This Time, the Change Was Costly

Winless San Diego State might suffer another loss--even before Saturday’s game against UCLA begins. Attendance could be far less than anticipated.

Aztec officials raised ticket prices and produced 50,000 Marshall Faulk bobbleheads for the game at Qualcomm Stadium, believing it would be the biggest revenue-producer of the season.

However, ESPN2 exercised its right to move the starting time from 6 p.m. to 11 a.m. Rather than drawing a crowd of 45,000, San Diego State is hoping to reach 30,000. The drop is expected to cost the school $150,000 to $200,000 in ticket revenue.

Tickets are priced between $20 and $45, about double the price of Aztec Mountain West Conference home games.

“UCLA is a major opponent for us, and we think it’s logical to be charging big-time college prices for a big-time opponent,” said Steve Schnall, assistant athletic director for marketing. “It’s in line with what UCLA and other schools do for their games.”

UCLA had hoped a huge contingent of Bruin followers would make the two-hour drive. The early start might put a crimp in those plans as well.

*

Walk-on Matt Chastain, a redshirt freshman from the San Diego area, will play Saturday as a sort of homecoming.

“Like Rudy, yeah,” Coach Bob Toledo said.

Chastain, a 5-foot-11, 200-pound linebacker from San Pasqual High, will play on the kickoff team.

“I tell you what, he’s a fierce little competitor,” Toledo said. “He’s not a big guy, but he’s a good football player. He got our scout team player of the week last week. And he’s a team guy, so we’ll let him run down there on kickoffs. It’s not like we’re not just putting him out there to put him out there. We think he can help us.”

Matt Kocher, a walk-on defensive tackle who played at San Diego Patrick Henry High, might get a chance to play late in the game.

*

San Diego State’s shaky running attack is even more suspect because starting tailback James Truvillion has not practiced all week and is doubtful because of a sprained ankle. Michael Franklin would start in place of Truvillion, who averages 3.4 yards in 54 carries. Franklin averages 5.1 yards in 21 carries.

Frederick Collins, a freshman who ran for 2,367 yards and scored 31 touchdowns as a senior at Palm Springs La Quinta High, also would play.

Aztec senior right guard Raul Gomez won’t play because of a staph infection in his leg.

Quarterback Adam Hall, who had thrown 205 passes in four games, developed a sore throwing arm in each of the last two games. His passes in practice have been curtailed, but he is expected to be ready Saturday.

*

Tight end Keith Carter, who has been out because of a high ankle sprain, will be available to play, Toledo said.