Frustrating. Encouraging. Puzzling. Promising. Heart. Tantalizing. Baffling.

You pick the word; one of these or your own. It’s hard to describe this year’s Aztec football team accurately, with one word or a whole paragraph. After last night’s 51-44 OT win over Nevada, the “half-empty” naysayers are ready to see it all bleak. Being on the “half-full” side, I see some real promise, with a mix of baffling.

OK, so blowing a 21-point lead in the fourth quarter won’t get you ranked in the top 25. But when you consider all the good things the Aztecs accomplished, maybe it’s a stand-off, just as the score was at the end of regulation. Good things? You bet. Two RBs, both running for more than 100 yards, totaling 246. Best of all, Adam Muema is beginning to look like last year again. DJ Pumphrey, a true Freshman, proved last week’s performance was not a one-shot episode. And QB Quinn Kaehler threw for 286 yards and 3 TDs, with no INTs, and a pass efficiency rating of 177.89.

Adam Muema scores the first of his two TDs vs. Nevada (Photo by ken Ables)

Keep in mind, the Aztecs came in without two of their key players, one on each side of the ball – WR Colin Lockett and MLB Jake Fely. Even the coaches didn’t know Colin wouldn’t be ready to go, so no extra reps for back-ups. But Redshirt Freshman Eric Judge caught 6 passes, with 2 for TDs; TE Adam Roberts caught 4 for 80 yards; and Dylan Denso made a vital TD catch. Also, Ezell Ruffin’s one-hand catch in a crucial drive was a thing of beauty.

On the defensive side, all Josh Gavert did was lead the team with10 total tackles and returned a fumble 42 yards, setting up a TD. Derek Largent, not 100% yet, came in with 9 tackles, including the forced fumble Gavert returned.

Josh Gavert (#48) and the Aztec Defense (Photo by Ken Ables)

Enough stats. It was a gut-check win, topped off with their impressive 4-play shutdown of Nevada in OT. Now, with a short “week” to prepare for the always puzzling Air Force, the Aztecs have to be ready to keep their MWC slate clean.

GO AZTECS!