Aztecs chasing another bowl bid
Program has been consistent despite tough finish in ’18
San Diego State has been a model of consistency under coach Rocky Long. The Aztecs have made nine consecutive bowl appearances, one of just 14 schools to do so during that span. Long and his team will look to extend that streak in 2019.
Orlando Sentinel college insider Matt Murschel ranked all 130 FBS teams in the country entering the 2019 season. The Sentinel staff will take a closer look at a new team daily, counting backward from No. 130 to our projected No. 1 team.
Today at No. 48: San Diego State
Coach: Rocky Long (71-35, entering ninth season, 136-104 overall)
2018 record: 7-6, 4-4 Mountain West, fourth West Division
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Look back: San Diego State got off to a promising start in 2018.
The Aztecs were 6-1 through their first seven games, including wins over ranked Arizona State and Boise State. However, San Diego State struggled during the back half of the schedule.
The Aztecs lost their final three Mountain West games before losing 27-0 to Ohio University in the Frisco Bowl, finishing the season on a four-game losing streak.
Linebacker Kyahva Tezino is a rising star. Tezino finished last season with 127 total tackles, 14.5 for loss and 8.5 sacks, earning first-team all-Mountain West honors.
Offensive starters 7
Offensive starters lost: 4
Defensive starters 5
returning: returning: 6
Key losses: WR Fred Trevillion, TE Kahale Warring, OL Ryan Pope, DL Anthony Luke, DL Chibu Onyeukwu, DL Noble Hall, LB Ronley Lakalaka, DB Parker Baldwin, DB Ron Smith
Top returnees: QB Ryan Agnew, RB Juwan Washington, WR Tim Wilson, WR Ethan Dedeaux, OL Daishawn Dixon, OL Keith Ismael, DL Connor Mitchell, DL Keshawn Banks, LB Kyahva Tezino, LB Troy Cassidy, DB Tariq Thompson, DB Kyree Woods
Strengths: The Aztecs have been known for a potent run game during Long’s tenure and have two solid running backs returning. Juwan Washington is the lead back, and he finished 2018 with 999 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. He is spelled by junior Chase Jasmin, who had 592 yards and five touchdowns last year.
Offensive lineman Keith Ismael was an all-conference performer last season and he will anchor the line.
Defensively, Tezino is back after helping the Aztecs to the No. 21-ranked total defense last year, allowing 334.6 yards per game. The secondary also returns key members and should help mitigate departures on defense.
Weaknesses: The
Aztecs struggled last season throwing the ball. Quarterback Ryan Agnew completed just 51.6% of his attempts.
Leading receiver Fred Trevillion graduated and tight end Kahale Warring declared early for the NFL draft and was a third-round pick by the Houston Texans.
The defense will have to replace production along the defensive line after losing three key contributors.
Outlook: San Diego State is moving toward more of a spread offense this season. Agnew will be looking to take a step forward after throwing 10 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2018.
If Agnew can grasp the new offense, the Aztecs could be heading to their 10th consecutive bowl game.
The defense has a chance to be stout once again with Tezino leading the group.