There is no mystery here. San Diego State is going to run the football. It’s what it does.
The past two seasons the Aztecs have run it at a rate not far off that of teams that deploy option offenses – 71.3 percent of the time in 2016, 72.8 percent in ’15.
That is one reason Fresno State defensive tackle Nate Madsen likes playing against the Aztecs: It’s a test, physically and mentally. It’s a slugfest start to finish. “Every year,” Madsen said, “I look forward to this game.”
The past two seasons the Bulldogs have stood up to the physicality of this matchup, losing 17-3 in 2016, 21-7 in ’15.