First, the Aztecs needed to play a particularly clean game which meant keeping turnovers to a bare minimum. Because of the Broncos undeniable firepower and quick strike capability, gifting them giveaways was tantamount to death.

Secondly, SDSU needed to stay close early so as to build some confidence that it could hang with Boise and also allow the ready-to-explode home crowd of better than 52 thousand to become a major factor in the outcome.

Suffice to say, the Aztecs didn't come close to following the script that would have made them both a threat and competitive. SDSU didn't even get within a whiff of taking care of business.

As a result, SDSU got smacked 52-35 and even that score doesn't reflect the magnitude of this blowout. The Broncos were up by a staggering 28 points at halftime and the reality is that they, by and large, coasted in the final 30 minutes.

Though a modicum of credit must be given the Aztecs for soldering on and not quitting, their three touchdowns after intermission amounted to nothing more than empty window dressing. It merely took them from being totally outclassed to being thoroughly spanked.

Hardly anyone in the crowd had time to warm his or her keister before the Aztecs started throwing up all over themselves. SDSU quarterback Ryan Lindley got the turnover train rolling when he tossed a horrendous pick to Broncos defensive end Shea McClellin on the game's third play from scrimmage.

Soon after, Boise's southpaw signal caller Kellen Moore found his favorite target Tyler Shoemaker for a 5-yard score and the rout was on.

From there, SDSU's remarkable generosity continued unabated. Aztec returner Leon McFadden masterfully followed Lindley's lead when he coughed up a punt that Bronco Josh Borgman happily pounced upon.

Moments later, Boise's offensive line carved out a massive lane that a 747 could have landed on and Bronco back Mitch Burroughs scampered untouched for an 11-yard tally. The count now stood at 14-zip but Boise was just getting started. Soon a calculator would be needed to keep up with the Bronco scoring machine.

Incredibly, the Aztecs blundered again on the ensuing kickoff. SDSU's Brandon Davis took a heavy hit from Bronco Blake Renaud and was immediately separated from the football, if not his senses. Boise's Corey Bell was right there to gobble up the loose ball at the Aztec 23-yard line.

That was a cue for the dynamic duo of Moore and Shoemaker to link up once again. This time the 6'1" senior wideout ran a nifty route to get behind the Aztec secondary and gathered in a beautifully lofted Moore pass. Just like that it was 21-0 and the Aztecs were all but toast. An astonishing three turnovers within the game's first 9:42 had buried coach Rocky Long's bumbling crew.

SDSU did manage to momentarily excite the home folks when Aztec redshirt freshman Adam Muema busted through a huge gap at the point of attack and outraced a couple of Boise defenders on his way to an 81-yard touchdown romp.

But it wasn't long before the deft Moore had restored order. First he hit on a 41-yard aerial down the far sideline to receiver Dallas Burroughs. Shortly thereafter, he connected with tight end Kyle Efaw on a 9-yard crossing pattern that helped extend the Boise margin to 28-7.

By the time productive running back Doug Martin had sped 10 yards to pay dirt and the prolific Moore had drilled Shoemaker with another scoring shot, any air remaining at Qualcomm Stadium was all but sucked up. The Aztecs trudged off the field looking up at a lopsided and humbling 42-14 deficit.

If the Aztecs could find any solace whatsoever in this rather convincing beat down, it was in the fact that they actually outscored Boise 21-10 over final two quarters. Lindley and determined tight end Gavin Escobar teamed up for a score while Muema capped a notable night with a 5-yard pay dirt run and a 1-yard touchdown reception.

But really, these scores were borderline token and provided little consolation. It didn't take a Bill Belichick to see that the Boise defenders had clearly let down with such a huge cushion and were, to some extent, just playing out the string.

But one player who wouldn't or didn't let up was Moore. One thing that was obvious for those in attendance was that this guy is totally legit. But despite his standout career in Idaho, there is real debate among scouts and evaluators about his NFL viability. Sorry, but this reporter sees few reasons to question Moore's future in the pros.

Having seen him in the flesh, Moore clearly passed the eye test. His motion and mechanics are nice and fluid, basically as pretty as you please. When it came to executing all the requisite throws, Moore delivered the goods. He can zip the challenging out pattern and accurately unleash the bomb downfield. His touch is soft on the screens and delicate on the dinks and dunks. Moreover, Moore has no problems with the quick slants and the more demanding intermediate stuff. The required arm strength is clearly there.

The 6'0" senior also exudes a calm and controlled demeanor that reflects his coolness under fire. Couple all that with ample athleticism, good pocket presence and mobility and a conspicuous command of the huddle, well, there's very little not to like. With plenty of teams in desperate need of a signal caller with considerable upside, it's unimaginable that Moore won't be plucked somewhere in the first round of the upcoming NFL draft.

And though Moore is certainly the centerpiece of Boise's offense, that doesn't mean he is without significant assistance from his mates. Two others in particular, might also have a future playing on Sundays.

Though by no means a speed burner, receiver Shoemaker offers Moore a reliable and potent target. The 6'1" senior possess educated hands and his disciplined route running allows him to beat defenses both underneath and deep down the field. What's more, Shoemaker has a definite nose for the end zone. Thrice he outmaneuvered the Aztecs for scores which brought his touchdown total to a whopping 14. No question, he'll get a look in the pros.

Dependable 5'9", 215-pound halfback Doug Martin might also be able to continue on once he graduates. Endowed with a quick bounce to the outside and tough enough to pound between the tackles, Martin has proved to be a nice compliment to Moore's arm. Martin's two scoring jaunts versus the Aztecs put him in double figures with 11 and he has an excellent shot at reaching the magical 1,000-yard plateau. He currently stands at 885. Martin certainly warrants a crack at the next level.

The esteemed place that the Broncos now occupy as a consistent winner in the pantheon of college football is a destination that San Diego State desperately wants to reach. But against top flight competition, the Aztecs just don't measure up, at least not yet.

This season they had the chance to make a statement when pitted against the likes of heavyweights Michigan, TCU and Boise State. On each occasion, SDSU failed miserably. There remains a long way to go for the Aztecs to shed the perception that this is a program still lost in the wilderness.

And to get to where they want to go, coach Rocky Long is going to have to cement in the minds of his charges that priority number one is to take good care of the rock.