Aztec Defense Yields Under Pressure

The Aztecs’ defense could have proven everybody wrong.

It had plenty of motivation in its final stand against Fresno State on Saturday at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium:

-- Teammate Wayne Pittman, who moments before had been taken off the field with a broken leg.

-- A brilliant 41-yard touchdown reception by Darnay Scott to ease the burden.

-- A championship ring.

The Aztec defense had 80 yards, 4 minutes 32 seconds and a three-point lead with which to work.

But this defense didn’t stop Fresno State. In the end, it didn’t fool anybody. Not the critics, fans, Trent Dilfer or Tydus Winans.

The defense’s reputation caught up with the Aztecs. The defense had held opponents to three or fewer touchdowns the previous five weeks, and had climbed from 103rd to 78th in the NCAA team defense ratings.

But with the WAC championship on the line, the Aztecs did not hold up.

On fourth and nine, Dilfer threw a wobbly pass up for grabs into double coverage. Receiver Malcolm Seabron grabbed it at the 11. Secondary coach Ron Mims said the pass should have been intercepted.

Dilfer had Seabron one-on-one against dime back Sam Williford. Free safety Darrell Lewis read the play and moved in for help. But when Dilfer was pressured and fired short, only Seabron (six catches, 147 yards) adjusted to the pass.

“I know he knows in his heart that he should have had an interception,” said Mims, explaining how Lewis was getting in position to make a big play.

Two plays later, Dilfer passed six yards to Winans. Touchdown.

Game, championship, season. Fresno State 45, Aztecs 41.

There were other big plays missed Saturday.

Second quarter: On third and eight, Dilfer finds Michael Ross for 15, setting up a touchdown on the next play. Next drive, third and 24. Dilfer to Seabron for 45. It leads to a field goal.

Third quarter: Third and 11 from the SDSU 17. Dilfer to Seabron. Touchdown.

Fourth quarter: Third and eight. Dilfer passes incomplete, but pass interference is called on SDSU.

On the final touchdown, Aztec cornerback Gary Taylor had Winans covered in the end zone. He was there, but he never saw his man catch the ball.

Said Mims, “It just came down to who wanted it the worst. Winans wanted it more.”