SAN DIEGO — Redshirt freshman Kevin OConnell will replace Matt Dlugolecki as San Diego State's starting quarterback Saturday at New Mexico.
Coach Tom Craft made the move in part because Dlugolecki, a junior, injured an ankle in a loss to Colorado State on Saturday.
It will be O'Connell's first start.
"Kevin gives us a little spark with his feet and spontaneity, and we need that right now because of injuries" on the offensive line, Craft said Monday. "He can move that around a little bit back there so at this point in time it's the right thing to do and he gets his opportunity."
Dlugolecki's availability for the New Mexico game will be determined later in the week. He started San Diego State's first six games, passing for 1,349 yards and six touchdowns, with eight interceptions.
OConnell replaced Dlugolecki against Colorado State, completing 11 of 26 passes for 157 yards and one touchdown, with one interception. He also gained 42 yards on six carries.
The Aztecs (2-4 overall, 0-2 Mountain West Conference) have lost three straight games.