Aztec Notebook / Curt Holbreich : Cable Network Cancels 2 SDSU Games

The San Diego Cable Sports Network has canceled the remaining two games of its three-game, pay-per-view package of San Diego State home football games because of a lack of subscriber interest.

The decision was made in conjunction with SDSU after the network and school lost money on the home opener against UCLA, said Marty Youngman, network manager.

“If you can’t do it with UCLA, we figured it was best not to continue,” Youngman said Tuesday.

The cancellation means the network will not show the Oct. 21 game against Pacific and the Nov. 11 game against Wyoming from San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium.

Youngman characterized the loss as “slight” but declined to give a dollar amount or say how many subscribers signed up for the UCLA game.

The three-game package was priced at $29.95. Individual games could be viewed for $12.95.

Coach Al Luginbill is concerned enough about his football team’s rash of penalties that he called the Western Athletic Conference office to discuss the problem.

Luginbill said he spoke with the conference supervisor of officials, John Adams, after the Aztecs were penalized 13 times for 135 yards in a 38-27 victory at Utah Saturday.

In four games, the Aztecs have been penalized nearly twice as often as their opponents--38 times for 335 yards to 22 for 158 yards.

“We need some input from (Adams) because we’re trying to get better in that area and not making any progress,” Luginbill said. “I am concerned. I don’t know if it is because of San Diego State’s past history or what.”

Luginbill said a team’s reputation and style of play might influence officials’ calls.

“The Air Force Academy is a disciplined, military-style football team,” Luginbill said. “(Officials) come in there (expecting) they are not going to have penalties. That is their thought process.”

Adams could not be reached for comment.

Air Force is the least penalized team in the conference with 144 for 1,199 yards. This season, the Falcons have a conference-low 22 penalties in five games for 161 yards.

The Aztecs, after being the most penalized team in the conference two years ago with 109 for 908 yards, were eighth in the nine-team league last year with 75 for 673 yards.

This year, four teams have been penalized more than the Aztecs, led by Brigham Young with 47 for 459 yards.

It is the Cougars who are the most penalized team over the past three seasons with 244 for 2,246 yards. The Aztecs are third with 222 for 1,916 yards.

Aztec Notes

Defensive end Todd Coomes (back, neck strain) and receiver Dennis Arey (hamstring) are doubtful for Saturday’s game at Hawaii, trainer Brian Barry said. Tight end Mitch Burton has a possible hernia; his status is uncertain.