College Football - San Diego State Review

SAN DIEGO STATE
STRENGTHS: These receivers may be the deepest in the conference. Leading catcher Vincent
Brown is back as are two other returning starters while senior DeMarco Sampson was the
surprise standout of the spring. Sophomore Ryan Lindley has a bright future at QB after showing
plenty of promise a year ago. Combined with the talent running routes this could be a formidable
passing attack. The new blitzing defensive scheme should benefit the linebackers, which
possesses the most talent on this side. LB Luke Laolagi is primed to log over 100 tackles.
CONCERNS: The Aztecs cannot run and they cannot stop the run. This is not a physical ball
club. There are veterans returning in the offensive backfield but they were all a part of a group
that managed to average just 73 yards per game last fall (nation's third worst). The front seven on
defense returns six starters. However, much like the offense, SDSU has never been known for its
physical defensive prowess. Depth is extremely thin across the board and everyone will be
learning a new scheme.
PROGNOSIS: The Aztecs are in full rebuilding mode. Ball State coach Brady Hoke takes over
and his assistants now include defensive coordinator Rocky Long - 11 years as head coach at
New Mexico where his defenses were stellar, offensive coordinator Al Borges - former Auburn
play caller and former Cleveland Brown Brian Sipe coaches the quarterbacks. There is talent
here to spread the ball around via the air and the new 3-3-5 blitzing defense is going to help
improve a defense that has been on the downside for a long time. Improvements should be
evident rather quickly. However, this is the only school not to attend a bowl in the history of the
MWC. That won't change this season but they might surprise a few teams.
PROJECTED RECORD: 5-7