Archive for October, 2020

Aztecs 34, UNLV 6

Posted: October 25, 2020 in Uncategorized
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Not bad, not great. I can’t complain. We played football.

As usual during a C-CBS broadcast, the game in front of us (Wyoming/Nevada) goes into overtime. Knowing our history of joining-the-game-in-progress, I had my mac tuned to 1360. I found the voice of one Ted Leitner to be the equivalent of a photo perfect day at the beach. How I adore Ted. Man crush? Yes. I don’t care. Mock me. Uncle Teddy’s voice coupled with early Aztec success readied me for the eventual C-CBS broadcast featuring a 7-0 lead.

I found Carson Baker’s performance to be a collective “meh”. 12/25 with 1 touchdown and no interceptions was serviceable. I was surprised by his ability to scramble with intent, i.e., no lost yards and the ability to wing the ball to an open receiver for positive yards. The o-line did well allowing only 1 sack while providing plenty of push. The proof of said push was 287 yards rushing. The following yards per carry will dismiss any naysayers regarding an effective run game: Greg Bell (5.8), Kaegun Williams (8.4), Jordan Byred (13.3) and Chance Bell (5.7). Push, indeed. As for receiving, 6 guys caught 1 pass each. 3 guys caught 2 passes each. Thus, the “meh”. Of course, Matt Araiza was perfect for the night (2/2). However, regressing from 27 first half points to 7 second half points was unimpressive and borderline criminal given the inept UNLV defense. Shame, shame, shame.

The Aztec defense was camped in the Rebel backfield three of four quarters (Mr. Mattix needs to emphasize that FOUR quarters of effort are required). Mr. Mattix mixed well one and two linebackers to the front three the entire evening. The three Rebel qbs were frantic most of the evening. They averaged less than 4 yards per completion. The UNLV rushing efforts was held to 2.3 yards per rush. Their offense averaged less than 3 yards per play. 1/15 on third downs was most satisfying. The SDSU defense allowed the UNLV offense to visit the red zone a mere 3 times. Trenton Thompson, Jonah Tavai and Kahi Neves were especially impressive.

Next week is Utah State at Logan. If we play four quarters of focused football, we win.

1-0.

Go, Aztecs.

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Aztec Football, 2020 Update

Posted: October 10, 2020 in Uncategorized
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Hello.

The MWC is proceeding with football. Eight games worth. Or there about depending on the school and non-con games secured. Yes, I find doubtful the chance to play eight games without cancellation of at least one, if not two, as we enter flu season coupled with our pandemic. Yet, I must pontificate (I’m an Aztec football junkie) on the SDSU schedule.

UNLV at home (home is Carson this year and 2021) is a win, but by no means a gimme. The new Rebel coach, Marcus Arroyo, is a former U of Ducks offensive co-coordinator. UNLV will stretch the field. Our defensive back five will be busy defending the pass and I expect many a deflection, tip and interception to the detriment of UNLV.

Utah State at Logan on Halloween. A sign? No, just another disappointing future memory for the majority of trick or treaters denied candy by weather and virus. A difficult road game, but the Aztec offense proves too much for the Aggies.

San Jose State football moved to Humboldt State for practice purposes. Practicing 300+ miles from home is chock-full of start, stop, start, stop depending on what is provided, forgotten and misplaced. The last development the improving Spartans need is a disjointed effort to prepare for the season. The Aztecs overwhelm San Jose State in a painful to watch romp (painful for the good people of San Jose).

Hawaii follows the Spartans. The same result. As mentioned in my summer post, Todd Graham is not the right guy for the job in paradise. The Hawaii defense is torched in Carson.

The Wolf Pack at Reno goes to the final possession. Reno in late November features some sort of challenging weather. Take your combination of wind, rain, snow, freezing temparture and/or hail. While watching the game on the tube/phone, wear a jacket and hat. Pretend empathy.

Fresno State at Fresno without 40,000 screaming, beer fueled fans will be an advantage to SDSU. Game six for both teams will shine the glare on a Bulldog squad lurching, struggling and waiting for 2021. The Aztec defense pummels the Fresno State offense.

Colorado State . . . oh, the missteps leading to the season. First, as I stated in my MWC preview, hiring Steve Addazio was a dumbass decision. Second, the “investigation” conducted by the university into various claims of racism and violations of established state/county C-19 health codes launches the Rams into a murky, disappointing, um, shit show, no, no, dumpster fire of a season. The only trip and slip variable for the Aztecs is December 5th in Fort Collins. As Reno (and so many other MWC locations), the weather will play havoc on sensible play calling, but the Aztecs prevail.

Finally, Provo. Why? Yeah, I know finding available teams in 2020 is north of difficult, but why these guys? Why not any other team west of the Rockies? Yeah, yeah, bowl game eligibility consideration of schedule, blah, blah, blah. I should not blah reality, but I remain flummoxed by J.D. Wicker’s decision. Regardless, we beat these guys and the refs.

Best case: 7-1. Worst case: 5-3.

Go, Aztecs.