Editor’s note: The Union-Tribune this season invites readers to submit questions for San Diego State coach Sean Lewis to answer. Today, the coach answers questions after SDSU’s win against Colorado State and heading into Saturday night’s game at Nevada.
Why was the Colorado State running back, Jalen Dupree, able to find gaping holes to run through? What will (or can) the defense do different/better in future games to prevent this? — Rick Hughes, San Diego
A: There was a couple of explosive runs that weren’t great where we have to do a great job of executing the base fundamentals of being gap sound and then tackling to a level that we have consistently done. It was good lessons to learn from. We’re not going to be perfect, I don’t think anyone is, but we found a way to win. We will continue to refine those basic fundamentals and find a way to do them better.
How can the Aztecs’ defense sustain its high QB Pressure Rate percentage when rushing four linemen as the schedule gets more challenging? — Azpire, San Francisco Bay Area
A: I think we’ve done an elite job as a staff creating rush packages with four to attack protections that we’re seeing and we have to continue to do a great job building plans weekly that attack the specific pros that we’re seeing. The kids have to continue to do a great job of owning those specific plans and making them come to life the way that they have because that gives us a decided advantage when we can do that in those third-and-long situations and really kind of change the math on those downs.
As someone that is a San Diego State student and someone who aspires to be a football coach, what would be some advice and mindset things you would give to any aspiring coach looking to get into the space? — Richie Farley, Oceanside
A: Come volunteer your time. If you want to learn and you want to be around it, we’re always looking for volunteers that we can rely upon, that are going to do good work and have pride in their work. Come stop by the football offices. Be willing to do all the dirty work. Then, in your free time, there’s never been a better time to have access to film. There’s so much great film that’s out there. Learn the game. Pick up a book and do some reading because there’s a whole lot that’s been redesigned, but there’s not a whole lot that’s new. You’ve got to commit your time to it if you want to be a part of it.
You grew up near where deep-dish pizza was invented (Chicago). I was wondering what is your favorite pizza place in San Diego and why, and what are your go-to toppings? — Mark Bailey, La Mesa
A: We found a new spot recently in Carmel Mountain Ranch, just off Carmel Mountain Road, called Best Pizza & Brew. It is phenomenal. I like pepperoni, mushroom, sausage and peppers on my pizza, usually with a blood orange IPA of some sort. Fresh, great service, family-friendly environment and a bunch of TVs to watch sporting events and hang out. Just a great vibe. …
Deep dish is when we’re back home. So when we were back in the area a few weeks ago (to play Northern Illinois), we got some Lou Malnati’s deep dish that was delivered to the team hotel and I got to show the boys a little bit of the Chicago flair of the deep dish style of pizza. That was cool to share that experience with the team.
Submit questions after each weekend’s game through Tuesday to kirk.kenney@sduniontribune.com or on X to @sdutkirKDKenney.
San Diego State (4-1, 1-0) vs. Nevada (1-4, 0-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Mackay Stadium, Reno, Nev.
TV: CBSSN
Radio: 760-AM