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San Diego State Football: 3 takeaways from Frisco Bowl win over UTSA

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 21, 2021; Frisco, TX, USA; San Diego State Aztecs wide receiver Jesse Matthews (45) holds the offensive MVP trophy after the game against the UTSA Roadrunners during the 2021 Frisco Bowl at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2021; Frisco, TX, USA; San Diego State Aztecs wide receiver Jesse Matthews (45) holds the offensive MVP trophy after the game against the UTSA Roadrunners during the 2021 Frisco Bowl at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2021; Carson, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs head coach Brady Hoke reacts against the Utah State Aggies during the first half of the Mountain West Conference championship game at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2021; Carson, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs head coach Brady Hoke reacts against the Utah State Aggies during the first half of the Mountain West Conference championship game at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Brady Hoke has turned his career around

About six years ago, it looked like Brady Hoke would never be an FBS head coach again. He had drawn criticism for multiple reasons as Michigan’s head coach, leading the Wolverines to a 31-20 record over four years, recording fewer wins each season before missing a bowl game completely in 2014.

Hoke was out of football for a year and then took the defensive coordinator job at Oregon in 2016, went to Tennessee as the defensive line coach in 2017 before becoming the interim coach. He then spent a year in the NFL with the Panthers as a defensive line coach and then came back to San Diego State as the defensive line coach in 2019.

When Rocky Long announced his retirement, it only seemed right that Hoke assumed that head coaching role that he held at San Diego State back in 2009-10 before he left for Michigan. And it turned out to be a great hire.

Hoke just won 12 games for the second time in his career, leading the Aztecs to a 12-2 season and they were runners up in the Mountain West. He’s 16-6 in 1.5 seasons with San Diego State in his return and a serious coach of the year candidate.

It’s good to see him revive his career after a forgettable finish to his Michigan tenure.

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