Has San Diego State's rush defense improved? The Aztecs are about to find out. SDSU couldn't have been much worse in that category a year ago, ranking 118th (241.5 yards per game) among the nation's 119 FBS teams. The Aztecs historically have struggled against triple-option teams, case in point coming two years ago when Cal Poly rushed for 225 yards. Redshirt freshman QB Ryan Lindley makes his debut for SDSU.

PLAYMAKERS: CAL POLY

Wide receiver Ramses Barden, a 6-foot-6, 227-pound senior who considered declaring for the NFL draft earlier this year, is a two-time Football Championship Subdivision All-American. Barden caught 57 passes for 1,467 yards and 18 touchdowns last year. In Cal Poly's 16-14 win over SDSU two years ago, James Noble, a senior slotback, carried 25 times for 100 yards.

PLAYMAKERS: AZTECS

Senior linebacker Russell Allen will be key to an Aztecs defense that struggled mightily to stop the run last season. SDSU's top tackler in 2007, Allen was named to the Mountain West Conference preseason first team. Though his playing time was limited, sophomore running back Brandon Sullivan carried 58 times for 220 yards last season, tops among returning running backs.

– MICK McGRANE