Archive for August, 2023

SDSU 20, Ohio 13

Posted: August 27, 2023 in Uncategorized
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The game was all kinds of ugly. Ugly offense in the first half. Ugly o-line and ugly d-line. Ugly.

Yet, we won 20-13. Acceptable ugly.

The first Aztec possession featured a stalled drive resulting in a 49 yard field goal by Jack Browning which was the offensive highlight of the first half. Oh, boy.

Thankfully the Aztec defense employed the axiom of “bend, but do not break” as one Ohio drive after another failed to put the ball in the end zone. Three interceptions (Cedarious Barfield, Trey White and New Zealand Williams each enjoyed a pick) effectively shut any scoring opportunity for the Bobcats. The Aztec defense courtesy of a blitz by Zyrus Fiaseu knocked the Ohio starting quarterback out of the game. His replacement opened with a fly ball interception, thus summing the Bobcats’ passing effectiveness. Ohio’s 52 passing attempts did result in one touchdown late in the game. The moment caused me great anxiety, but I recovered.

Jalen Mayden (17/27/164) had a better second half than first. Of course, when the offensive line decides to block, quarterbacks tend to be productive. Mark Redman caught two td passes, thus heralding the return of the tight end to SDSU’s offense. In the second half offensive coordinator Ryan Lindley employed two tight ends behind the o-line to open up the running game to great effect. Three consecutive handoffs to Jaylon Armstead (8/79) quickly moved the ball deep into Ohio’s half of the field which also ignited the Aztec offense in general.

The Aztec offense converting 4/13 on third down attempts must improve and soon.

A lackluster beginning. Yet, I trust Mr. Lindley will provide improved offense with each game.

Go Aztecs.

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The Demise of the PAC12. The Future of the Mountain West

Posted: August 6, 2023 in Uncategorized
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Well, well, well. As I stated August, 2022 (read my SDSU, Big 12 and PAC 12 Implosion piece) when the Bruins and Trojans accepted the invitation to join the Big 10, the PAC 12 was two schools away from complete collapse. The time has arrived. Surprisingly, not initially at my insistence of Oregon and Washington causing the rupture, rather Colorado and Arizona triggered the crumble of the once power 5 conference.

The flight of the Ducks and run of the Huskies to the Big 10 was long anticipated by yours truly. Now the Big 10 has four schools in the treasured fourth window (Pacific time) of college football (sorry, basketball has no influence in any of the August, 2022 forward movement). Two schools to four schools doubles options and flexibility surrounding scheduling on Saturday . . . and Friday (!). Yes, the Big 10 media contract insists on Friday night games. Guess which four newbies will shoulder the dreaded, unnatural Friday night exposure?

The wait-for-me exit of Arizona State and Utah to the Big 12 was their only viable option. The Big 10 wanted nothing to do with either school. Staying with the now four remaining schools was the equivalent of eating under cooked chicken and wondering why your were vomiting for days after. However, Brett Yormark’s long standing desire to provide the Big 12 with a fourth window of linear TV (to those of you wondering, linear TV is normal TV. You know, pre-app and similar broadcast platforms) remains unfulfilled. Will Mr. Yormark shy away from his stated West coast desire or is another addition or two possible?

Concerning the remains of the once vaunted PAC 12, I present to you the chalk outline of Stanford, Cal, Washington State and Oregon State. Bow your head. Pray. You recovered? Here we go.

Stanford has enough money (the root and cause of all realignment movement) to hit the Notre Dame independent road. Cal does not. Both schools are woefully short on football centered alumni (they don’t care. Shhh). The idea floated by certain commentators and wishful thinkers that the Big 10 is interested in either school is, dare I say, poppycock. Yes, harsh language for harsh idiotic ideas. Both schools feature a yawn of recent achievement in the land of football. Cal is sub .500 the last ten years while Stanford is sub .500 three of the last four years. Both results are dismal in the eyes of Midwest decision makers. Cal has no other option other than to join the Mountain West, no matter how distasteful the idea. God forbid, joining a conference with six schools featuring the word “State” in their title. The horror. If Stanford dips their toe in the water of independence, I predict a BYU experience at best. Stanford has zero national appeal and marginal regional appeal (I’m generous. Candidly, they have no appeal outside the Bay area). Joining the Mountain West provides stability as opposed to the who-knows-what-will-happen journey of life without conference affiliation.

Washington State and Oregon State generate no interest with any of the remaining Power Four conferences. Pullman (population 33,000 ) and Corvallis (population 60,000) are small towns surrounded by smaller towns in the middle of nowhere. Traveling to and from is a pain. Both schools are perfectly suited for the Mountain West. The Cougars and Beavers offer a football upgrade for the Mountain West which is most welcome. Basketball, not so much.

Finally, the remaining PAC 12 schools are staring geography in the face. Distance matters. As does a lack of outside interest, athletic departments with budget deficits and nowhere else to go. Welcome to the Mountain West!

SDSU Aztec Football 2023 Preview

Posted: August 4, 2023 in Uncategorized
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2023 goes one of two routes. The Aztecs completely recover from last year’s 7-6 finish with razzle followed by dazzle and an avalanche of offensive production unseen in recent years past or the team bumbles, fumbles and stumbles to consecutive disappointing ends.

If the former (and preferred) scenario is the 2023 outcome, Brady Hoke and staff will be generously praised by mavens, mildly interested alumni and the general public. If the end result shows no improvement from 2022 or slips to a new low, cries of anguish will shower down on the football program. Jobs will be demanded as the cost for decline.

Yes, 2023 will be an interesting year.

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Offense

I’m walking next to Ryan Lindley. Arguably the greatest Aztec quarterback of all time, Mr. Lindley will begin the season as offensive coordinator rather than joining the band in early October when so much was awry and aflame. Mr. Lindley will re-introduce the reality of throwing the ball downfield in areas where receivers can make catches not requiring the tips of their shoes to kiss chalk while attempting to stay in-bounds. Also, anticipate the return of the fullback to boost the long stagnant run game.

Jalen Mayden (sr) returns as the starting quarterback. His 2023 production will jump given his quality time spent with Mr. Lindley post-2022. Kyle Crum (r-fr) and Liu Aumavae (r-fr) will continue as the #2 and #3 qbs. Do not be surprised if you read about Javance Tupou’ata-Johnson (fr) offering competition to both Mr. Crum and Mr. Aumavae as the season wears on.

The Aztec running game needs help, and has needed help since the Rashaad Penny days concluded. Kenan Christon (sr) will be the 2023 focus back until he proves otherwise. He will enjoy plays designed to get him outside the tackles to take advantage of his considerable speed. His opposite, Jaylon Armstead (jr) will provide contrast with Mr. Christon by running between tackles and bruising approaching linebackers. Defensive backs beware. A trio of Cam Davis (so), Lucky Sutton (r-fr) and Martin Blake (so) provide a mix of speed, technique and up the middle talent. Mr. Blake may become the fullback as the season unfolds. If not consider Nick Gardinera (r-fr) and/or Lucky Avinger (sr).

The wide receiver position will be a challenge. The much ballyhooed Jalil Tucker (Oregon transfer) is no longer with the team. Additionally the Western Carolina transfer, Raphael Williams Jr. (jr) may need to sit for a year per NCAA transfer guidelines rather than play immediately as originally anticipated by the coaching staff. Mekhi Shaw (jr) is the only returning receiver who made a mark in 2022. A rotation of Phillippe Wesley (so), Brionne Penny (sr), Josh Nicholson (so) and Darius De Los Reyes (jr) offer partnership with Mr. Shaw. He who catches and does not fumble emerges as the winning partner.

As for the tight ends, Mark Redman (sr) will find himself potentially highlighted in Mr. Lindley’s offensive plans. Mr. Hoke has stated multiple times that he will incorporate double tight end sets and opportunities with this year’s team. Carmon Harpole (so) likely forms a duo with Mr. Redman. Jay Rudolph (sr) and Logan Tanner (r-fr) will await chances to play. The Louisville transfer Dez Melton (sr) adds depth to the position.

The offensive line is searching for a left tackle and center to join the established Cade Bennett (jr, left guard), Ross Ulugalu-Maseuli (so, right guard) and Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson (sr, right tackle). Among the candidates to join the line rotation: Thomas Mirabella (sr), Dean Abdullah (jr), Jordan Sandlin (so, Florida Atlantic transfer), Myles Murao (so, Washington transfer) and Joey Wright (jr).

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Defense

Five returners with game experience begin to form options for the defensive line: Garrett Fountain (sr), Dominic Oliver (so), Wyatt Draeger (sr), Daniel Okpoko (sr) and Dylan Taylor (sr). The Oklahoma State transfer Samuela Tuihalamaka (sr) and Ryan Henderson (r-fr) are the most likely to be part of the rotation.

The linebacker corps is deep and experienced. Cooper McDonald (sr), Darrell Masaniai (jr), Zyrus Fiaseu (so), Vai Kaho (sr), DJ Herman (so), Brady Anderson (so) and the New Mexico transfer, who led the Lobos in tackles in 2022, Cody Moon (jr) provide game knowledge and agrresion galore.

Losing Patrick McMorris to Cal via the transfer portal certainly stings. However, three incoming transfers lessen any disappointment about depth or ability. Deshawn McCuin (sr, TCU), Tayvion Beasley (so, Colorado) and JD Coffey (jr, Texas) will join a deep rotation featuring returners Noah Avinger (jr), Chris Johnson (so), Davaughn Celestine (sr), Cedarious Barfield (sr), Max Garrison (so), Jatavious Magee (so), Kyron White (sr), Eric Butler (so), Noah Tumblin (sr), Dallas Branch (sr) and Dez Malone (sr). By season’s end, the Aztec defensive back five will be the best in the Mountain West.

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Special Teams

Jack Browning (sr) returns with his considerable punting and kicking skills. Mr. Browning should improve on his 20/25 field goal opportunities in 2023. He is the best punter in conference.

Ryan Wintermeyer (jr) returns for year three as long snapper.

Whomever wins the battle to return punts and kickoffs must abide by the commandment: Thou Shall Not Fumble.

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2023 Schedule

Three of the first four noncon games are at Snapdragon. The Aztecs must take advantage of playing at home. Beginning the year against Ohio University is a challenge. Ohio returns a talented quarterback and running back. Regardless the Aztecs must play to ability and walk away with a win. If not, prepare for naysayers and mavens to speak of gloom, storms and general chaos. Far too soon. Idaho State (win) is followed by UCLA (toss-up. The team who scores last wins). The only noncon road game is at Oregon State who will be waiting with the much hyped Clemson qb transfer. 2-2 is most likely, but I hope for 3-1.

Boise State (at Snapdragon) is the first MWC game, and one of the three most important conference games. The other two are at Air Force and Fresno State (the final MWC regular season game and at Snapdragon). If 2-1 is not the result, SDSU will not play in the conference championship.

The remaining Snapdragon games are Nevada (win) and Utah State (win).

Road games in addition to Air Force include Hawai’i (win), Colorado State (win) and San Jose State (if we arrive prepared, win. If not, a disappointing loss).

Best case is an offensive inspired 10-2 result. Worst case is a disappointing 7-5. A bowl game invitation with at least an 8 win season is guaranteed. 7 wins makes a bowl game uncertain.

Go Aztecs.