Injuries Are Extensive for Faulk

San Diego State star running back Marshall Faulk, whose dream season was derailed Saturday night when a New Mexico player’s helmet smacked against his ribs, spent Sunday in a hospital bed because the injury was worse than originally feared.

In addition to two broken ribs in his left side--one fractured and one cracked--Faulk suffered a collapsed lung and is expected to remain in Mercy Hospital until Tuesday or Wednesday. He will not play Saturday at Texas El Paso, and Aztec Coach Al Luginbill is unsure when to expect him back. Faulk leads the nation in scoring and is second in rushing.

“We have no preconceived ideas,” Luginbill said of Faulk’s return. “It could be (Oct. 26 at Utah), or it could be for the Miami game (the season finale Nov. 30).”

Faulk was injured with 4 1/2 minutes left in the first half of San Diego State’s 38-24 victory over New Mexico Saturday night when linebacker Jesse Becton hit him from the left side on his 14th carry. Still, Faulk rushed for 153 yards and two touchdowns, raising his season totals to 983 yards and 16 touchdowns.