The San Diego State Aztecs and the Colorado State Rams meet Saturday in college football action from Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium. San Diego State is fresh off a meeting with Utah State over the weekend. In that game the Aztecs dropped to 3-6 overall with a rough OT loss. As for Colorado State, they had a Friday game versus Wyoming last week. The Rams ended up taking a nine-point loss to fall to 3-6 overall this year. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

San Diego State Aztecs 

The Aztecs had some major issues over their first eight games this year, scoring just 19.6 points per game and 18 total touchdowns on the way to a 3-5 record. San Diego State especially struggled in the passing game, with a tepid 170.5 yards per game, six touchdowns and seven interceptions through the air during that span. Conversely the Aztecs managed 4.0 yards per carry and 11 rush scores. 

Matched up against Utah State on Saturday, the Aztecs scored 10 points in the fourth to force overtime but eventually came away with a 32-24 loss after two extra periods. QB Jalen Mayden finished with 265 yards, two TDs and a pick, with Kenan Christon bagging eight catches for 76 yards and a score. Lucky Sutton added 86 yards on 11 carries as well. 

San Diego State Aztecs Team Facts

• San Diego State has lost each of its last six games as an underdog.
• San Diego State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six matches when playing with a rest disadvantage.
• San Diego State has won the first half in 11 of its last 12 road games against conference opponents.
• Each of San Diego State’s last four road games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Colorado State Rams 

Over on the Rams’ side, they’ve shown flashes here and there this season but overall have struggled mightily. Colorado State has lost four of their last five games despite averaging a reasonable 26.3 points per game with 30 scores. The Rams haven’t been good on the ground this season, averaging 2.9 yards per carry and 72.7 yards per game with six rush scores. 

The Rams last appeared in a Friday matchup versus Wyoming. After falling behind 24-7 by the fourth quarter, Colorado State limped to a 24-15 finish. QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi managed 220 yards with two scores and two picks, while Tory Horton caught seven balls for 58 yards. Tops in rushing was Avery Morrow with just 39 yards on 11 carries. 

Colorado State Rams Team Facts

• Colorado State has lost nine of its last 10 games in November.
• Colorado State has covered the spread in nine of its last 10 November games as a home favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Each of Colorado State’s last four games as a home favorite have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Colorado State has suffered the equal-most road losses by a margin of 10 points or less of any FBS team this season (3).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll probably take a stab on Colorado State at home here, but there’s not a lot to like. The Rams continued their sketchy run in the Wyoming loss back on Friday, generating just 274 total yards (54 rushing) with three turnovers alongside an ugly 0-of-10 run on third-down tries. Colorado State has scored just 28 combined points over the last two games, giving up 54 on the other side in a pair of losses. That said, San Diego State should be more in the Rams’ wheelhouse, especially in a home game. 

Speaking of San Diego State, they had their ups and downs in the Utah State game, finishing with 384 yards (263 passing), 17 first downs and nine penalties. The good news is the Aztecs had a better offensive outings after posting 10 or fewer points in two of the previous three games. That said, this one’s probably a coin flip but I’m leaning toward the Rams covering.