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(KSL Sports) The 7th ranked Utah Utes hit the road this weekend to face the San Diego State Aztecs, who are still looking for their first conference win.
The Aztecs (1-9, 0-6 MWC) are coming off a blowout loss against 17th ranked BYU in Provo.
"We didn't have a great outcome last week against BYU, but we got better," head coach Chuck Long says. "I was pleased with the way we played and how hard we played. BYU's a good team. They know what they're doing and they are confident in what they are doing."
Long says his team has to cut down on turnovers to have any chance against Utah. SDSU turned the ball over four times against the Cougars.
Long says his teams has a "huge challenge" this week hosting the Utes (10-0, 6-0 MWC). "Utah is a very fast and physical team and we have to do some things to negate that, but we're going to give it a shot."
He continued, "They are an in-your-face defense. They get in your face and lock up man-to- man press and they want to stay there. That's their deal. You've got to work hard to get the ball down the field. That's why they are so good. And, they can run. They can all run very, very well."
Long was asked about his teams injuries. Laughing, he said 18 of his 22 starters have missed time at some point during the season. He specifically mentioned his offensive and defensive linemen. 10 linemen are out for the year and he says, "We were thin to begin with."
Long said his quarterback, Ryan Lindley is dealing with a shoulder injury. He says he struggles with certain throws, like the deep ball, but that he is fighting through it.
He obviously knows Utah is fighting for a conference championship and a BCS birth, but says that is not on his mind, "We're trying to gain momentum in our program."
Kick-off from Qualcomm Stadium is set for 6 p.m. MST. Stay with KSL.com for a live game blog beginning at 5:30 p.m.
