The Aztecs averaged 5.7 yards per play in November, a period in which they won four of their five games. This was largely because of the running game established by Adam Muema and Donnel Pumphrey. Muema was the bell cow this season, playing in all twelve games and toting the ball 228 times. He had a thousand yard season, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and finding the end zone twelve times. He did struggle the last two games of the season, totaling just 57 yards after gaining over 500 in the previous three games. Pumphrey was able to turn in excellent performances in the second half of games against worn out defenses. He had better than one in five carries go for more than ten yards, and was exceptionally good inside his own territory, averaging better than eight yards per carry. Quinn Kaehler though has struggled down the stretch in the passing game, posting just a 58% completion rate for 7.3 yards per attempt. His third down performance though has been superb all season, completing 63% of his attempts and converting 40% of them. The Bulls have their own bell cow back in Branden Oliver, a 208 pound back out of Miami. Oliver has carried the ball 282 times, 47 of them for more than 10 yards. Inside the maroon zone he's been excellent as well, averaging 4.8 yards per carry and has scored 14 times. While the passing game has struggled Alex Neutz has been a standout pass catcher. He's averaged 16 yards per catch and has caught a pass in every game this season.
Khalil Mack should be the first defensive player off the board this April. He will hold the record for most tackles for loss when this bowl game is over. Mack is the heart of the defense that has allowed just
22 points a game, with six of those gmes holding opponents to under 20 points. He has a team high 94 tackles, 19 of them for loss. He's intercepted three passes and has 10.5 sacks to go with six more QB hurries and six passes defended. The defense though has struggled against the run the last month. Theyve allowed 4.7 yards per carry and seven rushing touchdowns. Through the air though, the Bulls have been bullet proof, allowing just 6.6 yards per pass and only 42.3% of the passes to be completed. Theyve also only given up three passing touchdowns the last month. The Aztecs on the other hand have been a seeve on defense. Teams have completed 62% of their passes for nearly seven yards per attempt with just seven picks. The last month theyve also given up 4.3 yards per carry and eleven touchdowns. 
Buffalo is a much better team than a lot of people will give them credit for playing in the MAC. San Diego State can play offense, but its unlikely to be enough to always get past the solid Buffalo defense and outscore Joe Licata, who has been on fire the last month. Buffalo should handle the Aztecs.
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