Aztecs Undefeated in MW, Face Tough Foe

The Aztecs’ 28-14 win at Hawaii had some reassuring facts and at least one huge surprise. The surprise, of course, was the performance by DJ Pumphrey. Downed by a high ankle sprain in the Fresno State game, he was expected to miss 2 to 4 weeks. Even when it appeared he was healing fast and was making the trip, there was a big question if he was ready to play at all, and if he did, it might be a minor role, just to help get him back in form.

But who would have expected him to start, to carry the ball 30 times for 148 yards and a 4.9 average, to catch two passes for another 49 yards, to score three TDs, and to be named the MW Offensive Player of the Week?

Overall, our offense rolled up 402 yards, with 154 yards passing on Maxwell Smith’s 11-15 effort, including a beautifully executed deep pass to Eric Judge for a 58-yard TD. While you still hear people worrying about our QB position, Smith has been running the offense smoother and smoother. And, importantly, he has thrown his last 86 passes without an INT, one of only 7 QBs nationally to do that.

Another important improvement has been the Aztecs’ efficiency in the Red Zone. You probably remember last year’s frustrations. Well, this year we are 10 for 10, one of only five teams to do that; and 7 of the scores have been TDs. Guess OC Jeff Horton has a solid approach to that.

Oh, yes, the win was Number 100 for Rocky. Of 128 FBS teams, only 30 have a head coach with 100 or more victories.

This week, it’s another road game, this one against a greatly improved, explosive San Jose State. They are 3-3 overall, 2-1 in MW, losing to Air Force early. They are averaging just over 30 points a game. They scored 49 on Fresno to give you a comparison with a common foe.

The betting line shows SJSU a 2-point favorite. So what should we expect? If the Aztecs continue to play tight defense and show continued improvement, I see an important victory for us, with a key MW game at home against Utah State the next Friday.

DJ Pumphrey gains some of his 148 rushing yards; Christian Heyward had a 3 solo tackles, a QB sack, a forced fumble and fumble recovery (photos by Ernie Anderson)

 GO AZTECS!