Tunisia World Cup

As I sit down to analyze the upcoming San Diego Aztecs football season, I can't help but feel that familiar mix of anticipation and cautious optimism that comes with every preseason. Having followed this program for over a decade, I've learned to temper expectations while still recognizing genuine potential when I see it. This year's squad presents an intriguing blend of returning veterans and promising newcomers that could make for one of the more memorable seasons in recent memory. The Mountain West Conference appears more competitive than ever, but I genuinely believe the Aztecs have what it takes to challenge for the conference title if certain pieces fall into place.

Looking at the offensive side of the ball, all eyes will be on quarterback Jalen Mayden, who showed flashes of brilliance last season after switching from defense. His completion percentage of 58.7% doesn't tell the full story of his development throughout the 2022 campaign. What impressed me most was his growth in reading defenses and making smarter decisions under pressure. I remember watching him against Nevada last October, where he completed 15 of 22 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns while avoiding any turnovers. That kind of poised performance gives me confidence he can lead this offense effectively. The receiving corps, led by senior Tyrell Shavers, needs to step up significantly after averaging just 189 passing yards per game last season. Shavers brings legitimate SEC experience from his time at Mississippi State, and I'm expecting him to have a breakout year in what should be a more pass-friendly offensive scheme.

The running game should remain the team's bread and butter, with Jaylon Armstead returning after rushing for 864 yards last season. What often goes unnoticed about Armstead is his ability to break tackles - he forced 38 missed tackles last year, which ranked third in the conference. Behind what should be one of the better offensive lines in the Mountain West, featuring returning starters Josh Simmons and Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, I'm predicting Armstead will eclipse the 1,000-yard mark this season. The offensive line allowed just 18 sacks last year, and with four starters returning, I see no reason why they can't be even better.

Defensively, the Aztecs have some significant holes to fill, particularly in the secondary where they lost three starters to graduation. This is where my concern lies - the defensive backfield was responsible for 14 interceptions last season, and replacing that production won't be easy. However, I'm excited about safety Cedarious Barfield, who showed tremendous potential in limited action last year. His 4.45 speed and natural ball-hawking instincts could make him the next great Aztecs defensive back. The linebacker corps should be solid with returning starters Michael Shawcroft and Cooper McDonald, who combined for 137 tackles and 9.5 sacks last season. Their experience in the 3-3-5 defense gives the unit much-needed stability while the secondary develops.

Special teams often get overlooked in these previews, but having watched countless games decided by special teams play, I can't emphasize enough how crucial this unit will be. Punter Jack Browning returns after averaging 43.8 yards per punt last season, with 15 of his kicks landing inside the 20-yard line. His consistency in flipping field position could be the difference in close conference games. The return game needs improvement though - the Aztecs averaged just 18.3 yards per kick return last season, which ranked near the bottom of the FBS. Special teams coordinator Doug Deakin has his work cut out for him in this department.

Looking at the schedule, the non-conference slate presents both challenges and opportunities. The opener against Ohio on September 2nd will tell us a lot about this team's character early. Then comes the showdown at UCLA on September 9th - a game I've circled on my calendar as a potential program-defining moment. The Bruins will be favored, but having watched the Aztecs pull off upsets in similar situations before, I wouldn't count them out entirely. The conference schedule sets up reasonably well, with key home games against Boise State and Fresno State that could determine the West Division champion.

What really excites me about this team is the coaching staff's apparent willingness to adapt. After years of relying heavily on the ground game, offensive coordinator Ryan Lindley seems committed to implementing more spread concepts to take advantage of Mayden's arm talent. During spring practices, I noticed significantly more three-receiver sets and creative pre-snap motions designed to create mismatches. This evolution in offensive philosophy could be exactly what the Aztecs need to keep pace in today's college football landscape.

The development of younger players will be crucial, particularly along the defensive line where depth remains a concern. Redshirt freshman defensive end Dylan Roney showed flashes during spring ball that suggest he could be a difference-maker sooner rather than later. His quick first step and natural leverage could help offset the loss of last year's starting defensive ends. Similarly, I'm keeping an eye on transfer wide receiver Mekhi Shaw, who brings immediate size and athleticism to a receiving corps that desperately needs both.

As we approach the season, the question isn't whether the Aztecs will be competitive - they almost always are under head coach Brady Hoke. The real question is whether they can take that next step from being a solid program to a conference champion. The pieces are there, particularly if the offense can become more balanced and the secondary develops faster than expected. Having watched this program navigate similar transitions before, my gut tells me this could be a special season. The culture of toughness and discipline that Hoke has instilled gives them a floor that most programs would envy, while the emerging talent provides the ceiling for something greater. When fans ask me if this team can win the Mountain West, my answer is simple: "Absolutely, if possible." That qualified optimism reflects both the legitimate potential and remaining questions that make this season so compelling to anticipate.