Montezuma's Revenge, Or Open Season On Bruins.

            Those who have traditionally watched San Diego State Football should be familiar with their success in playing solid games against powerhouse programs. Last year, the Aztecs lost to Notre Dame 21-13, in a game which the Aztecs outplayed the Irish. In 2006, an Aztec team missing starting quarterback Kevin O’Connell and backup Kevin Craft took Wisconsin to a 0-0 halftime score, eventually losing 14-0. The Aztecs played a spirited game against the ninth ranked Ohio State and a near miss against 23^rd ranked TCU in 2005. In 2004, the Aztecs lost to the 17^th ranked Michigan Wolverines by a score of 24-21. And in 2003 the Aztecs nearly defeated the second ranked, national title defending Ohio State team by a score of 16-13. Clearly, the Aztecs can play with the elite teams of the nation. They do not get run off the field by such competition actually; I would argue that they thrive on it.

            This year the first game of the year is against a UCLA team. The probable starting Quarterback for UCLA will be freshman Kevin Price; I don’t think UCLA fans will want to see the previously mentioned Kevin Craft start again. This will be Price’s first college start, and against a rather unorthodox 3-3-5 of Rocky Long. It would be difficult to believe that he will have a successful day given these two situations.

            The Aztec’s have been constant under-performers. Their teams constantly have talent, especially at Quarterback and Wide receiver.  This year seems no different, considering the Ryan Lindley, Vincent Brown, DeMarco Sampson and Roberto Wallace return. One would expect an improved running game, given the emphasis placed by Al Borges and the physical nature of Brady Hoke. One the defensive side, the unorthodox scheme will help, as will the return of a decent set of linebackers. Overall, one should expect an improved Aztec team.

            Lastly, and possibly most importantly, the biggest reason that the Aztecs should have a fighting chance to pull off an upset in the UCLA game comes down to scheduling. After their game against the ‘lowly’ Aztecs, the Bruins face Tennessee. Having played on both high school and college football teams and coached in high school, I am aware of how difficult it is for a team to focus on the team before a big game.

            Due to these factors, and that my heart genuinely believes it, I am predicting that the Mighty Men of Montezuma Mesa will vanquish the lowly Bruins. I am particularly excited about the Hoke regime, especially the hiring of Al Borges and Rocky Long. And think the Aztecs can finally get over the ‘Who-could-he-have-hired-itus,’ a list including the movers and shakers of the Pac-10, Tedford, Riley and Harbaugh.