Aztecs Looking to Start Win Streak : San Diego State Hoping to Find Road to Success in Hawaii

San Diego State will try to accomplish against Hawaii tonight two feats it has been unable to achieve this season: get two straight victories and win a road game. But the Aztecs will have to defeat an opponent they have beaten in Honolulu only once since Hawaii joined the Western Athletic Conference in 1979.

The Aztecs, coming off a 52-42 victory over Cal State Long Beach last Saturday in San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium, are 1-2-2 against the Rainbow Warriors in Aloha Stadium. Their only victory was a 31-28 decision in 1982.

The game should feature a clash between the Aztecs’ high-scoring offense and Hawaii’s stingy defense. The Rainbow Warriors lead the conference in total defense, allowing an average of 282.1 yards per game. The Aztecs, 0-4 in road games this season, average 446.3 yards per game.

SDSU quarterback Todd Santos has passed for 970 yards in the last two games and needs 584 to surpass Kevin Sweeney of Fresno State as the leading passer in major-college history. Santos is fourth on the National Collegiate Athletic Assn. all-time list with 10,040 career yards. He needs 141 yards to pass third-place Brian McClure of Bowling Green, who passed for 10,280 yards, and 540 to eclipse second-place Doug Flutie of Boston College at 10,579.

The Aztecs are looking to improve on defense after they surrendered 86 points in the last two games. They rank last in the conference, allowing an average of 40.9 points per game, and have held only one team to fewer than 34 points. They lost that game, however, to Oregon, 25-20.

Aztec Notes

Although he missed one practice this week because of muscle strain in his back, SDSU quarterback Todd Santos says he will be ready to start today. . . . Defensive end Kevin Maultsby, a junior transfer from Diablo Valley College, will play in place of starter Mike Hooper (sprained toe). Cornerback Mario Mitchell (sprained ankle), fullback Troy Reed (sprained knee) and defensive tackle Brad Burton (sprained toe) all will be available to play, trainer Don Kaverman said.