San Diego State Football: Road Resilience and a Thanksgiving Test Against New Mexico
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The San Diego State Aztecs (9-2, 5-1 Mountain West) stand on the cusp of a conference championship, but a challenging road finale against New Mexico on Friday will test their ability to overcome past struggles away from home. Despite a dominant season overall, SDSU has faced adversity on the road, dropping contests at Washington State (36-13) and Hawaii (38-6).
Learning from Early Season Setbacks
Early in the season, a lack of humility following a decisive 42-0 victory over Stony Brook contributed to an unexpected loss at Washington State, according to a senior team official. “I think we thought we were so much better than we were and maybe didn’t respect the process of winning and respect the opponent at the level that we needed to,” the official stated. This realization prompted a shift in mindset, fostering a renewed focus and respect for every opponent.
The loss at Hawaii presented a different challenge, occurring amidst key injuries on the defensive side of the ball. Starting linebacker Tano Letuli and cornerback Chris Johnson were sidelined, forcing less experienced players into crucial roles. “We had a lot of really good players that for the first time weren’t playing and we needed guys to step into roles that they hadn’t been accustomed to,” a team spokesperson explained.
However, the coaching staff reframes these setbacks not as defeats, but as invaluable learning opportunities. “Everything that has happened to this team, in my opinion, is truly working for us, allowing us to become the best version of ourselves,” the official added. The Aztecs have demonstrated resilience, rebounding from both losses with victories over Cal and Boise State.
Championship Implications and a Thanksgiving Trip
A win against New Mexico (8-3, 5-2 MW) would secure the regular season conference title for SDSU and guarantee hosting rights for the Dec. 5 Mountain West championship game. Currently, the Aztecs are 2.5-point favorites, signaling confidence in their ability to perform in Albuquerque.
This week’s game presents a unique logistical challenge: the team will be traveling on Thanksgiving Day due to the Friday kickoff. “It’s unique the lifestyle that we have chosen, that we’ve signed up for,” said the head coach. The team plans to maintain its normal routine with a walk-through and meetings before enjoying a Thanksgiving dinner together at the hotel. “We’ll give thanks together, interweave the holiday fun with our football business,” the coach emphasized.
A Coach’s Controversial Thanksgiving Preference
A lighthearted moment during the coach’s weekly press conference revealed a surprising culinary preference. While acknowledging the importance of tradition and fellowship, the coach confessed a preference for ham over turkey, even calling Thanksgiving dinner “overrated.” When asked about a last meal choice, the coach opted for a ribeye steak, highlighting a preference for flavor over tradition. Despite the unconventional stance, the coach affirmed a love for pies, stating, “Give me all the pies. I do enjoy the pies. Absolutely.”
Honoring a Legacy: Channeling Don Coryell
The spirit of San Diego State football history is palpable within the team’s facilities. A bust of Don Coryell, the program’s all-time winningest coach, stands prominently near the 2015 Mountain West championship trophy. The current coach feels a strong connection to Coryell’s legacy. “As a young kid growing up in the Midwest, I knew about the Aztecs,” he said. “To have the opportunity…to walk by Coach Coryell’s statue each morning and ask him…if you’ve got any wisdom for me, please let me know.”
The coach playfully suggested that Coryell’s advice is simple: “Just keep doing what you’re doing. I think you’re doing right. You’re giving your all.” A humorous anecdote was shared about a practice briefly paused due to a drone flying overhead, prompting a moment of “paranoid ball coach” vigilance.
Aztecs’ Defensive Prowess and Offensive Firepower
SDSU boasts a formidable defense, currently tied for second nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 11.6 points per game. The Aztecs rank 16th in rushing defense (103.2 ypg) and sixth in both passing defense (159.7 ypg) and total defense (262.9).
Offensively, running back Lucky Sutton is a key contributor, ranking ninth in the nation with 1,127 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. Kicker Gabe Plascencia is also excelling, with a 92.1% career field goal percentage – the highest in NCAA FBS history. Cornerback Chris Johnson adds to the defensive strength with four interceptions, tying him for 10th nationally.
. The Aztecs will need to leverage these strengths to secure a victory over New Mexico and continue their pursuit of a Mountain West championship.
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