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Air Force gets its first opportunity to join the league leaders next Saturday when they travel to San Diego State to face the Aztecs. Despite their disappointing loss Saturday, the Air Force Falcons remain in the thick of the race for the Mountain West championship. While the Falcons are 5-4 overall, they have won four of five in conference play and sit one-half game behind league the league leaders, Fresno State and San Diego State.
The Air Force offense is led by a pair of seniors, halfback Cody Getz and quarterback Connor Dietz. Getz leads the team in rushing, and was averaging more than 177 yards per game on the ground when he sprained his ankle in a win over Wyoming. He missed two weeks of action, and managed just 23 yards on 14 carries in his return against Army. While Air Force ranks near the bottom of the nation in passing yards, Dietz has been effective when called upon, throwing for 1032 yards and seven touchdowns on just 93 attempts. Dietz has also added 564 yards and five scores on the ground.
San Diego State enters Saturday's contest at 5-1 in the conference and winners of five straight games, including an upset victory at Boise State Saturday. Halfback Adam Muema has topped 1000 yards rushing this season, including 270 yards in the Aztecs' last two games.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Mountain Time, with broadcast coverage available on NBC Sports Network. San Diego State has opened as a 9.5-point favorite.