There will be nothing complex about the Azusa Pacific University football team’s defensive game plan this week.

The Cougars must find away to stop Dixie State’s ground attack, which is the top rushing offense in Great Northwest Athletic Conference. They get their chance when the teams open conference play in St. George, Utah on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. (Pacific Time).

• Video: Azusa Pacific Press Conference

“They present some challenges with their offense,” APU coach Victor Santa Cruz said of Dixie State, which leads the GNAC with 236 yards rushing per game. “It’s essentially like a triple-option offense. They run their quarterbacks. Blake (Barney) and Trevor (Rea) are both viable candidates to start and provide us with a challenge.”

Barney has accounted for nearly 400 yards and two touchdowns. The Red Storm (1-2) also features running back DeJon Coleman, who has rushed for 226 yards and three scores.

APU (2-1) counters with quarterback Chad Jeffries (Glendora High School), who has thrown for 833 yards and five touchdowns, and running back Kurt Scoby (Charter Oak/St. Paul/Monrovia), who has rushed for 164 yards and a score in a 16-10 win at Simon Fraser last week.

SCFA

Mt. SAC at Chaffey, 6 p.m. >> The Mounties are hoping to repeat last week’s performance when they open Central Conference play against the Panthers.

Mt. SAC (1-2) followed up a pair of losses with a 52-28 win over then CCCAA No. 8 Ventura. The Mounties are led by quarterback Anfernee Bruton, who has thrown for 454 yards and five touchdowns, and running back Aren Vaughns (Charter Oak), who has rushed for 112 yards and a score.

Chaffey (2-1) counters with quarterback Levi J. Plante, who has thrown for 527 yards and seven toucheowns.

El Camino at Citrus, 1 p.m. >> The host Owls (0-3) open up Central Conference play against the Warriors (1-2).

Citrus is led by quarterback Bryan Mayette (Ayala), who has thrown for 869 yards and five touchdowns.

College of the Canyons at Pasadena City, 6 p.m. >> The host Lancers (0-3) open Northern Conference play against the Cougars (3-0).

Jett Even leads PCC with 732 yards passing and five touchdowns.

SCIAC

Pacific (Oregon) at Occidental, 7 p.m. >> The Tigers, who opened with a 46-41 win over Puget Sound (Washington) two weeks ago, complete their nonconference schedule against the Boxers (1-1).

Occidental is led by quarterback Bryan Scott, who has thrown for 421 yards and five touchdowns, and running back Kwame Do (San Marino), who has rushed for 141 yards and two touchdowns.