This Saturday the Aztecs have their work cut out for them when they travel to Salt Lake City and face the #14 Utah Utes. The former Mountain West now PAC-12 Utah is a model program for where San Diego State wants to be, both on and off the field. So it was definitely embarrassing last year when the Aztecs not even playing in a true home field stadium took the Utes down in a triple overtime thriller.
The Aztecs hardly threw the ball in that wild game last September and yet they still played hard nosed defense, methodical offense and had a some special teams luck. In the end, both programs are pretty similar in approach. Utah offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig was even the OC with SDSU for a few pivotal seasons before landing in Utah.
Our resident Coach C is back to take a look at the game film and he prepared three videos for you Aztecs fans to check out and get some understanding how this years Aztecs team CAN attack the Utes. We say can, because this is our approach—not necessarily what we will see on Saturday from the actual SDSU team.
Let’s begin!
#1. How the SDSU Offense Can Attack Utah Part 1.
Utah opened up the season on the road against SEC power, Florida. The Gators pulled out the victory and while the Utes did not play bad, there were some elements to the game that showed what SDSU can do if they want to be successful.
Now we are not claiming SDSU is on the same level as Florida—the Gators have a terrific young QB. But the style of personnel that the Aztecs possess can similarly replicate some of these tactics and strategies. Take a look how this Florida play call takes advantage of the Utes defense.
#2. How the SDSU Offense Can Attack Utah Part 2.
The SDSU offense has not been up to par on offense, especially in the passing game. But on the ground they have been effective so far. This next video demonstrates ways SDSU can build upon what they have and what they are good at. Similar to Florida, SDSU has a very mobile and athletic QB with Braxton Burmeister and even Will Haskell Jr. if needed. If SDSU is to be successful this weekend, they will need to use every bit of who they are to come out of Salt Lake City with a win.
#3. Scouting Report: SDSU Defense vs Utah’s QB Cam Rising
Cam Rising is legit. He nearly pulled off one of the best comebacks last season against us. Since that game he went on to lead Utah not only to winning the PAC-12 South division, but took the Utes to the Rose Bowl. And they should have beaten Ohio State in that game.
This awareness of his talents and success can either make some worried or encourage that SDSU has already beaten him once. If the Aztecs defense is to stop Utah and Rising, they will need to really study his tendencies and style of play. When Rising entered the game last season, as can happen often times, the defense isnt able to adjust to a different style and energy of a good QB.
SDSU now has many hours of game film to pick apart. Here are a few attributes that SDSU needs to take note of and use to their advantage if possible. Coach C also gives his final thoughts on the game and some notable Aztec players that can potentially step up to bigger roles if given the chance.
Listen to the newest Sons of Montezuma Podcast where the guys talk all about the big win vs Idaho State and preview this Saturdays game vs Utah!
