Aztecs' Opener: Three Matchups That Could Decide the Game

San Diego State opens against Portland State as heavy favorites, coming off a 9-4 season and now playing in the Pac-12. Key matchups include wide receiver Bert Emanuel Jr. against Portland State's secondary and running back Lucky Sutton against the Vikings' front seven. The Aztecs are 40.5-point betting favorites.

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The Aztecs enter this contest with significant momentum from their 9-4 campaign, which included their first bowl appearance in three seasons. Their transition to the Pac-12 marks a new chapter for the program. Portland State, meanwhile, is rebuilding under first-year coach Chris Fisk, who previously led Central Washington to five consecutive Division II playoff appearances. The Vikings showed resilience in their opener against UC Davis, building a 21-point halftime