COLLEGE FOOTBALL REPORT : WEEKDAY UPDATE : SAN DIEGO STATE : Aztecs’ Defense Is Still in the Cellar

San Diego State, idle Saturday, remained ranked last in the nation (106th) in total defense (509.3 yards a game) and 105th in scoring defense (39.8 points a game). Vanderbilt is 106th in scoring defense (40.3). Offensively, the Aztecs are fourth in the country in passing offense (337 yards a game) and fifth in scoring offense (37.2). Quarterback Dan McGwire is ranked fourth in the nation in passing efficiency (144.8) and fifth in total offense (300 yards a game).

SDSU Coach Al Luginbill confirmed that sophomore Damon Pieri will start at free safety Saturday against Utah. Luginbill also said redshirt freshman Ramondo Stallings, who had played some at nose tackle, will now play exclusively at defensive end, redshirt freshman Sebastian Glaze will get some turns at nose tackle, and redshirt freshman Turaj Smith will get some playing time on the defensive line. . . . Herman Edwards, who lettered at SDSU in 1976 and went on to play in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles from 1977-85, was at practice Monday night. Edwards is working as a scout for the Kansas City Chiefs.