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<p> The 10th ranked Boise State Broncos (9-1) with their high scoring offense and solid defense didn’t need any help in beating the San Diego State Aztecs (6-4) last weekend, but they received plenty of assistance nonetheless. The Aztecs turned out to be their own worst enemy in a game which saw them provide the Broncos with perfect field position three times in the first quarter.</p>
<p> Starting short field drives following Aztec turnovers at the Aztecs 24, 10 and 23 yard lines, Boise State had little trouble converting for three easy touchdowns and a 21-point first quarter lead. The Broncos added three more second quarter touchdowns to put the game out of reach by halftime. The discouraging 42-14 intermission score was enough to send many Aztecs fans to the parking lot. They had been part of one of the largest crowds of the year (52,256).</p>
<p> While the Broncos were by far the superior team, the Aztecs managed to pull off several electrifying plays in the losing effort. Undoubtedly, the most impressive was running back Adam Muema’s first quarter 81-yard touchdown scamper. Muema, a freshman, has been Ronnie Hillman’s understudy this season and has rarely seen the playing field. Finishing with an impressive 119 yards on 13 carries and three touchdowns, Muema gave his career a tremendous boost. His efforts should result in some increased playing time even after Ronnie Hillman returns to full time duty. Hillman has been limited by his high ankle sprain.</p>
<p> Tight end Gavin Escobar who has been outstanding all season, had a career night hauling in eight passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns. On his second touchdown, Escobar grabbed a Ryan Lindley pass and then broke several tackles on a 30-yard jaunt to the end zone.</p>
<p> Lindley, now the Aztec and Mountain West all-time passing leader, added 350 yards to his passing total going 30 for 51 with one very costly interception and three touchdowns.</p>
<p> Speedy wide-out Colin Lockett had his best game as an Aztec with eight receptions for 149 yards. Lastly, defensive back Larry Parker notched another interception for a team high six.</p>
<p> It is hard to find a lot of positives in a 52-35 rout, but in the fourth quarter the Aztecs outscored the Broncos 21-0. To their credit they kept fighting long after they had no realistic chance of winning. The final score of 52-35 reflected their refusal to roll over and surrender after their disastrous start.</p>
<p> With Boise State likely to be bailing out of the Mountain West Conference, the Aztecs probably won’t have to worry about facing this top notch program again. Tomorrow the Aztecs visit the (2-8, 1-5) UNLV Rebels. It is a must win game for the Aztecs (as is their home Dec. 3 regular season finale against Fresno). With wins against both teams, the then (8-4) Aztecs will have a good chance of being invited to their second consecutive bowl game. Additional losses by Air Force and Wyoming would considerably improve their prospects.</p>
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