SDSU needs three wins in four games to secure bowl berth

Three victories. That is the exact number of wins San Diego State needs in its final four games to reach the six-win mark required for bowl eligibility. The Aztecs, currently sitting at 3-5 overall and 2-2 in the Pac-12, play Washington State today at Snapdragon Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.

SDSU enters this contest as a 2 1/2-point favorite. The team is eager to erase the memory of last week's 56-49 defeat at Colorado State. Washington State, which is 1-7 and 0-4 in conference play, seeks to end a five-game losing streak, though its bowl hopes have already faded.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Stone Saunders will start for the second consecutive week while Jayden Denegal recovers from an ankle injury. Saunders threw for 369 yards and two touchdowns in his debut against the Rams, completing 23 of 33 passes. Coach Sean Lewis praised Saunders' decision-making, noting that the two interceptions were critical errors but the rest of the performance showed sound logic.

The defense faces a steep challenge after allowing 549 total yards and 49 points to Colorado State. Edge Brady Nassar emphasized the need to remember the frustration of recent road losses. Several key defensive players are listed as questionable or out, including starting safety Jelani McLaughlin and linebacker Tano Letuli. Tackling was a major focus in practice this week.

Ball security remains a concern for both sides. Washington State has 13 turnovers, while SDSU has 12. The Aztecs' defense has forced six interceptions and four fumble recoveries, double the takeaways of the Cougars. Washington State replaced its starting quarterback two weeks ago with Owen Eshelman after Caden Pinnick struggled with turnovers.

Kicking is another area of contrast. SDSU's Cooper DiLeva is 10-for-11 on field goals, including a career-long 53-yarder. Washington State's Jack Stevens has made eight straight attempts after missing five of his first six. Punting averages favor SDSU, with Tashi Dorje averaging 46.1 yards per punt compared to Max Dean's 44.2.

Rain is in the forecast, a rare occurrence at Snapdragon Stadium. Coach Lewis said the team practiced with wet balls to prepare for slippery conditions. Umbrellas are restricted at the venue, with only small collapsible ones allowed in clear bags.