COLLEGE FOOTBALL REPORT : WEEKDAY UPDATE : SAN DIEGO STATE : Foster Gets Start at Inside Linebacker

The Aztecs will likely have a new look at inside linebacker Saturday against Cal State Long Beach when transfer Lou Foster makes his first start. Foster, a junior from DeAnza Community College (near San Jose), won the job in spring practice but pulled a hamstring in mid-August and didn’t resume practicing until last week. Freshman Jamal Duff, who started at inside linebacker Saturday at Oregon, has a left quadricep contusion and a right-hand chip fracture and didn’t practice Tuesday.

“It sure looks like (Foster will start),” defensive coordinator Barry Lamb said. “Jamal was unable to go (Tuesday), and we don’t know about (Wednesday). Really, the same thing happened to Lou before the Oregon game. He would have started had he been healthy.”

Trainer Brian Barry said Duff is day-to-day, and probable for Saturday’s game. But if Duff doesn’t practice today, he will have missed the two heavy workdays in the Aztecs’ game preparation.

Foster, meanwhile, said he is ready to go.

“It’s good to be back,” he said. “It’s been too long. I’ve got a lot of energy to take out on somebody. Long Beach is just the team to do it (against).”

Just when you thought Cal State Long Beach Coach George Allen, 72, had seen everything, here is a new one: SDSU wide receiver Jimmy Raye III is the son of Jimmy Raye II, who played for Allen when Allen coached the Los Angeles Rams. “It’s interesting to be playing against one of my former player’s sons,” Allen said. “I think that’s the first time that’s ever happened.” Raye’s reaction? “I’ve never met him,” Raye said. “I’ve never even thought about my dad playing for George Allen before.” . . . Allen on SDSU’s promotion whereby fans get free pizza if the two teams’ combined score Saturday is his age or higher: “They didn’t have my permission to do that,” he said, laughing. “I hope our defense is better than that.” . . . Free safety Johnny Walker (groin) and defensive lineman Pio Sagapolutele (bruised knee) missed practice Tuesday. Neither injury is considered serious. . . . Injury report: Defensive lineman Steve Matuszewicz (ankle) is doubtful for Saturday’s game, and defensive back Zac Stokes (shoulder) is out.