Aztecs expect Agnew to be ready for New Mexico Bowl, but Washington is questionable

San Diego State’s game with Central Michigan in the New Mexico Bowl is less than two weeks away.

It should be sufficient time for quarterback Ryan Agnew (calf) to be healthy enough to start against the Chippewas in the Dec. 21 game at Dreamstyle Stadium in Albuquerque, N.M.

The outlook is not as optimistic for running back Juwan Washington (ankle), according to SDSU head coach Rocky Long.

“It seems like it’s not getting completely well,” Long said of the right ankle injury that has hobbled Washington since the first half of the season opener against Weber State. “So I don’t know if it’s going to be completely well by the bowl game or not.”

Washington missed all or parts of half the Aztecs’ games this season. He finally appeared to be healthy again late in the season, then re-aggravated the injury against Hawaii.

Washington carried nine times for 24 yards against Hawaii and 10 times for 26 yards against BYU. He leads the Aztecs with 150 carries for 500 yards, but his 3.3 yards-per-carry average is the lowest among the team’s running backs.

In Washington’s absence, the load would be spread among Chance Bell (88 carries, 373 yards, 2 TDs, 4.2 ypc), Chase Jasmin (69-315, 3 TDs, 4.6 ypc), Jordan Byrd (61-216, 2 TDs, 3.5 ypc) and Kaegun Williams (22-76, 3.5 ypc).

In Monday afternoon’s practice, Washington stretched on the sidelines with other injured teammates and then headed inside for treatment.

Agnew was limited at practice, but did make some throws during various drills.

“He should be fine,” Long said.

The Aztecs are expected to practice throughout the week, then get Saturday off. They will practice each day next week before boarding a flight for Albuquerque on Dec. 18.

That will be a particularly busy day for SDSU coaches, juggling practice, travel and the opening of the early signing period.

High noon

Kickoff for the New Mexico Bowl is noon in Albuquerque, making it a rare day game for SDSU.

The Aztecs’ only other day game this season was a 1:15 p.m. kickoff at the Rose Bowl in Week 2. SDSU defeated UCLA for the first time in school history in that one.

Central Michigan (8-5) played 12 of its 13 games this season during the day. That included four noon kickoffs for the Chippewas, winners of the Mid-American Conference’s West Division.

“Obviously, it’s not going to be a factor to them because they’re used to playing at any time,” Long said, adding, “Hopefully, we’re awake when the game starts.”

Long said the biggest adjustment will be decreasing the intensity of practice leading up to the game. That means the workouts should be limited the two full days in Albuquerque before the bowl game.

“When you play in the afternoon, you wake up, have breakfast and go play,” said Long, whose long-held belief is that college football games are meant to be played on Saturday afternoons.

Gearing up

Long’s long history at New Mexico — he played there from 1969-71 and coached there another 14 seasons (including 1998-2008 as head coach) — means he has deep roots in the community.

It also means plenty of people will want to shake his hand and slap him on the back when Long returns with his team.

“I’ve got a lot of friends back there,” Long said. “I have a whole bunch of ex-teammates who still live there and they’ll expect me to take care of them. I’m sure they’ll want (SDSU) sweatshirts and T-shirts, and they don’t plan on paying for them.”