SDSU : Freshman Pittman to Start at UTEP

T.C. Wright’s sprained right ankle improved slightly, but freshman Wayne Pittman will start at running back for San Diego State Saturday at Texas El Paso, Aztec Coach Al Luginbill said. Luginbill termed Wright’s ankle at “75 to 80%.”

Wright will make the trip and his playing time will be based on how much the ankle improves by Saturday night.

This will be the first start for Pittman, who originally was going to be redshirted. He has gained 56 yards on 17 carries this season.

The opening at running back was created when Marshall Faulk sustained two broken ribs and a collapsed lung last Saturday against New Mexico.

Faulk’s lung was still leaking air Thursday, according to trainer Brian Barry, and doctors have decided to keep him at Mercy Hospital through the weekend.