztecs defense, opponents need to get the ball behind the linebackers and in front of the safeties.

Douglas Clevenger: The 3-3-5 defense can be confusing to offenses but also to defensive players. Again, we have some players returning from suspensions that are bolstering an already fairly effective defense that has stepped up their game with some very hard hitting.

4. Who's a player on the SDSU offense to look for this Saturday? And one on the defense to keep an eye on?

David Frerker: The No. 1 player for SDSU on offense is Donnel Pumphrey. Pumphrey is currently looking for his third straight 1,000 yard rushing season. The No. 1 player on defense to keep an eye on is Calvin Munson. He leads the team in tackles, tackles per loss and sacks.

Douglas Clevenger: Against a defense vulnerable to the run, Pumphrey will be the one to watch. I expect the Aztecs to limit throwing attempts as they have the last couple of games, and use the run to control the clock and keep the ball away from CSU. Greene in the heart of the offensive line will be key also.

5. What do the Aztecs need to do to win this Saturday? And what are they afraid of seeing from Colorado State?

David Frerker: The Aztecs need to continue to control the time of possession battle. The Aztecs offense needs to control the tempo of the game. This will allow SDSU's defensive to be very aggressive and force some Colorado State turnovers.

Douglas Clevenger: The Aztecs need to control the time of possession with the run. They can't afford to give up big passing plays on defense or fall behind early on the road. Aside from that, they need to minimize turnovers and costly penalties.