Scott Delaney Saturday Winner ...
My 50 Dime Winner is on the SAN DIEGO STATE AZTECS. The line I am seeing at 6:30 a.m. pacific is currently +120 across the board. I want you to be
sure to shop the nurmbers, as I want you getting the best numbdrs on this play.
TODAY'S ANALYSIS
The biggest intangible in this game won't even be playing. He may not even be on the sidelines. I'm not sure where defensive coordinator Rocky Long is on gameday - sideline or in the coaches box - but he is the best thing about this San Diego State team as far as I'm concerned.
The defense is not overwhelming, it's not even in the Top 40 in some categories - but it can be stingy and knows how to step up and balance things out in certain games.
The defense was a mere three points worse than Missouri and BYU earlier this season, otherwirse the Aztecs would be 9-1 right now. On the other hand, that stop unit has stepped up to keep Air Force at bay in a 27-25 win, and has produced big stops in three other wins.
But here's the thing, San Diego State isn't a better football team than Utah. The Utes should win this game under normal circumstances. But these aren't normal for them any longer. After starting out 8-0, the Utes were embarrassdd at home by TCU, 47-7, two weeks ago. Then they went to South Bend to face an average Notre Dame team but was overwhelmed by the ambience obviously, cause the Irish won, 28-3.
Now they're on the road again, after being outscored 75-10 the last two weeks, and will play their fifth road game over a six-week span. That's a lot of travel and hotel time for a team that was arguing for a spot in the BCS title game and is now on a two-game skid.
Looking at the competition, the schedules played, the stats - Utah would normally be the choice. But given these circumstances, I like the Aztecs outright.