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UCLA WR Landon Ellis suffered a concussion against Cal; Bruin247 expects him to miss San Diego State, but does not report a confirmed ruling. Chesney said Aidan Mizell was fully cleared after an apparent camp hamstring injury. Mizell, Shane Rosenthal and Leland Smith are possible replacements, not announced starters.
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UCLA safety Tao Johnson is battling an unspecified injury and may miss San Diego State, per Bruin247. The writer projects Ta'Shawn James beside Malik Hartford if Johnson is out, with Cole Martin or Mason Rivera possible rotation options. This is a projected secondary arrangement, not a confirmed lineup.
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San Diego State's rebuilt pass defense has five new secondary starters and lost players responsible for 31 of its 32 sacks last season. Portland State's Gabe Downing threw for 280 yards without being sacked in the opener. Bruin247 attributes both of his interceptions to receivers, so those takeaways did not reflect pressured quarterback mistakes.
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San Diego State RB Lucky Sutton scored three rushing touchdowns but averaged 3.2 yards per carry on 58 yards against Portland State. Change-of-pace transfer Javion Kinnard added 79 yards on eight carries, including a 55-yard run. Those contrasting opener results show explosive support behind Sutton without establishing a change in the lead-back role.
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UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava went 14-of-22 for 184 yards against Cal and completed both attempts beyond 20 air yards for 76 yards. Chesney criticized his second-quarter interception and fourth-quarter fumble, which UCLA recovered. The deep completions were encouraging, but the coach identified ball security as an issue entering San Diego State.