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.
tipmypitch 