San Diego State is set to open Pac-12 play Friday night against Texas State, but the Aztecs may be doing it shorthanded. reported Friday that SDSU is projected to be down 10 opening day starters because of a mix of mumps cases and conventional injuries.
The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Snapdragon Stadium, where San Diego State will try to get back on track after a 1-3 start. Texas State enters at 2-2 and brings a pass defense that has allowed the most passing yards in the nation, which gives the Aztecs an opportunity if they can overcome their availability issues.
Who is dealing with the biggest absence?
Tight end has been described as the most impacted position on the team, and that matters because San Diego State has already felt the effects of the outbreak and injuries in recent weeks. Two weeks ago, SDSU was missing three starters against James Madison, and last week it was missing two starters against Toledo.
The unavailable group also affects multiple position areas, making it harder for the Aztecs to build continuity in a game that already carries extra weight as their Pac-12 debut. The combination of illnesses and injuries is the central storyline heading into kickoff.
One key player may be back
There is at least one encouraging update for San Diego State. Wide receiver Bert Emanuel Jr. returned to practice on Wednesday and was upgraded from questionable to probable on Thursday. His status gives SDSU a potential boost in the passing game if he is active Friday night.
The setting also adds another layer to the night. San Diego State debuted Snapdragon Stadium four years ago during record 100-degree heat in San Diego, and this game comes with conditions that could still be a factor. The temperature is listed at 88 degrees, but the stadium history is a reminder that late-summer games in San Diego can still create a demanding environment.
For the Aztecs, the formula is straightforward: survive the availability questions, take advantage of Texas State's pass defense, and try to start conference play with a much-needed win.
