AZTEC UPDATE : NOTEBOOK / SCOTT MILLER : Luginbill Is WAC Coach of Year; Faulk Honored as Top Freshman

The honors continued to arrive Wednesday at San Diego State when Aztec Coach Al Luginbill was named Western Athletic Conference coach of the year and running back Marshall Faulk was named freshman of the year.

But before his award had a chance to settle in, Luginbill already was answering questions relating to the Arizona State job. The Sun Devils on Wednesday fired Coach Larry Marmie after a 6-5 season.

When asked if he had been contacted by Arizona State, Luginbill, a former ASU assistant coach, declined comment.

“I am extremely happy at San Diego State,” he said. “My situation is always evaluated at the end of each season. We end the season Saturday (at Miami). I have a strong belief that the university will be very, very fair with the football program at San Diego State. That’s all I can ask for.

“I like our players and coaches. . . . This is all conjecture and it is not in our best interest. We need to finish the season and get on with the future of San Diego State football. I want to be a part of it.”

Asked if he would discount the Arizona State job from consideration, Luginbill said: “I don’t discount anything, but my intent and desire is to be at San Diego State as long as the university wants me here.”

Fred Miller, SDSU athletic director, said nobody from Arizona State has contacted him about Luginbill’s availability. Luginbill’s SDSU contract runs through the 1993 season.

The SDSU players gave Luginbill an ovation after practice when Barry Lamb, defensive coordinator, announced that Luginbill had won conference coach of the year honors. The selection is based on a vote of conference coaches and sports information directors.

“I’d like to have it be WAC coaching staff of the year,” Luginbill said. “That’s the way it should be worded. We certainly appreciate it at San Diego State, but it’s the coaches and players. This program has a solid foundation. When you’re making progress, obviously, people will notice it. I’m very appreciative. I’d like to make sure credit goes to the coaches and players.”

Said tight end Ray Rowe: “He deserves it. I knew it was going to happen a couple of weeks ago, the way our team was playing and the respect (Luginbill) was getting.”

Faulk downplayed his award.

“I don’t have nothing to say about it, really,” said Faulk, who needs at least 116 yards Saturday to win the individual rushing title. He will win the national scoring title simply by playing.

“I just thank my linemen. Those are my lucky charms. It wouldn’t be possible without them.”

Dave Lay, SDSU offensive coordinator, and Sonny Lubick, Miami defensive coordinator, were on the Colorado State coaching staff together from 1982 to 1984. Lay was CSU’s offensive line coach and Lubick was the offensive coordinator. When Lubbick left for Stanford in 1985, Lay became offensive coordinator.

The two remain friends, and Lay said they talk a few times a year during the football season. But . . .

“We don’t talk during game week,” Lay said. “But he’s a good friend. Our families are good friends. He’s done an outstanding job there.”

Said Lubick: “(SDSU) has as good an offensive scheme as we face. They can put points on the board.”

Those aren’t the only family ties between SDSU and Miami. Bret Ingalls, SDSU offensive line coach, was on Miami Coach Dennis Erickson’s staff at Idaho in 1985 and Curtis Johnson, SDSU wide receivers’ coach, spent three seasons playing under Erickson at Idaho.