San Diego State is about to do something it hasnt done in 21 years -- play a game as a ranked program.The No. 19 Aztecs went 341 polls without being ranked before cracking the rankings Sept. 18 and aim not to stumble when they visit South Alabama in Mobile, Ala., on Saturday (8 p.m. ET, ESPNews).San Diego State didnt remain ranked very long back in 1995. The Aztecs fell out as quickly as they climbed in by losing 34-31 to Wyoming.But San Diego State, which didnt play last week, is back among the elite and intends to hang around a lot longer this time around.It feels great to just be able to get the recognition we felt we deserved, standout senior running back Donnel Pumphrey said. Our team, we expected it. Were all happy and were ready for the next test -- which is South Alabama.Oh yeah, South Alabama.This San Diego State squad should have plenty of motivation when it comes to avoiding the upset. You see, the Jaguars (2-2) defeated the Aztecs 34-27 in overtime last season in San Diego.San Diego State players and coaches sure dont need much reminding of that defeat.Anytime somebody beats you, you relish the chance to return the favor, Aztecs coach Rocky Long said. My idea that last years game was two teams of similar playing ability was exactly wrong. They outplayed us bad. You have to give them credit.South Alabama senior outside linebacker Roman Buchanan is interested in making it consecutive wins over the Aztecs. He also expects to confront an angry group of San Diego State players.Theyre definitely gunning for us, Buchanan said. I would expect nothing less than that. Theyre a really good team, and they dont take lightly somebody coming into their house and beating them. So they definitely want to return the favor.The Aztecs (3-0) are streaking as they enter the rematch. They have won their past 13 games -- second best in the nation behind top-ranked Alabama (16) -- and have won 11 of those by 14 or more points.Another victory would give the program its first 4-0 start since 1981.Not only is San Diego State gaining rare national attention, Pumphrey leads the nation in rushing yards per game (199.7) and is receiving mention as a possible top-five Heisman Trophy finisher.Pumphrey recently surpassed Marshall Faulks school career rushing mark of 4,589 yards and that has elevated his status and increased his national profile. He has 4,871 rushing yards and 52 touchdowns -- including 599 yards and seven touchdowns in three games this season.The 5-foot-9, 180-pound Pumphrey is only 129 yards away from becoming the 21st player in college football history to rush for 5,000 career yards.He kind of reminds me of Reggie Bush, he is that type of back, South Alabama coach Joey Jones said in reference to the former USC star and current NFL player. He is what I call a one-step cutter, he can be running full speed and it only takes him one step to change direction at a great angle.He has the speed to take it home, if you miss him and he gets out in the open field he can score from 60, 80 yards out. Hes a guy who can make big plays.South Alabama did a capable job on Pumphrey last season. Pumphrey finished with 102 rushing yards but needed 28 carries to reach that total.Buchanan and senior safety Kalen Jackson are tied for the team tackle lead with 33. Buchanan has a team-best five tackles for losses and Jackson has 4 1/2. Senior defensive end Randy Allen has a team-leading 3 1/2 sacks.Offensively, sophomore quarterback Dallas Davis passed for 1,130 yards, five touchdowns and five interceptions this season, while senior tight end Gerald Everett has 21 receptions for 290 yards and two touchdowns.Davis most memorable performance was rallying the Jaguars from a 17-point deficit to record a 21-20 victory over Mississippi State in the season opener. He tossed a game-winning 4-yard touchdown pass to Everett on fourth down with 57 seconds remaining for the decisive points.San Diego States defense is led by linebacker Calvin Munson (team-best 34 tackles) and cornerback Damontae Kazee (12 career interceptions). Senior defensive end Alex Barrett has contributed four sacks.Sophomore quarterback Christian Chapman threw for six touchdowns against two interceptions this season. Discount Custom Soccer Jerseys . Nigeria beat surprise package Ethiopia 2-0 in the second leg of their playoff for a comfortable 4-1 aggregate victory. Victor Moses converted a 20th-minute penalty after an Ethiopian handball, and Victor Obinna made certain of Nigerias place in Brazil with his powerful free kick in the 82nd at UJ Esuene Stadium. Wholesale Custom Soccer Jerseys . Galatasaray said in a statement on its website Monday that Mancini signed a three-year contract and will be paid 3.5 million euros for the upcoming season, with his salary upped to 4. http://www.customjerseyssoccer.com/ . Walcott is available for Saturdays home match against Southampton as Arsenal looks to extend its two-point lead at the top of the Premier League. The Gunners are currently the second highest scorers in the league but Wenger insists Walcott will add something extra to his team. Custom AC Milan Jerseys . Thats about all he can do right now, so hes trying not to think about when he might be able to play again for the Los Angeles Lakers. Clearance Custom Soccer Jerseys . Brett Kulak and Jackson Houck of the Vancouver Giants were each charged with assault causing bodily harm on Aug. 18, according to the B.C. court services.Former Newcastle defender Olivier Bernard is backing his old team to avoid relegation to the Championship this season. The Magpies sit 19th in the table with four games remaining, although confidence is returning after a 3-0 win over Swansea on Saturday was followed by Rafael Benitezs side battling back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Manchester City on Tuesday night.Newcastle trail rivals Sunderland by one point, though the Black Cats have a game in hand, while Norwich are two points ahead of them. Bernard believes Benitez has the team playing with renewed confidence and believes they can find the form needed to leapfrog Norwich and Sunderland.I think anything is possible with Newcastle and I dont think that was the case a couple of weeks ago or a couple of months ago, Bernard told Sky Sports News HQ. Newcastle United are two points from safety with four games remaining Over the last two games they have turned up and played well. You can expect them to continue on their march to survival.Newcastles next game is a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool, after which they will host Crystal Palace and then travel to relegated Aston Villa.Their final game comes at home against title-chasing Tottenham, but Bernard is praying Leicester may have sealed the title before then.Newcastle are still in the bottom three but on paper we have got the easiest run, Bernard said. Heres a look Norwich, Sunderland and Newcastles remaining games in the Premier League The calendar is in our favour but that doesnt mean the points are there.dddddddddddd It means there is everything to play for.If Tottenham knows they cant get the title, they might come to that game and think they have got nothing else to play for so we have a chance.Former Brazil international Marindinha, who played for Newcastle for two years from 1987, attended the 1-1 draw with City at St James Park and is confident they can preserve their top-flight status in the remaining matches.Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, the 56-year-old - the first Brazilian to play in English football - said: In the second half they looked a bit nervous bit in the end it was okay.I now hope they fight over the next few games to make sure they keep in the same division. I am looking forward to seeing Newcastle staying in the Premiership. Its very important for the club and its very important for the people. 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