Can BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall add to his bowl trophy collection?
The San Diego State Aztecs are set to host the BYU Cougars in the 2012 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl this Thursday, December 12, 2012 at 8 pm (EST) on ESPN. This is the Aztecs second appearance in the Poinsettia Bowl (defeated Navy 35-13 in 2010) while this is the first time the Cougars are traveling to Qualcomm Stadium for post-season play.
On the Aztecs side of the ball, fans should see an impressive ground game with the duo of sophomore RB Adam Muema (1,355 yds., 16 TDs) and senior RB Walter Kazee (822 yds., 8 TDs). This potent running game led the Aztecs to a 9-3 record, 7-1 in conference play. Senior QB Ryan Katz will be under center who will command an offense that’s averaging 35 points per game. The Aztecs, who run the ball over 60% of the time, will face a formidable run defense as the Cougars yield a stingy 2.7 yards per carry.
The Cougars success is attributed to their staunch defense which ranks fifth in the league holding opponents to just 14.7 points per game. Meanwhile, head coach Bronco Mendenhall is still unsure about his quarterback situation. Fans may get the opportunity to see both QBs James Lark and Riley Nelson take some snaps during the game.
This will be a game of offense (Aztecs) versus defense (Cougars). Don’t be surprised to see the offense prevail.
Fun Poinsettia Bowl Facts:
- The beneficiary of the bowl is the Make-a-Wish Foundation of San Diego
- TCU has won the Poinsettia Bowl three times
- The largest crowd was in 2010 when Navy faced San Diego State in front of 48,049 fans
- In 2005, Navy’s RB Reggie Campbell scampered for five touchdowns against Colorado State to tie an NCAA bowl record
