Granted, 10-3 was an impressive end to the 2019 season. But, as I prepare to moan, groan and bitch, 5-3 in Mountain West play was disappointing, nay, anemic.
What to do? What to do?
I complained about the Aztec offense, or lack thereof, most every post during 2019. Less the New Mexico State and San Jose State games, SDSU’s offense resembled an old man attempting to dodge oncoming skateboarders on the boardwalk.
Rocky chose 2019 as the year of the shotgun offense. We resembled a squirt gun all to often in 2019. The most points scored, less the New Mexico Bowl, was 31 (New Mexico State). The SDSU offense scored 20 or less points in seven of thirteen games. Four games featured the dismal frustration of less than 15 points. Our offense was passed out face down in the glare of Saturday night lights. Not that the opposition defense was near as good as the Aztec defense. Was not the case. Rather, our offense was inept.
What to do?
First, Jeff Horton needs to go. Rocky needs a shot gun offensive coordinator. Mr. Horton is and will always be a smash-mouth, pound and ground man, and rightfully so. His Aztec offenses, less the last two years, were superb. We beat opposing defenses into dust and spit. Pound and ground does not morph into a pass oriented offense with ease, and certainly not with the same man directing the action. Mr. Horton’s 2018 offense averaged 20.6 points per game. 2019 “jumped” to 21.2 points per game. Zzzz material. One final bit of proof is 19/44 in the red zone. Well below 50% when presented the opportunity to score six.
The root of this unimpressive result is the Aztec offensive line. Offensive line coach Mike Schmidt must follow his offensive coordinator out the door. The offensive line’s performance not only this year, but 2018 as well, has not met past performance. Pass protection was above average, but run blocking was far too horizontal. 3.4 yards per carry is barely worth the bother. Twelve rushing touchdowns was less than one per game. Rare was the sight of an Aztec offensive lineman eight yards downfield looking for a smash moment involving either a linebacker or defensive back.
SDSU football has the chance to enter a new stadium in 2022 (thereabout) with an impressive, winning football team on both sides of the ball. Maintaining the coaching status quo will whiff on that opportunity. Fix the Aztec offense.
tipmypitch 