Beginning the season 2-0 is certainly welcome. However (always however with me), the outcome was never sure until the clock expired. Allowing the Bengals to hang around for four quarters is indicative of a unfocused defense suffering from bright lights-shiny objects syndrome. Which will eventually result in disappointing loss.
The highlights, you ask? Limiting Idaho State to 4.4 yards per play and 2.3 yards per rush while the two Bengal qbs lit up the night sky with 63 pass attempts.
Jalen Mayden had a spectacular night running the football averaging 16.5 yards per carry. Of course, throwing for a mere 87 passing yards is the stuff of bad juco football. 13/19 is statistically impressive, but the 13 yards shy of the century mark glares like the morning sun after too much fun the night before. By the way, Tobin O’Dell was summoned to heave the ball downfield on the final play of the second quarter. A jump ball resulted in the lone Idaho State interception.
The Aztec running game (302 yards) was a pleasant blast from the past. In addition to Mr. Mayden’s production, Jaylon Armstead (5.8 yards per carry), Kenan Christon (5.7) and Martin Blake (4.8) piled on the yards as the evening progressed. Scoring 4 tds via the ground is always welcome and hopefully continuous as the season progresses.
What is not sustainable is SDSU’s 11 penalties for 85 yards at the end of the first half (14 flags for the entire game). Boo. Also of concern was the fact Idaho State scored 15 points in the fourth quarter to keep the game in doubt. Such refusal to defensively put the game out of reach may well cost the Aztecs during the next to weeks (UCLA and @ Oregon State). Beware.
2-0.
Go Aztecs.
tipmypitch 