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.
1-0
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