First look

Time: 4 p.m. Saturday. No TV

The records: WSU (0-1); San Diego State (season opener)

Last week: WSU lost 42-21 to then-No. 7 ranked Wisconsin

Last time: First meeting between the schools

The line: WSU by 13 1/2

What it means for WSU: Given the Aztecs have just nine starters back from a 3-9 team and have been picked to finish in the bottom third of the Mountain West Conference, this is one of those games the Cougars expect to win. A victory not only gets them moving in the right direction, it also keeps them on track to a bowl. A loss may doom the latter part of that statement.

What it means for San Diego State: The Aztecs, under second-year head coach Chuck Long, didn’t post a signature upset last season, though they came close. A win here would boost SDSU, a boost the school needs after eight consecutive seasons without a winning record.

Key matchup: WSU secondary vs. SDSU receivers

The Aztecs are tall, with four receivers in the two-deep taller than 6-foot-4, including new starting tight end Steve Schmidt, 6-5. Schmidt beat out last year’s starter, Matthew Kawulok, who caught just five passes. The two leading receivers, Brett Swain (47 catches) and Chaz Schilens (34) are joined by 6-6 former backup quarterback Darren Mougey as the starting wideouts. The Cougars’ secondary had its troubles with Wisconsin’s passing attack last Saturday, giving up more than 300 yards. It will have to do better for WSU to win.

Vince Grippi