New Mexico State Could Give Fullerton Even More Trouble

Cal State Fullerton’s football team has certainly taken a beating, both physically and in the standings, this season. Its hopes of defending the Pacific Coast Athletic Assn. title are all but dashed, and only a miracle comeback can save the Titans from being thrust back into obscurity after a long, difficult climb to recognition.

Fullerton needs several things these days . . . like maybe a healthy quarterback, a touchdown once in awhile and about a half-dozen defensive replacements.

But it would seem that today’s opponent, New Mexico State, which has staggered to a 1-7 overall record and a 0-5 conference mark, is in more trouble than the Titans.

But a closer look indicates that New Mexico State is indeed a team on the way up. And, for that matter, a team very capable of winning its first conference game today at Santa Ana Stadium.

The Titans, 2-2 in conference and 2-5 overall, have what can only be called a home-field dis advantage, considering that they have yet to score a touchdown at home this season.

Fullerton has shown little offensive consistency anywhere and has failed to score a touchdown on offense in the last two outings. And injuries have decimated a tough defense that was a major factor in the Titans’ only two wins.

New Mexico State, on the other hand, is playing its best football of the season right now. Last week, the Aggies lost at Nevada Las Vegas, 17-12, but sophomore quarterback Jim Miller passed for 233 yards against the Rebels’ defense, ranked second in the nation against the pass.

And the New Mexico State defense, which had been allowing a whopping 456 yards a game coming in, held UNLV to 256 yards.