By Contributing Writer, Ken Ables
Saturday’s game will be the final Mountain West matchup between San Diego State and Fresno State. It will be the 63rd Aztec-Bulldog game in a series that dates back to 1923 (a 12-2 Aztec win, of course). The Aztecs lead the series 31-27-4.
There is no team the Aztecs have played more. It’s a great, long-standing rivalry, however – in the fine MW tradition of never missing an opportunity to do the wrong thing – the conference did not schedule an Aztec-Bulldog game in 2024. It was a real shame considering this rivalry week pairing should be the final game of the season every year.
Having said that, I’m glad my Aztecs are headed to the PAC-12 and I’m glad the Bulldogs are coming with us so the rivalry can continue. I really enjoy the rivalry. I love the fact that no one on the staff will ever say the “F-word,” always referring to the Bulldogs as “the team up north.” I’ll try my best, but one may slip out.
I have been to an Aztec football game in every current MW city, except for Colorado Springs, and I have enjoyed all of them … except for one. You guessed it; the location of this week’s Aztec game. Saturday’s MW finale will be one of many in the series. Here are my favorite Aztec-Bulldog finales over the course of my history watching them …
Bulldog coach Jim Sweeney’s final game: 1996
Jim Sweeney has the most wins of any Bulldog head coach, with record of 144-74-3 in 19 seasons. The 1996 Bulldogs, with a record of 4-6, traveled down south for the final game of the season hoping to send the old coach out with a win. The Aztecs had other ideas. George Jones rushed for 93 yards and two TDs, and Will Blackwell and Leandrew Childs caught Billy Blanton TD passes. Peter Holt added a field goal. Final score: Aztecs 31, Bulldogs 21.
Bulldog coach Pat Hill’s final game: 2011
Pat Hill, a one-time Bulldog offensive line coach, was hired to succeed their coach Sweeney in 1997. He also had success with the Bulldogs, going 108-71 in his first 14 seasons up north. The 2011 Bulldogs came to the Q for the final game of the season with a 4-8 record. This was the initial Old Oil Can game, and the final time the Aztecs and Bulldogs would meet in a non-conference game; they joined the MW the next year. The Bulldogs started fast and led 21-0 five minutes into the second quarter. After that, it was all Aztecs. Ronnie Hillman scored four rushing TDs, and Chad Young added a fifth. Final score: Aztecs 35, Bulldogs 28. Pat Hill was fired the next day.
Final Mountain West game at the Q: 2019
The Bulldogs came to San Diego for the final MW game at the Q. Aztec QB Ryan Agnew completed 33 of 37 passes for 323 yards, Chase Jasmin rushed for two TDs and Tariq Thompson had a key stop for no gain on a Bulldog fourth down play. Final score: Aztecs 17, Bulldogs 7. There was one more game to be played at the Q: a non-conference game vs. BYU, a 13-3 Aztec win. I can’t think of a better way to close down that old building than by beating the Bulldogs and the Cougars.
Brady Hoke’s final game: 2023
The Bulldogs came out hot, starting 8-1 with two road wins over Power 5 opponents and a #24 ranking. But they came to Snapdragon Stadium for the last game of the season 8-3, having lost their two previous games. The Aztecs’ record was a mirror-image 3-8, and on a four-game losing streak. Despite starting the season 2-0, the Aztecs were closing out their worst season since the 2000s. Brady Hoke had already announced his retirement, at the end of the year. With no possible bowl game, this would be Brady’s final game.
The Bulldogs scored first for a 7-0 lead. After two Jack Browning field goals, Aztec QB Jalen Mayden electrified the crowd with a 70-yard TD run, and a 13-7 lead. The Aztecs added two more TDs and two more FGs. Final score: Aztecs 33, Bulldogs 18. Brady Hoke was sent out a winner and the Old Oil Can stayed in San Diego, where it has resided ever since. Let’s hope after a slight detour up north, it comes back to San Diego on Saturday.
Like many cities in California, the city up north has a Spanish name. It means ash – the tree, not the embers. While I don’t recommend kicking a tree, I would love the Aztecs to put belt to ash on Saturday.
Go Aztecs! Bring the Old Oil Can home!
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