2008 San Diego State Football
Chuck Long hasn’t fared well in his first two season at San Diego State, posing a 7-17 record. It’s time for the Aztecs to show some improvement as a football team in 2008 or Long will be on the hot seat. San Diego produces plenty of D-1 players and the Aztecs shouldn’t be at the bottom of the barrel in a Non-BCS conference with the recruits they have at their disposal. Let’s see if Long can get this ship turned around as the team at Info Plays gives their 2008 San Diego State football predictions below.
Offense:
When an MWC team loses three offensive players to the NFL Draft, it’s reasonable to believe a rebuilding year is in store. But how can the Aztecs possible rebuild from a 4-8 record and a 6th place finish in the conference? SDSU has provided more NFL players than basically any other team in MWC history, yet the Aztecs are the only school not to qualify for a bowl in conference history. It’s mostly because the offense and defense are never in sync the same year. The first project in the spring was to find a quarterback to replace Kevin O’Connell, who was drafted by the New England Patriots. Redshirt freshman Ryan Lindley is a highly touted local recruit who took the edge over sophomore Kelsey Sokoloski, who was O’Connell’s backup last year.
Four offensive linemen are gone and inconsistent line play seems to be the staple at San Diego State. Now you might see two red shirt freshmen starting in 2008, which can’t be a good sign for this offense. The Aztecs produced two seventh-round receivers who combined for 1,652 yards in Chaz Schilens and Brett Swain last year, but they’ll get two good ones back this season. Converted quarterback Darren Mougey and Vincent Brown will be the two starters. Where have you gone Marshall Faulk? That’s what the running game is wondering as SDSU ranked last in the MWC and 105th nationally in rushing last year. There’s talent with Brandon Sullivan, Atiyyah Henderson and Davon Brown, who shined in the spring. Chuck Long will emphasize more spread elements this year. But considering the quarterbacks completed only about one-third of their passes in the final spring scrimmage, this will be a work in progress.
Defense:
Improvement is mandatory on defense if Long is to keep his job. There was great improvement in the pass rush during the spring for starters. The Aztecs have clearly developed some depth up front and at cornerback. Long believes the leader of this group will be Ernie Lawson, who missed 2007 with injuries. Another sophomore, end B.J. Williams, nailed down a starting job in the spring.
The Aztecs got good news when the NCAA granted safety Corey Boudreaux a sixth year of eligibility. The top player returning on the defense is linebacker Russell Allen, who average a ridiculous 10.6 tackles/game in conference play. Long believes he has the makings of a good defense, the first time he could say that since he’s been San Diego State’s head man.
San Diego State Predictions at Info Plays: 7th in the Mountain West
Long’s first two years saw the Aztecs get off to slow starts, but this year could be different. If the offense can’t get untracked vs. Cal Poly, San Jose State and Idaho, it will be another long season for the Aztecs. San Diego State is trying to shed their underachiever level and nothing short of a 6-win season will do that this year.
Check out Barnhouse’s Bottom 25 Programs as San Diego State ranks No. 18 here!
Mountain West Wins Expected in ‘08: COLORADO STATE, UNLV
Potential Scares/Losses: at TCU, AIR FORCE, at New Mexico, at Wyoming, at BYU, UTAH
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