By Aztec_Republic
Contributing Writer
It’s the day before the big game. San Diego State travels to Toledo for their final out of conference game of the season. According to Coach Lewis, the Rockets are explosive. Our film study absolutely confirms this.
Toledo has a quality team and coach—couple that with a home field advantage that has a reputation in the MAC, the Aztecs are slight underdogs and in need of a really sharp turnaround.
San Diego State Will Win If They Do This…
1. Get the Passing Game Going
The biggest positive for SDSU is finding some offensive balance. Through three games, the Aztecs passing attack has been the obvious area needing improvement, while the rushing game has been much more productive. Before the JMU game, SDSU was averaging 190.5 rushing yards but only 101 passing yards per game.
2. Make The Rockets Offense Sit
Toledo has already faced a legitimate Big Ten opponent this season, losing 30-20 at Michigan State, before exploding for 63 against Central Connecticut State and surviving Temple 49-48 in overtime.
The challenge for SDSU is to possess the ball similar but better than how Michigan State did and not get into a shoot out like against Temple. By however means, special teams, turnovers—the Aztecs need to have some extra juice for this one.
3. Let Lucky and Chop Control the Game
The Aztecs most reliable offensive weapons remain Lucky Sutton and Javion Kinnard, who have 447 rushing yards and four touchdowns through the first three games and entered the season with 1,692 total career rushing yards between the pair.
If SDSU can ground and pound, that opens up the offense more for Denegal and coach Lewis’ playcalling. It keeps Toledo’s offense off the field and slows the game down.
Toledo Will Win If They Do This …
1. Make the Aztecs Start Slow As Usual
This has become the biggest concern heading into Toledo. SDSU was shut out in the first half against JMU, falling behind 19–0 before finally finding its offensive rhythm. The Aztecs eventually outgained JMU 401–417 and scored on three of their final four scoring drives, but the early hole was too much to overcome.
Toledo’s offense has the ability to make you pay with bunches of scores. Lewis’ offense cannot afford to fall behind by too much.
2. If John Alan Richter Gets Comfortable
Toledo’s offense has shown that it can put up a lot of points. Against Temple, quarterback John Alan Richter threw for 429 yards, including touchdown passes of 69, 10 and 23 yards during Toledo’s incredible fourth-quarter comeback. The Rockets erased a 42–28 deficit in the final few minutes before winning in overtime.
3. Control the Production From Kinnard & the Run Game
One of the few major positives from the JMU loss was Javion Kinnard’s 181 rushing yards on 33 carries, plus 70 receiving yards. SDSU also ran for 192 yards as a team and produced 21 first downs.
No matter how the game ended, that showed the Aztecs want and are able to get physical on the ground game. Toledo must prove that they are strong enough to muscle up with the Aztecs physical play.
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