Penalties and Other Problems Sink Aztecs

Penalties! Yes, there were other reasons for the 35-7 loss at Cal, but those 12 penalties for 136 yards coming at crucial times sure stick in my mind. Some penalties will be called, of course, but too many of these cause you to worry about discipline problems.

The dramatic pivot point of this game came within a 1:13 span bracketing halftime. With 1:03 left in the first half and the score tied, 7-7, the Aztecs looked like they might be on a scoring drive, when it was halted by an INT. Then Jared Goff demonstrated why he is so highly ranked, with 3 quick passes to a go-ahead TD with seconds left. Next, Cal took the second half kickoff and hit a 75-yard bomb on first down and in 10 seconds they were suddenly ahead, 21-7. It changed the whole game.

What made it so disappointing was the Aztecs had started the game looking so good. On both sides of the ball. We took the opening kick-off and launched a flawless 8-play 71-yard drive for a TD.

Then the defense took over and made Cal look ordinary. They didn’t score until into the second quarter, and then not again until their last-minute heroics.

Other than that opening drive, our offense again was disappointing. As Rocky is the first to say, who knows what’s going to happen at QB and our passing game. Without a serious aerial threat, opponents seem to have learned they can slow down Pumphrey and Price. I think we’ll see more of Rashaad Penny. The defense started well, but faded toward the end. Oh, did I mention the effect of awful penalties?

Next is a relatively unknown foe in the University of South Alabama. It almost falls in that must-win category. It’s a chance for the Aztecs to turn the corner before they head to Penn State for another big challenge. Rocky and Jeff Horton know far better than I do what needs to be done, and I am confident they will do it and the Aztecs will be on their way to a very successful season.

Calvin Munson QB sack; Rashaad Penny returns a Bear kick (photos by Ken Ables)

GO AZTECS!