SDSU Football: Brady Hoke looking to continue Rocky Long’s success

How will SDSU football fare in 2020?

The Aztecs are looking to continue their success in the past ten seasons with Hoke’s last season and the nine years with head coach Rocky Long. Much of their success will depend on the building of their offense will attempting to sustain a highly efficient defense. With the all conferences still looking into whether conference games only or keep the non-conferences for the 2020 season, the schedule will be based on all 12 games.

Here is the breakdown of the Aztecs’ schedule for 2020:

• Game 1: vs. Sacramento State (W) – The Aztecs will open up the season looking to re-stabilize their offense early against this efficient Hornets team.
• Game 2: at Toledo (W) – This matchup against a poor Rockets defense will also help build the Aztecs’ offense even further.
• Game 3: vs. UCLA (L) – Last year’s huge win against the UCLA Bruins will not be easy for the Aztecs, even if the game is at home.
• Game 4: at Nevada (W) – Both teams will start their conference play in a key game for the West Division as the Aztecs have the advantage with their defense.
• Game 5: vs. UNLV (W) – The Rebels project to finish last in the Western Division which will be a good rebound game for an Aztecs team coming from a huge win.
• Game 6: at Utah State (W) – The Aztecs will be to contain an Aggies team that lost a crucial offensive key player last season in quarterback Jordan Love.
• Game 7: at Wyoming (L) – San Diego State will go up against the defense of the Cowboys that will be just as efficient as the Aztecs.
• Game 8: vs. San Jose State (W) – The Spartans are not yet finished in the rebuilding process as the Aztecs were a while ago.
• Game 9: vs. Colorado State (W) – With a strong pass rush and rush defense, the Aztecs will be able to contain a Rams’ offense still looking to utilize their key players.
• Game 10: at BYU (L) – The Aztecs will compete against a more Cougars defense looking to avenge their 13-3 loss to San Diego State last season.
• Game 11: at Fresno State (W) – San Diego State will play against a completed reloaded Bulldogs team.
• Game 12: vs. Hawaii (W) – The Rainbow Wahine are under the direction of first-year head coach Todd Graham which requires some significant rebuilding.

Prediction: 9-3, 7-1 Mountain West

The Aztecs will be continuing to play as one of the top teams in the Mountain West and the Group of Five. San Diego State will benefit without having to play against Boise State and Air Force in the regular season.

Each of the teams that San Diego State is projected to lose to will be games the Aztecs can win against. They will be looking to win their first West title since 2016.

The Aztecs will benefit offensively with their highly-experienced and talented receiving corps. They are on a solid track to most of their starters at the quarterback position in Carson Baker and their running backs. Jordan Byrd and Greg Bell have the potential to be their first 1,000-yard rushers for the first time since 2017. Their efficiency will depend on the production of their offensive line as they look to find efficient starters.

On the defensive side of the ball, San Diego State has the potential to be one of the productive defenses in the nation again in 2020. The most difficult objective of their defense is trying to find an efficient starting middle linebacker. They have at least two-star players in each of the defensive line, linebackers, and in the secondary.