The San Diego State University (SDSU) Aztecs are preparing for an exciting showdown with UNLV as they head into their next game. With a season that’s had its ups and downs, SDSU Head Coach Sean Lewis is looking to fine-tune his squad and get them back on track with a crucial win. In his weekly press conference, Lewis shared his thoughts on the team’s progress, the challenges ahead, and what fans can expect from the Aztecs as they face the Rebels.
A Team in Transition
Coach Lewis, who took over as head coach at SDSU earlier this year, has been focused on rebuilding and redefining the Aztecs’ identity. While it’s been a work in progress, there have been some encouraging signs of improvement. The offense, which has been a major point of emphasis under Lewis, has shown flashes of potential but has struggled with consistency at times.
“We’re improving each week,” Lewis said. “But we know we have a lot of work left to do. UNLV is a tough team, and we need to be at our best to compete.”
SDSU’s offense has often been limited by turnovers and the inability to consistently move the ball. As they prepare to take on UNLV, Coach Lewis knows that these issues will need to be addressed. “We need to protect the football and sustain drives,” Lewis added. “Against teams like UNLV, you can’t afford to give up opportunities.”
The UNLV Challenge
UNLV comes into the game with a solid record and a reputation for being a dangerous opponent, especially in the Mountain West Conference. The Rebels have been competitive this season and possess a well-rounded squad that’s capable of exploiting weaknesses in the Aztecs’ defense and offense.
“They’ve got a great quarterback in Doug Brumfield who can make plays with both his arm and his legs,” Lewis noted. “We’ve seen him perform well in the pocket, and when the play breaks down, he’s able to turn a bad situation into a big gain. We’ll need to contain him and make sure we don’t let him get loose.”
UNLV’s defense has also been solid, with a knack for creating turnovers and disrupting opposing offenses. Lewis emphasized that SDSU will need to stay disciplined and execute the game plan without making unnecessary mistakes.
“They bring a lot of pressure, and they do a good job of keeping offenses off balance. We’ll need to match their intensity and control the tempo,” he said. “Our offensive line will be key in neutralizing their pass rush and giving our quarterbacks time to make plays.”
Key Players for SDSU
One of the bright spots for the Aztecs has been the play of their running backs. With the offense still finding its rhythm, SDSU has leaned on its ground game to set up more manageable situations for the passing attack. Running back Jaylon Armstead has been a standout, showing explosiveness in the open field and providing a steady option in the backfield.
“Jaylon has been a workhorse for us, and we’ll need him to keep being that guy this week,” Lewis said. “The running game is a huge part of what we want to do offensively, and it will be critical against a team like UNLV.”
Quarterback play has been another area of focus for the Aztecs. While there have been growing pains, Lewis is confident in his signal callers. “The quarterbacks are working hard to improve, and we’re seeing progress,” Lewis commented. “They have to stay patient and trust the system. We’ve got the talent; it’s about execution now.”
Defensive Focus: Limiting Big Plays
Defensively, SDSU will need to be sharp against a UNLV offense that can strike quickly. With Brumfield at the helm, the Rebels can challenge the Aztecs’ secondary with both the pass and the run. Coach Lewis emphasized the importance of limiting big plays, particularly in the passing game, where UNLV has been most dangerous.
“Our defense has been solid this year, but we know we need to play disciplined football against UNLV,” Lewis said. “We can’t afford to give up explosive plays or miss tackles. We need to be on our toes and make sure we’re executing our assignments.”
The Aztecs’ defensive line will also play a crucial role, particularly in stopping UNLV’s run game and putting pressure on Brumfield. If SDSU can get consistent pressure and force the Rebels into third-and-long situations, it will help take the pressure off their secondary.
Looking Ahead
The game against UNLV presents an opportunity for SDSU to gain some momentum heading into the second half of the season. A win would not only boost the Aztecs’ chances in the Mountain West but also give Coach Lewis and his staff more confidence moving forward.
For SDSU, it’s all about execution. As Coach Lewis said, “We have to play our game—smart, tough, and disciplined. If we do that, we give ourselves a chance to win.”
With both teams hungry for a victory, the SDSU vs. UNLV matchup promises to be an exciting contest. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see if the Aztecs can put together a complete performance and start a winning streak.
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