Long encouraged by Aztecs' resolve

By: MICHAEL KLITZING - Staff Writer | Sunday, October 21, 2007 10:48 PM PDT ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- Still stinging from the San Diego State football team's most gut-wrenching loss of the season, quarterback Kevin O'Connell and head coach Chuck Long crossed paths in the postgame post-mortem Saturday night.

After losing a critical fumble late in New Mexico's 20-17 comeback win at Qualcomm Stadium, O'Connell might have been expected to need some encouraging words. Instead, he provided them.

"Kevin told me last night, 'I wish we can suit up and play tomorrow,' " Long said Sunday. "That gave me a good feeling about the leader of our football team and the pulse of our team. They're anxious to get going again."

The Aztecs (2-5, 1-2 Mountain West Conference) will have to be with first-place Brigham Young coming to town on Saturday. Long took heart from the way his team battled as heavy underdogs to the Lobos and said he sees a resolve among his players that will prevent a hangover following a brutal loss in the waning seconds.

"They played well and hard all the way through," he said. "What more can you ask for? We were in a position to win the game.

"We were in a position to win it and we didn't do it. I know in time we will. We just need to learn the finishing part."

Less encouraging than the team's mental health is its physical state.

The foot injury suffered in warm-ups by junior starting wide receiver Darren Mougey, which kept him out of the game, turned out to be a plantar fascia tear.

It is unknown how much time he will miss, leaving open the possibility Oceanside High alumnus Roberto Wallace ---- fresh off his first career start ---- will see even more action.

Sophomore starting cornerback Aaron Moore suffered a high ankle sprain on the play in which he was hit with a critical pass interference penalty on the Lobos' final drive. Two other starters ---- linebacker Andrew Preston and safety Corey Boudreaux ---- are dealing with neck burners.

Preston did not dress Saturday, and Long was impressed with the two reserves who helped pick up the slack.

"Guys that really came in and did a good job are Marc Hull and Zach Clarke," he said. "Both had roles dependent on personnel and both really played that role well. You feel like a foundation is starting to take hold when guys can come off the bench when guys are hurt and do well."

Backup safety Nick Sandford will likely be out against BYU with a shoulder injury, and the status of tight end Matt Kawulok is in question because of a high ankle sprain. Safety T.J. McKay had surgery to repair the meniscus in his left knee and will miss at least two weeks.

Contact staff writer Michael Klitzing at (760) 740-6643 or mrklitzing@gmail.com.