San Diego State Aztecs Preview 2022: Offense
The offense does what it does. It’s not an high-powered attack that’s going to come out and hang 50 on the board, but that’s not necessary with the way the team works.
Run well, dominate the clock, don’t turn the ball over, capitalize on every opportunity, let the defense win the game. This year’s O might lose a ton of key parts, but it should be able to do that, and …
There should be more of a passing game. Former Oregon Duck and Virginia Tech Hokies Braxton Burmeister is coming in to run the attack, bringing his excellent running skills and four years of experience to the position.
He’s not the most accurate passer around, but he’ll push the ball deep and should be able to limit the mistakes. The goal is for him to rock, and for promising backup Will Haskell to be ready for the gig in 2023.
The Aztecs have a No. 1 target in senior WR Jesse Matthews, who caught nine of the team’s 16 touchdown throws – he should be an All-Mountain West playmaker.
He’s great, former Mississippi State and Alabama transfer Tyrell Shavers is a 6-6 threat, and Washington transfer Mark Redman and veteran Jay Rudolph should be okay at tight end, even if neither one will bring what Daniel Bellinger did.
Of course …
San Diego State needs to pound away to win. Burmeister will do his part for the ground game, and the backs are in place even with 1,091-yard runner Greg Bell gone. Chance Bell is a solid veteran, Jordan Byrd is a dangerous quick All-Mountain West return man who’ll get the ball more, and there will be a solid rotation.
The offensive line is undergoing a little reworking after losing NFL-caliber guard William Dunkle and left tackle Zachary Thomas, but Alama Uluave might be the Mountain West’s best center and on the way is Cade Bennett from Oklahoma State to step in at guard.
San Diego State Aztecs Preview 2022: Defense
The defense keeps on rocking. It finished last year 12th in the nation overall allowing 324 yards and just under 20 points per game, and the stats would’ve been a whole lot stronger if the team wasn’t whacked by COVID before the Mountain West Championship loss to Utah State.
The nation’s third-best run defense will be phenomenal again starting with …
The linebacking corps is going to be fantastic. Caden McDonald will be one of the best in the conference working in the middle, and brother Cooper McDonald is coming in from Washington to add even more bulk. This group is good, but the D line will be even better.
Main man pass rusher Cameron Thomas is gone, but Jonah Tavai is one of the nation’s best pass rushers inside or out, and his brother Justus Tavai is joining the fun from Hawaii to take over in the interior. Combine those two with All-Mountain West end Keshawn Banks, and look out.
The secondary, as always at SDSU, can hit. Patrick McMorris led the team with 90 tackles and four picks from one safety spot, but the corners need a few playmakers to rise up. There’s enough depth to find the right combination in the 3-3-5.
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