The Time Has Come – First Game Saturday

This is a fun time of year for college football fans. Every team is undefeated. Polls and media picks rank all teams, and you either find them encouraging or wrong. And then, after a long wait, that first game is dead-ahead. For us it’s our Aztecs against the crosstown USD Toreros, Saturday at 5:00 with no TV, so better be there to see it.

Realistically, the Aztecs have to be a big favorite, just based on NCAA levels. But it’s hard to forget the Cal Poly opening game in 2008, which we lost, 29-27. Games like this have no real upside. Win? Of course you did. Lose? You are in big trouble! Oh, yes, in case you forgot, we have played USD before. In 1961, Don Coryell’s first season. We beat ‘em, 42-12.

And how do our Aztecs shape up for this season? I am excited and optimistic. I agree with those who have picked us to win the West Division of the MW. How far we go hinges on how well our QB(s) and receivers perform. Obviously, our running backs should be a force with potential All-American DJ Pumphrey leading the way and backed by a bunch of other very good backs.

On the defensive side of the ball, we may have one of the finest secondaries anywhere. Certainly JJ Whittaker and Damontae Kazee are hard to beat. Linebackers are led by Jake Fely (please stay healthy, Jake) and Calvin Munson, who blossomed last season.

The coaching changes all appear to be producing good results. After what he has done with the RBs, it’s hard not to be enthusiastic about Jeff Horton moving up to take over as Offensive Coordinator. And, of course, with Rocky Long the man in charge of it all and the architect of our unique defense, the Aztecs appear to be armed and ready.

While I know I am preaching to the choir here, we have to find a way to fill more seats in the oversized Q – or, using Rocky’s name for it, Aztec Warrior Stadium. Talk it up with your friends, drag a few to games. These Aztecs deserve more crowd support than we have given them recently.

DJ Pumphrey, JJ Whittaker (Pumphrey photo by Ken Ables; Whittaker photo by Ernie Anderson)

Go Aztecs!