Injuries have decimated the San Diego State Aztecs. They enter Saturday's home game against the 8th-ranked Utes with only seven players who have started all 10 games this season.
And that's not all.
The Aztecs have just 20 players who have played in every game. The group includes seven juniors, five sophomores, four seniors and four freshmen (two redshirt and two true).
Because of the injuries, 40 different players have started at least one game this year.
"The injury situation has been very challenging. It's become a bad word around here — and I guess — an everyday word. It's been challenging to build continuity," said SDSU coach Chuck Long, whose Aztecs are 1-9 overall and 0-6 in Mountain West Conference play.
"When you have to change your lineup each and every week — we haven't had the same one two weeks in a row — it's hard on game planning," he continued. "You always want to tailor your game plans to who you want to have in there. You try and put your guys in the best position for them to play winning football. When you're constantly changing lineups, that becomes more difficult to do."
These are tough times at SDSU. The Aztecs are among the nation's worst teams in several statistical categories. They're 118th in rushing defense (273.9 ypg); 117th in rushing offense (71.3 ypg); 111th in scoring offense (17.5 ppg) and total defense (466 ypg); 110th in scoring defense (36.2 ppg); and 107th in total offense (295 ypg).
SDSU's lone victory was a 45-17 decision over Idaho Sept. 27 at Qualcomm Stadium.
Four weeks earlier, the Aztecs opened the season with a shocking loss at home — 29-27 to FCS member Cal Poly. Their other setbacks in San Diego were dealt by Air Force and Colorado State. Road losses came at Notre Dame, San Jose State, TCU, New Mexico, Wyoming and BYU.
Despite a lopsided number on the right side of the win-loss column, the Aztecs haven't altered their mission.
"We have the same goals that we had at the beginning of the season. That is to come out every single week and play to win," Long said. "You want to help your team win."
Leading that charge is a pair of talented seniors. Defensive back Corey Boudreaux averages 9.7 tackles per game, and linebacker Russell Allen is among the MWC leaders in fumble recoveries and fumbles forced.
"They always have athletes," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham.
"You look at the Mountain West Conference and which teams have put players in the NFL, and they're right up there at the top or towards the top. They always have good athletes."
EXTRA POINTS: Utah is the highest ranked opponent to visit SDSU since No. 1 Miami in 1992 ... SDSU's long-term lease at Qualcomm Stadium expired last season, and a short-term permit this season expired last week. The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that an extension agreement is expected to be reached ... Utah has not lost a game in San Diego since 2002.
Utes on the air
No. 8 Utah (10-0, 6-0) at San Diego State (1-9, 0-6)
Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego
Saturday, 6 p.m.
TV: The mtn.
Radio: 700 AM
E-mail: dirk@desnews.com