SDSU Football: 2-Deep Depth Chart for Week-2 vs UCLA

One game week down, one number in the win column. Though the thirty point win over Portland State last Saturday won’t be one remembered by the national media, it’s one that will live on in Aztec Nation forever.

You read that right.

The crowd was too small—yes. But the 53 points—most ever scored by an SDSU team in Snapdragon’s young history—saw an incredible 100-yard touchdown score and most importantly was some young students first ever Aztecs football game at their soon to be alma mater.

That fight song they sang for the victory is one that they will always harken back to. Let that sink in.

Though the performance was not without it’s flaws, our stock up and stock down assessment of each unit gives us a chance to take inventory of what the team needs to do in Pasadena. If the Aztecs are going to escape the Rose Bowl with just their 2nd win all-time in this grudge match against UCLA, they’re going to do it with what they’ve got and where they’ve got it.

This week’s 2-deep depth chart remains unchanged from week-1. Let’s take a look.

Offensively, no changes means great things—mostly no injuries. The offense didn’t quite explode out the gates Saturday evening, but with this being the first live action work for the line, a QB back from off season surgery, and without his two returning starting wideouts, some grace may need to be afforded.

Emphasis on some. Coach Lewis addressed his displeasure with some of the ways the unit as a whole put together, but the work needed to be done is known.

Bright spots include; opening game rustiness is out of the way and WR Jordan Napier actually got some reps in for the first game since last season. Wether these two silver linings in the clouds will be enough to get past the Bruins remains to be seen. But they do offer reasons to get your tickets and a ride to the Rose Bowl.

We knew the defense living up to last season’s greatness was a lofty goal. After one week against an FCS opponent that actually went toe-to-toe in yardage accumulation, some of you won’t have nails coming into this weekend’s game.

Hate to feed into your worry, but the level of offensive giftedness and coaching proficiency UCLA will bring is a considerable step-up for this unit to go up against.

Hope that worry the Aztecs. Maybe I actually mean that.

Portland State gave UCLA some solid game tape to check out on how they evaded the pass rush of a talented front six on the Aztecs. Short passes, multiple formations, misdirection plays, and rolling the QB out to throw from a moving pocket effectively neutralized SDSU at times.

The Aztecs though only forcing one sack, did however cause two interceptions and one fumble.

Bottom line, each one on this 2-deep defense will have to dig deep and not dwell on anything stats related. Rather, they should focus on each play, the fundamentals of eye discipline, good pursuit angles, and proper tackling technique.

What can you say about a special teams performance that was perfect in kicks for points, only had two punts which averaged over 45 yards, one kickoff return for a touchdown, and two blocked punts.

If the collective unit could’ve asked for a better opening performance hopefully it comes about a week later. Expect a road environment to put a challenge to that notion, as the UCLA administration are aiming to giveaway tickets to their base and anyone in LA that will celebrate their city’s themed day.