2011 San Diego State Aztecs Football Preview

The 2010 campaign was a banner year for the San Diego State football program. It could have been better, but it still wildly exceeded expectations and catapulted a dormant outfit to a place of prominence and prestige.

It had been 12 years since the boys of the Montezuma Mesa had been to a bowl game, and over four decades since they had finished the year with a postseason victory. In head coach Brady Hoke’s second season, the Aztecs finished 9-4. Those four losses came by a combined total of 15 points, all to teams that qualified for bowl games. Behind a terrific offense led by quarterback Ryan Lindley, the Aztecs had finally arrived. If 2010 answered some salient questions as to whether San Diego State could ever be a viable Mountain West Conference contender, 2011 has brought those questions back to the forefront. Both Hoke and offensive coordinator Al Borges left for Michigan and defensive coordinator Rocky Long was promoted to head coach. While Long is certainly capable and has a history of success as a head coach in the Mountain West, San Diego State football has been an enigma for years. Can Long solve it and continue what Hoke started in Southern California?

With Lindley coming back for his senior season and running back Ronnie Hilman returning after a dazzling freshman campaign, the Aztec offense will certainly not be without talent. The Aztecs return eight starters from an offense which ranked in the top 15 in passing and the top 50 in rushing yards. San Diego State will have to replace two dynamic receivers in Vincent Brown and Demarco Sampson. The terrific duo combined for two thirds of Lindley’s passing production. Look for redshirt freshman Ezell Ruffin and junior Domnique Sandifer to fill the void. Newly installed offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig, who is familiar with the MWC from his time at Utah, will try to replicate last year’s offensive success. 

Defensively, the Aztecs return two all-conference selections on defense in Miles Burris and Leon McFadden. Just three more starters return from a stingy defense that made plays throughout the 2010 season. The Aztecs gave up just 22 points per game. With such weapons on offense, San Diego State could afford a small defensive decline as long as it isn’t too precipitous.

The schedule is pretty favorable for the Aztecs. Army comes to Southern California in September, followed by a home matchup with Washington State. Emotions will be high as the Aztecs travel to Michigan to take on former coach Brady Hoke and his Wolverines. San Diego State gets both TCU and Boise at home this season. Don’t bank on 10 wins, but another bowl game is definitely the expectation for Los Aztecs.

> Buy San Diego Aztecs clothing & apparel and find a great selection of college Fathead helmets online through College Sports Fans!