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It’d be easy to overlook San Diego State. After all, the Aztecs don’t have the athletes that UCLA has.

But the last time the Bruins played a California state school, it was Fresno State in last year’s Silicon Valley Classic. (We may have to ask them what their definition of a classic is.) The Bulldogs played like a team with nothing to lose and everything to gain, while UCLA played timid and frustrated.

This case is no different. You only need to look at the way the Aztecs handled themselves in the Big House, aka Michigan’s home stadium. They put a huge scare into the blue and maize before being turned away, 24-21.

So what makes San Diego State so dangerous?

First of all, they have Air Craft, the name of Aztec coach Tom Craft’s offense. San Diego State quarterback Matt Dlugolecki is a former UCLA recruit, and he has a great pair of wide receivers in Robert Ortiz and Jeff Webb. If you missed it, they make it a point to try to top each other with outstanding one-handed grabs. If you still don’t believe me, it made SportsCenter’s Top 10 List, which is now the official benchmark for whether a player made a great play or simply a good play. Those two wide receivers both made great plays.

Second, their linebacking corps is one of the best in the country. The Aztecs are led by Kirk Morrison, and he’s flanked by stud Matt McCoy, who had 18 tackles against Michigan. And these guys fly to the ball. Undoubtedly, this will be one of those games where UCLA quarterback Drew Olson will have to pass to set up the run.

Which brings us to the next point. The Aztecs could easily force UCLA to become one-dimensional. If no one steps up in Bragg’s place, the Bruins would be literally running right into the strength of the San Diego State defense, which means it could be a defensive battle. Sure, UCLA rushed for over 400 yards against Washington, but that was when Bragg was present to keep the safety honest. With Taylor and Perry as the starting wideouts, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a steady diet of eight men in the box. And I would expect those cutback lanes – so readily available against Washington – to be scarce against the Aztecs.

That having been said, the Aztecs aren’t exactly world-beaters, either. Sure, they played well at Michigan in front of 104,000 fans, but lately, who hasn’t? It’s not the Michigan of old. The Aztecs also had a case of the jitters. Numerous false starts and turnovers ultimately doomed San Diego State, which is a testament to its inexperience and youth.

Even more of a sticking point is their lack of offensive linemen. With two more linemen going down in their last game, the Aztecs are now down to six offensive linemen and one walk-on who weighs 240 pounds. Imagine fullback Pat Norton at left tackle. For the first time, the defensive linemen will get to lick their chops and maybe get a sack or two. Or at least get some penetration into the backfield instead of just loitering around the line of scrimmage.

Because it could very easily turn into a defensive affair, UCLA will need to limit its turnovers and mistakes and be selective about its chances downfield. This will be a game about who steps up in the absence of those who have gone down. If San Diego State can find a couple of offensive linemen who play well in the place of their fallen comrades, the Aztecs can move the ball. If UCLA finds a wide receiver to step up in the place of Bragg, the Bruins look to be in good shape for the win.

E-mail Tran at btran@media.ucla.edu.