AZTEC UPDATE : NOTEBOOK / SCOTT MILLER : Underclassmen Get Job Done on Defense

When linebacker Lou Foster bruised a knee and left in the first half of SDSU’s 47-21 victory over Hawaii last Saturday, it left the Aztec defense with only two seniors in the lineup--lineman Eric Duncan and linebacker Andy Coviello.

And Coviello is a community-college transfer in his second year at SDSU.

But despite this youth, SDSU’s defense has improved. The unit shut out Hawaii in the first half (the first time the Aztecs have shut out an opponent for a half since Nov. 11, 1989) and for the first three quarters (first time since Oct. 21, 1989).

Aztec coaches have been especially pleased with sophomore outside linebacker Terrill Steen.

“(Steen) has played well and consistently,” defensive coordinator Barry Lamb said. “We knew he had it in him, but he never played well for more than one game at a time.

“Now, he’s put together three or four good games in a row. He’s been a nice surprise--he’s probably the most improved player right now.”

A scout from the Freedom Bowl will be in attendance Saturday, but bowl prospects--real or imagined--are nothing new at SDSU. Coach Al Luginbill has stated for two years that the Aztecs’ goal is to get to a bowl game, and Luginbill said bowls often have been discussed this year.

“We’ve talked about it after the UCLA game (a 37-12 loss),” Luginbill said. “We talk about it every week. We don’t ever let it get out of sight.

“As long as we win, we’ve got all the prerequisites to be a bowl team. The only thing we have to do is win football games.”

Because New Mexico is in town Saturday, it is time to resurrect one of the all-timers under the category of “Best Lines Found in a Media Guide.” In the 1989 New Mexico guide, this was written about Terance Mathis, now of the New York Jets:

“If Terance passes a couple of classes this summer, he’ll be eligible for his senior season.”

SDSU injury report: Defensive back Marcus Preciado (right hamstring) is out for New Mexico. Defensive end Ramondo Stallings (cervical strain) is doubtful. Defensive ends Turaj Smith (right ankle sprain) and Tyrone Morrison (right ankle sprain) and linebackers Lou Foster (right ankle sprain, left knee bruise) and Andy Coviello (flu, hyperextended left knee) have been cleared to play. Receiver Keith Williams, who was out with a bruised kidney, returned to practice and has been cleared to play.

New Mexico has lost 17 consecutive road games and 23 consecutive Western Athletic Conference road games. The Lobos haven’t won on the road in the WAC since a 27-23 victory over Texas El Paso in 1985, and they haven’t won anywhere on the road since a 36-34 decision over New Mexico State in 1988. . . . SDSU has not lost to New Mexico since 1983, when the Lobos won in Albuquerque, 34-14. . . . New Mexico Coach Mike Sheppard once was the offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator at U.S. International. . . . SDSU is 16th in the nation in rushing offense (236 yards a game), 13th in total offense (467) and 11th in scoring offense (36.6 points a game).