Aztecs Determined to Return to Their Strengths

After an impressive roll through the first six Mountain West Conference games, our Aztecs hit two bumps in their road to the Championship with losses. First was the one-point loss at Wyoming after an amazing 99-yard TD drive in the last minute. Then, even more surprising, the huge loss at home to Colorado State. Now back to Laramie, determined to return to the strengths that had made the Aztecs so dominant. 

Last week’s 63-31 loss to the Rams was startling. No part of our game worked well. Our devastating running game, led by DJ Pumphrey, was nowhere to be seen. The rugged defense that had given up only 35 points (the offense coughed up one other TD) in the 6-game win streak, suddenly could not stop either the Rams’ passing or running game. To round it out, special teams, another bright spot all year, was hardly there. Result, Aztecs gave up 42 points in the first half alone! 

Add to that Rocky’s own admission, our coaching was not good enough. Finally, the lack of a supporting crowd, afraid of a little rain, and there wasn’t much to smile about. Especially because Wyoming had been upset by New Mexico, 56-35. If we had won, Saturday’s Championship game would have been played here! 

The Aztecs are 7-point favorites on the betting line, and I am confident we will regain our toughness and win. The temperature will be below freezing the whole game. That does not scare me but, sadly, due to complications, I cannot make this trip. So, for the second time in two years, I will be watching from home, instead of with my Aztecs.
 

DJ Pumphrey set the Aztec record for rushing yards in a season vs. Colorado State. With 1,908 yards so far, he’s the first Aztec to rush for more than 1,900 yards in a season. (Photo by Ernie Anderson)

 GO AZTECS!