The Anti-Chargers

The Odyssey believes the most important outcome of a game last weekend occurred at a stadium formerly known as Qualcomm.

Sure, San Diego State’s upset of Stanford puts them #1 at the quarter pole in the race for the coveted Group of Five spot in the New Year’s Six bowl hierarchy.

But, potentially, this might be relatively small potatoes compared to the long-term impact on Aztec football and the City of San Diego.  Given the combination of San Diego’s desirable location and excellent prep football (Can you name the 4 Heisman Trophy winners that have prepped in San Diego County in the last 40 years?), San Diego State has been a sleeping giant since Don Coryell was coaching ’em up on Montezuma Mesa (and outdrawing the Chargers circa 1970).

Given the Chargers’ flight north to a 27,000 seat soccer stadium, the City was still reeling from the loss of its most beloved professional franchise.  More than a temporary balm, SDSU’s last-minute comeback win may well transcend one season.

First, the 42,000+ fans could not have helped but notice the new look at the old stadium.   A big Aztec logo at mid-field announced a new reality and the end zones were now proudly basking in Aztec Red and Black.  Aztec signs adorned the stadium, not like the previous half century when the Chargers were the Ivanka Trump of the stadium and the Aztecs were in the same pecking order as Tiffany Trump is to the President.

Just after the Aztecs started their game-winning drive, with under 4 minutes remaining, the lights went out….and stayed out for 23 minutes.  Given that the Los Angeles Chargers would be playing their first regular season home game in Los Angeles in less than 24 hours,  the blackout was appropriate as a solemn funeral dirge for a lost love.

Then SDSU did something the Chargers of recent vintage rarely did.

They pulled out a close game in the final minute.  Pandemonium reigned as the Aztec fans stormed the field for the first time in virtually forever.   Karma was far from done.    Not atypically, the Chargers’ lost their home opener, 19-17, when their kicker missed a 44-yarder that would have won the game.  The Chargers could not sell out a 27,000 seat stadium.  At least half of the attendees were Dolphin fans.  When Dean Spanos’ image appeared on the scoreboard, the boos were lusty enough to almost be heard in Orange County.

Hopefully, the City of San Diego can work out a solution to the Aztecs’ future stadium home.  But, if not, we suggest retaining the old lady, now happily back to its original name of Jack Murphy Stadium.  Because if there are any more nights as magical as Saturday night in San Diego, the sad memories of a lost love will surely keep receding.