2009 College Football Predictions: San Diego State Aztecs

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This is a continuation of our series on our exclusive 2009 college football predictions.  Follow all of our 2009 college football predictions here (team by team) or here (by conference).

San Diego State Aztecs

2008 Record: (2-10, 1-7)
Coach: Brady Hoke, 1st year (34-38 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Al Borges (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Rocky Long (1st year)
Returning Starters: 18 (9 offense, 7 defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Ryan Lindley)

Offense: Brady Hoke takes over a program that finished 2-10 last year and hasn’t won a league title since 1986 (WAC). The cupboard is not bare for Hoke as the Aztecs return sophomore QB Ryan Lindley (6-3, 205), who threw for 2,653 yards and 16 TDs as a freshman. They also return senior WR DeMarco Sampson (6-2, 210), who was hampered by injuries in his career, but was a standout in the spring, catching six passes for 181 yards. The leading returning receiver, Vincent Brown (631 yards), also returns along with Jon Toledo. The running game has got to be overhauled. Senior Atiyyah Henderson and junior Brandon Sullivan combined for less than 700 yards last season. The offensive line returns three starters from a line that allowed 21 sacks last year.

Defense: The defense returns seven starters from a unit that allowed a whopping 37.2ppg (113th in the nation) and 460.8 yards per game (113th). The only way to go is up and bringing in former New Mexico head coach Rocky Long to coach the defense was a strong move (3-3-5 scheme). Senior LB Luke Laolagi (6-1, 230) leads the defense with 99 tackles and three forced fumbles in 2008. They have to get some pressure on the quarter as they recorded just 13 sacks last year, led by 3.5 from returning end B.J. Williams (6-3, 250). The secondary returns just one starter in CB Aaron Moore, and will have to employ three new safeties including the LOBO position.

Outlook: The San Diego State Aztecs open at UCLA, but it gets easier after facing Southern Utah at home and Idaho on the road. They also have to face BYU and TCU at home, along with Utah on the road. It won’t matter as there are not many winnable games on the schedule unless they completely turn the defense around in one season, which is not realistic.

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