After battling one of the MAC's better defenses in the recent Mid-American Conference championship game, Central Michigan's offense will face another big challenge when the Chippewas meet San Diego State Saturday in the New Mexico Bowl.
The Aztecs (Mountain West) are . . .
Although a late season 14-11 loss at Hawaii cost San Diego State an outright West Division title, the Aztecs had more than enough wins to reach a bowl game for the 10th consecutive year.
Central Michigan, meanwhile, gets a chance to wrap up a almost magical season on a winning note. The Chippewas (and Navy) top the nation with seven more wins that in 2018. CMU posted just one win in 2018, but it is 8-5 entering the bowl game.
Central Michigan Chippewas vs San Diego State Aztecs
2 p.m. ET -- Saturday, Dec. 21
Dreamstyle Stadium -- Albuquerque, New Mexico
ESPN
About San Diego State (9-3)
>> The Aztecs once again started the season strong, winning seven of their first eight games this season. They were 2-2 over the last four games. The losses were to Nevada and Hawai'i, while SDSU edged Freno State and BYU.
>> The Aztecs' three losses on the year were by a total of 12 points.
>> San Diego State has not scored more than 17 points in any of its last four contests.
>> San Diego State is +15 in turnover margin (third nationally), with 22 gained and seven lost.
>> While Central Michigan is winning with a new head coach, San Diego State has reached bowl games in nine straight seasons under head coach Rocky Long -- the all-time winningest coach in Mountain West history.
>> The Aztecs' special teams are ranked seventh nationally by ESPN and have provided two touchdowns.
>> Fourteen Aztecs received All-Mountain West honors, including five on the first team.
>> Senior CB Luq Barcoo ranks second nationally in interceptions (8).
>> SDSU has put up 19 ppg, and allows 12.8 ppg. The Aztecs played six games decide by six points or less.
>> The Aztecs are coming off a 13-3 win over Brigham Young. After giving up a first quarter field goal, SDSU blanked BYU the rest of the way.
>> Freshman Carson Baker stepped in against BYU, completing 19-of-24 passes for 172 yards with one TD. However, injured senior Ryan Agnew might be ready to go. He has completed 63.5 percent of his passes this year, totaling 2,175 yards with 11 touchdowns and five picks.
>> Koba Smith and Jesse Matthews have combined for 102 receptions, 1,195 yards and 4 TDs -- all by Smith. Tight end Daniel Bellinger has three scores among his 14 receptions.
>> Senior Juwan Washington (5-7, 190) leads Aztec rushing with 150 carries for 500 yards. and a pair of TDs. Three other players have over 60 carries each and combined for seven touchdowns.
About Central Michigan (8-5)
>> New Head Coach Jim McElwain was recently named MAC Coach-of-the-Year.
>> CMU won six of its last seven regular season games to reach the MAC championship tilt.
>> The Chippewas scored 45 points or more while winning theire last three regular season games. They managed 21 against Miami in the MAC championship.
>> Central used both Quinten Dormady and Tommy Lazzaro at quarterback in the title game. Dormady completed 26-of-41 passes for 232 yards with one TD and one interception. Lazzaro completed his only pass but rushed six times for 48 yards and a pair of scores.
>> Jonathan Ward (174 carries, 1,082 yards, 15 TDs) and Kobe Lewis (177 carries, 977 yards, 11 TDs) are the ground game workhorses.
>> Central utilizes a myriad of targets with its passing game. Kalil Pimpleton leads the list with 79 catches for 823 yards and six touchdowns. JaCorey Sullivan , Tyrone Scott and tight end Tony Poljian have provided a total of 120 receptions, 1,881 yards and 12 scores.
>> Pimpleton leads the MAC in receptions and has 18 more catches than the next closest conference player.
>> Linebacker Troy Brown has 71 solo tackles among his 84 hits. He leads the league in tackles-for-loss. Fellow linebacker Michael Oliver owns 82 tackles.
>> Central Michigan has never met San Diego State, but it is 7-8 against current Mountain West foes.