tipmypitch

Luck does not begin to describe what happened.  The game was screaming overtime as the Aztecs stumbled through the fourth quarter.  The UNLV kicker bonks a gimme that would have tied the game.  Whew.

Our offense is anemic, sickly and without effect.  13 points scored the entire game.  If Tariq Thompson does not block the UNLV punt in the end zone, we lose.  Boo.  Ryan Agnew’s line of 14/23/185 had all the impact of a fart on the beach.  Strangely, Juwan Washington, Kaegun Williams and Chase Jasmin all averaged at least 5 yards per carry.  But, much like a fart on the beach . . .

Brandon Heicklen was, again, masterful.  6 punts averaged 43.7 yards.  4 of the 6 were inside the 20.  3 of those were downed at the 10 (twice) and 6.  Perhaps I have stumbled across our offensive strategy:  Run time off the clock, nail a good punt and assume the Aztec defense keeps the opponent out of the end zone.

Is Jeff Horton the reason why we don’t score?  Is the offensive line the reason?  How about one dumb ass penalty after another during what should have been a drive into the end zone?  You tell me.  The defense cannot continue this season of magic without contribution from the offense.  Winning by 7 or less will run out of gas unless the Aztec offense can put points on the board each and every quarter.  7 here, 10 there, 13 to surprise, another 7 just for fun.  A guy can dream, can’t he?

7-1/4-1 with an AP rating of 25.

Go, Aztecs.

Kaegun Williams returning the opening kick off for a touchdown was a nice start.  Been awhile.  A few cuts here and there, and, as Uncle Teddy exclaimed in the radio booth, “He’s gone!”  Amen.

The running game returned.  Or at least flashed life now and then.  Juwan Washington averaged 4.7 per carry, Chase Jasmin 11.7 (sure, the 50 yard run is the definition of inflated stats) and Chance Bell 5.6.  Game’s end the Aztec running game left with 260 yards.  As a point of proof, ten (!) running plays highlighted the drive that put Juwan Washington in the end zone for a 20-10 lead in the third quarter.  Not bad.

Ryan Agnew was serviceable:  13/20 without a td or interception.  All for 88 yards, though.  Not exactly stretching the defense.

The pisser was our insistence on shooting ourselves in the foot, hand and butt the entire night via dumb ass penalties.  The grand total was 12 flags for 85 yards, thus negating Mr. Agnew’s completed tosses.  The false starts and unsportsman like conduct calls must end.  Pay attention to the snap count and don’t take out your bad day on the opposition.  Thank you.

Brandon Heicklen was his usual stud self.  Just another night at the office featuring 5 punts for an average of 45.8 yards.  His two fourth quarter punts rolled to the Spartan 1 yard line.  Touche!

The Aztec offense posted the strange stat of 40:22 with the ball, yet scored only 27 points. I wonder if a 35+ point game is within our reach or are we cursed with sub 30 point games?  Do tell.

Oh, yeah.  The Aztec defense was brilliant, yet again.  Yawn.  The Spartan offense checked out with only 272 yards of offense.  Their much ballyhooed passing game was snuffed at 218 total yards.  2 of their 15 first downs were via Aztec penalties.

6-1/3-1.  Pick a bowl, any bowl.

Go, Aztecs.

This group drives me crazy.  Let’s wait until the second half to play offensive football.  Why score touchdowns during the first half?  Who cares?  Matt Araiza can hit a couple of field goals.  We hang around.  Chat on the sidelines.  Who is doing what on Sunday?  Half time hits, then we decide to score touchdowns (and Mr. Araiza actually missed a field goal attempt).  If we can score 20 points in the second half, couldn’t we score 20 points in the first half?

Ryan Agnew threw the ball 32 times.  Wow.  Shades of Ryan Lindley.  21 completions for barely 200 yards (209).  Yes, I’m complaining about the lack of verticalness via the passing game.  Frankly, the Aztec running game wasn’t much better.  Juwan Washington on the field makes a big difference, but by no means have we established a buffo running game during the first six games of the season.  However, I must admit that the shot gun/spread is generating just enough offense to color the Aztecs as a balanced offensive football team.  A little of this.  A little of that.  We win.  By the way, Issac Lessard caught a pass.  Fullback production on the comeback trail?

Luq Barcoo’s pick with 49 seconds remaining sealed the win.  If Wyoming completes that pass . . .  oy vey.  We probably lose.  Which is indicative of a competitive game.  Keeping Wyoming to 266 total yards is just another day for the Aztec defense.  Pulling out the win against a good Cowboy squad is proof that SDSU is on a collision course with Hawaii and Fresno State to win the West.

Brandon Heicklen had a great game.  4 boots averaged 49 yards.  Thank you.

Finally, a tip of the hat to the loud crowd at SDCC stadium.  Enthusiasm plus.

5-1/2-1.

Go, Aztecs.

31-10 with a bit more effort in the final minute.  But, why complain?

Ryan Agnew was a model of passing proficiency:  16/20 with 3 touchdowns and zero picks.  Not bad, yet somehow more is needed.  Why Jeff Horton leaned to any attempt to balance the pass with the non-effective run was a head scratcher.  The running game took a step backwards.  Between Juwan Washington, Chance Bell, Chase Jasmin and Jordan Byrd, the Aztecs tallied a sad 120 yards.  Boo.  The offensive line’s inability to push back the CSU d-line was the equivalent of slap and yell.  I expect the call of “Back up, you brute” to be quickly adopted as strategy.  Note; our horizontal to the line of scrimmage plays are as effective as no waves at the beach.  Please stop.  Vertical is the preferred method.  You know, north and south.

Juwan Washington, ankle sprain or no, brings spark and speed sorely needed, yet he too could use a bit more help from the front five.

Kobe Smith was the game.  7/101 and 2 of Mr. Agnew’s 3 touchdowns deserves a trip to Hodad’s.  Well done.  The burger as well.

The defense was, once again, superb.  I lost track of how many 3-0 the CSU offense was handed.  Luq Barcoo’s 3 consecutive interceptions is the stuff of lore and legend.  Silly good.  The Aztec defense had 4 sacks and 41 yards in tackles for loss.  The goal line stand at the end of the second quarter was testament to why practice makes perfect.  Also, limiting the Rams to 3/14 on third downs was the proverbial cherry on top of a fine night.  By the way, when was the last time a MWC team averaged 0.7 yards per rush?

4-1/1-1.

Go, Aztecs.