Only 13 months ago, San Diego State’s ascension to very high levels of college football’s pecking order was coming closer and closer.
Consider:
SDSU would start to play in dazzling new Snapdragon Stadium, a jewel by any measure.
The Aztecs had piled up a decade plus of solid results, a formidable defense and a potent running game. SDSU’s record against the Pac 12 from 2017-2021 was a jaw dropping 6-1, including a 2021 triple overtime thriller against eventual conference champ Utah. In 2019, San Diego State happily shattered their 0-in-forever drought against UCLA by beating the Bruins at the Rose Bowl.
The Aztecs were poised to eventually make the leap into the Power 5 when such opportunity arose. Snapdragon, their winning pedigree, the sunshine and a fertile recruiting region all pointed in the same direction: UP!
Since their 2022 home opener against Arizona, disaster after disaster has unfolded. Favored against the Wildcats, the Aztecs laid a non-competitive egg. This upset would be a sign as to 3 additional losses to the Pac12, all VERY lopsided.
In 2023, the Aztecs had 2 very attractive home dates: UCLA and Boise State. That the UCLA game was not a quick sellout was disappointing given the infusion of Bruin faithful. However, the waves of empty seats for the Boise State game Friday night was the latest of innumerable body blows to the Aztec program. Two fumbles coughed up by Jalen Mayden allowed the Broncos to escape with a victory.
Only months ago, the Aztecs had informed Mountain West brass of their intent to leave the Mountain West. Wanting to reduce their buyout fee from $34 to $17 million, SDSU was willing to cool their heels for an additional year as the invitation to the Pac 12. coveted for decades, loomed. SDSU’s presence in Southern California loomed much larger after USC and UCLA bolted for the Big 10.
Since then, the unthinkable has happened. The 108-year history of the Pac is coming to a close. SDSU already has 3 losses. The Aztecs had to retreat, hat in hand, back to the Mountain West.
Even worse, the future appears bleak. The Aztecs have a 20th century man, Brady Hoke, coaching in the crazed 21st century of NIL and insta-transfers. Oh, Hoke has progressed enough to actually wear a head set, something he never adorned in Ann Arbor. But his inability to develop a quality offense or, gasp, recruit a heralded quarterback is alarming.
San Diego should be a mecca for quarterbacks and at one time it was. Memories of Brian Sipe, Todd Santos, Billy Blanton, Kevin O’Connell and Ryan Lindley abound. However, Lindley graduated over a decade ago. Since then???
Hoke’s first tenure in San Diego, in 2009-10, was aided considerably by the presence of 335 defensive guru, Rocky Long. Now Long-less, Hoke also appears rudderless, a nice man and a good defensive line coach promoted to a level where the warts are showing.
Perhaps the Aztecs are lacking in NIL money. But, hope is another currency in which San Diego State seems to be in very short supply after 13 shocking months. At some point, somebody will make a gallant effort to push that rock back up the hill. Sadly, said rock’s current placement is at the base of Mission Valley.
Billy Blanton Kevin O’Connell