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At 7-3, San Diego State is not only having a strong season, but is the best San Diego State team Utah coach Kyle Whitingham has coached against in his opinion, he said.

"From a physicality and toughness standpoint, that is really where they have made a noticeable difference," he said. "They've always had good skill people, that hasn't changed, but now they are playing with a physical presence that makes them different."

Whittingham credited both coach Brady Hoke and defensive coordinator Rocky Long, the former New Mexico coach, for making the changes.

"What he has done in two short years has been a tremendous accomplishment," Whittingham said.

As for the Aztecs' defense, Whittingham said it "was a typical Rocky Long defense. Nothing else needs to be said."

The Aztecs' defense is third in the MWC, giving up 22.1 points a game.

Airing it out

The Utes discussed their losing streak during a team meeting Monday, with the coaches reminding the players all is not lost.

"We talked about the positives that have happened and how we can get the ship righted," Whittingham said. "It comes down to commitment and accountability of the players."

No slide expected

Hoke said he expects the Utes to come out strong against his team despite the recent losses.

"They have a lot of tradition and legacy," he said. "They went to Notre Dame and played on a terrible day when it was raining cats and dogs and played a team that also had great tradition. They have a great tradition and a great foundation. You have those winning programs like that and you expect them to play their best football."

Hoke is doing his best to establish a similar winning tradition with the Aztecs, and so far likes how they've responded after losses.

After losing at Missouri 27-24, the Aztecs beat Utah State 41-7 the following week. A 24-21 loss at BYU was followed by a 27-25 win over Air Force.

He doesn't want the team to be satisfied with good efforts or close losses.

"The objective and goal is to win, win in life and in the classroom and on the field," he said. "You have to compete every day."