What a game, what a game.
Best loss of Rocky’s tenure. Why? Because we marched 99 yards in 1 minute, 7 seconds and scored. Christian Chapman looked like a quarterback. No offense (or pun), but at times I wonder if he can throw for 200 plus yards on a regular basis. He did so Saturday.
As for Rocky’s two-point conversion call that failed, to those of you whining, stop. Rocky being Rocky is part of Rocky. Also, this is the second loss of the season and first MWC loss. Remember the days when we dreamed of a two loss season? Wouldn’t that be swell? Guess what? Two losses is swell.
I listened to the game on the phone for one very good reason: Finding a bar in Pacific Beach that features C-CBS is akin to finding fresh water in the Pacific. I do enjoy listening to Uncle Teddy broadcast Aztec athletic events, but I must ask Ted to refrain from the “depleted defense” comments. No we are not. Na’im McGee, Randy Ricks, Tyler Morris and John Carroll have been sidelined most of the year. We are fine. Losing Derek Babiash, Billy Vaughn, Jr and Fred Melifonwu to self-inflicted idiocy was also overcome. The Aztecs are loaded with talented football players. No more “woe is us” dear Uncle Teddy.
However, I felt that we arrived not ready to commit to the season long, less South Alabama, idea of arriving in a bad mood to greet opponents with football in hand. We were lethargic especially the defensive back 5. Tackling with both arms and wrapping up seemed to be optional. I trust this will not be an issue for the remainder of the season.
Hats off to Jay Henderson. I do not know the football sin committed by Ryan Dunn, but Mr. Henderson was a more than able replacement. Another deep sweep of the hat to Rashaad Penny and Juwan Washington. These two make for an ultra talented pair of kick off returners on an extraordinary level. A side comment to Mr. Penny regarding his runs from scrimmage, please stop running out of bounds. Take a hit and get another couple of yards.
I opened with referencing the closing drive, I must also mention the end of the first half drive. Not quite the length of the field, but close. And a touchdown as well. The SDSU offense does impress when time is of the essence.
Wyoming’s qb, Josh Allen, is a first round pick in the making. Impressive arm and decision making. The Wyoming defensive line was also effective. Donnel Pumphrey rarely found a rushing attempt in excess of four yards. Cowboy linebackers were quick to fill the rare hole.
Returning to the Aztec defense, allowing 5.8 yards per play while showing the Pokes 84 offensive plays is the perfect recipe for a long day. Further testament to the lackluster effort of the back 5 was Mr. Allen’s 17.6 yards per completed pass. Far too much grass was given. Also, when was the last time an opposing qb threw 31 attempts while rushing for 69 yards? Tis a no-no. Finally, Wyoming enjoying 9/17 on third down conversions and 2/2 on fourth down is not to be repeated. A poor Aztec defensive effort.
Colorado State closes the MWC season less the conference championship game. Hmm. Senior day. Alex Barrett, Kyle Kelley, Calvin Munson, Austin Wyatt-Thayer, Malik Smith and Damontae Kazee all say “good-bye” to the Q and Aztec faithful. Motivated? Good luck to the Rams offense. The flip side features Kwayde Miller, Nico Siragusa, Arthur Flores, Daniel Brunskill, Curtis Anderson and a running back by the name of Donnel Pumphrey playing together for the last time down the street from the beach. Should be fun.
9-2/6-1.
tipmypitch 