While the Aztecs (6-3, 3-2) were 18-15 winners last weekend in a sloppy game played in cold, windy conditions at Colorado State, they ended up on the losing side of the all important injury battle. Already reeling from the losses of stellar linebacker Logan Ketchum and outstanding guard Nik Embernate the previous weekend, the list of the walking wounded grew considerably as a result of the battle against the CSU Rams.

   The worst news is that starting defensive lineman J.J. Autele sustained a dislocated elbow and is done for the season. The Aztecs came into the season with a paper thin defensive line. They have been lucky until now to avoid major injuries in this area. That luck ran out last Saturday.  Ready or not redshirt freshman Dontrelle Onuoha will be forced into action in place of Autele.

   In addition, running back Walter Kazee, who has been the perfect complement to mega-talented Ronnie HIllman, severely sprained his right knee. As a result, Kazee will join Autele as a spectator for the rest of the season. Kazee, with his punishing runs and his trademark extra effort will be missed. Hillman also sustained an injury (sprained ankle) and sat out of practice on Tuesday and Wednesday. There is a chance however, that he will be healthy enough to play tomorrow. If Hillman can’t make it, Aztecs freshman Adam Muema will get the call. Muema has just 15 carries and 85 yards on the season.

   Despite the windy, Arctic conditions Aztecs quarterback Ryan Lindley completed 18 of 35 for 154 yards and one touchdown. His stats would have been considerably better had several of his receivers been able to hold on to well thrown balls.

   Ironically, place kicker Abe-lardo Perez became the game’s hero when he split the uprights to give the Aztecs an 18-15 lead with 5:49 left in the game. Perez, who has been in a bit of a slump recently missed two earlier tries from 27 and 44 yards out.

   The Aztecs face a tough and angry Boise State team (8-1, 3-1) tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. at the “Q”. Prior to last weekend’s one point upset loss at the hands of TCU, the Boise State Broncos were ranked 5th in the nation and appeared destined for a BCS Bowl game. While they still might get one, that loss moved them down the ladder to number 10 and likely closed the door on their bid for a national championship. That loss might also cost them a berth in a BCS Bowl game at season’s end.

   By winning against CSU, the Aztecs (now with six victories) qualified for a shot at a bowl game although it guarantees them nothing. Last year, they won their first bowl game in over forty years. Whether they will return to the Poinsettia Bowl, the Las Vegas Bowl or someplace else is anyone’s guess at this point. If they can gain an unlikely win against Boise State tomorrow, their chances would improve dramatically. If not, wins against very beatable UNLV and Fresno State would no doubt help.