2022 in Review

In the six losses, the totals flipped to 15.7 points scored per game and 29.7 allowed. When things were clicking, they were definitely on, but when things were off it went south in a hurry.

The offense had issues in 2022. The passing game produced just 181.5 yards per game, ranking 117th in the nation.

Considering they were only averaging 66 yards passing per game after the first five games, that 181 does not look as bad.

The quarterback position was a mess for the first half of 2022, the change in production came when Jalen Mayden was moved from Safety back to QB. In his first game behind center, he threw for 322.

Offense

He also had 10 passes end up in the hands of defenders, which will need to improve this season.

The Aztecs as a team ended up with a minus-5 turnover margin on the season, they will need to be better at keeping the ball this season.

Mekhi Shaw was the third-leading receiver last season and is the top returnee. He should be a deep threat and stretch the field. Last season the Aztecs ranked 99th in the nation with just 13 pass plays of 30+ yards.

If he can supply deep plays, it will open things up underneath for the likes of Raphael Williams to operate.

Perhaps the biggest weapon in the passing game will be TE Mark Redman, an All-Conference talent. The Aztecs will need to get the ball into Redman’s hands as much as possible.

Ryan Lindley takes over as the new Offensive Coordinator and he certainly knows the QB position and will get the passing game working.

San Diego State has had a 1,000-yard runner in 10 of the last 13 seasons. Last season they did not. They averaged 3.96 yards per carry. Jordan Byrd was the leading rusher in 2022 with 390 yards, he is gone this season.

That total of 390 was the lowest to lead the Aztecs since 2000. The bulk of the load this season will be handled by Jaylon Armstead and Kenan Christon.

Armstead ran for 313 and 6.0 per carry. Christon should be the starter and see the bulk of the carries early on.

Whoever runs the ball will need to get some help from the line. The unit was not good in pass protection last year and allowed way too many TFLs.

Christon lost 55 yards rushing last season. Cade Bennett is a star at guard and this season he should have some better pieces surrounding him. This should be a much-improved unit, and it needs to be.

Defense

They could not slow down the rushing attacks of Boise State and Air Force as the two teams combined to run for 587 yards against them.

Against Fresno State, it was the pass defense that did them in, allowing 394 through the air.

This should once again be a solid unit. The front of the 3-4 set will be completely new and what the line lacks in size they will make up for in speed.

Garrett Fountain and Dominic Oliver should slide into the two ends. Fountain should produce a lot of pressure and make plays in the backfield.

The linebackers could be the strength of the defense. Cooper McDonald will be a star on the outside.

The former Washington player ended last season with a couple of sacks, five TFLs, and eight QB hurries while splitting time as a starter and backup. He also has good coverage skills and active hands against the pass.

Cody Moon comes to the Aztecs from New Mexico and could be an All-Conference performer playing opposite McDonald. Moon had 105 tackles and 9.5 TFLs for the Lobos last season.

That is quite the OLB duo that the Aztecs will run out there.

Zyrus Fisseu was another part-time starter in 2022 but should see the bulk of time at MLB in 2023. Vaai Kaho and DJ Herman will also provide depth in the MLB rotation.

The secondary lost Patrick McMorris to Cal in the transfer portal but returns plenty of talent.

Dez Malone will be good at one corner with Noah Avinger on the other side. Cedarious Barfield has a nose for the ball and just makes plays. He will be in on a lot of plays.

Davaughn Celestine, a former walk-on, will join Barfield at the safety spot. Malone and Barfield both have the potential to earn All-Conference nods.

Jack Browning is a weapon for the Aztecs with his leg, both as a punter and kicker. He was 20-25 on FGs with a long of 52 while averaging 46.2 yards per punt in 2022.

Schedule