MWC notebook: Aztec defensive coordinator Long to face former team

It's likely to be an unusual, emotional reunion in San Diego on Halloween day.

That's when New Mexico visits San Diego State — marking the first meeting between Aztec defensive coordinator Rocky Long and his former team. Long was the head coach of the Lobos for 11 years, posting a 65-69 record and guiding UNM to five bowl games.

At the conclusion of last season, Long resigned and bolted for SDSU.

No doubt that Long has made a big impact in San Diego, as the Aztecs own a 3-4 overall mark and need only three more victories to become bowl-eligible for the first time since 1998.

The Lobos, meanwhile, are 0-7 this season under first-year coach Mike Locksley.

"It will be an emotional game for our players and it may be for Rocky," Locksley said. "But I also know the game is not about us versus Rocky. It's about New Mexico and San Diego State."

San Diego State coach Brady Hoke also tried to downplay the Long-vs.-Lobos angle.

"The one thing about coaches is we don't get to get on the field and play any more. We're too old for that," Hoke said. "So it's about the kids on the field and the universities that are involved."

Adding a little to the intrigue of the game is that Locksley is returning from a 10-day suspension — punishment for engaging in a brawl with one of his assistant coaches last month. Locksley wasn't on the sidelines for his team's loss to UNLV last weekend.

"It's great to be back. It's been a difficult 10 days for me. Being away from football has given me some time to reflect and appreciate the opportunities that, when you don't have something you love and it's been a part of your life, it makes you appreciate it," Locksley said.

"I'm eager to move forward, and that's what it's all about right now for our program. We're definitely not off to the start that I envisioned or that our players envisioned for our program, being 0-7, and the buck stops with me as the head football coach to find a way to get it corrected."

ANOTHER BCS FOR MWC?: With a dominating 38-7 victory over BYU last Saturday, TCU climbed to No. 6 in the latest BCS standings, leapfrogging Boise State. If the Horned Frogs keep winning, they figure to land a spot in a BCS bowl, just as Utah did last year.

The Utes are No. 16 in the BCS standings. BYU dropped out of the standings.

TCU is one of seven teams in the nation that are still unbeaten, along with Alabama, Boise State, Cincinnati, Iowa, Florida and Texas.

JEFFERSON'S BACK: Tim Jefferson will once again become Air Force's starting quarterback as a result of Connor Dietz breaking his right (throwing) hand in an overtime loss at Utah.

Dietz underwent surgery Monday and is expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks.

The Falcons visit in-state rival Colorado State on Saturday.

e-mail: jeffc@desnews.com