Know the Enemy 2024: San Diego State Aztecs Football

A friend answers our questions

credit:calbears.com

We asked our friend to answer some questions about Auburn football, and Kyle graciously answered the call to be our go-to expert for the upcoming matchup.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Some answers were edited slightly for clarity. Any additional input provided will be clearly denoted with “WFC:” at the start

If you could describe being a San Diego State fan in a word, it would be ____ because ____. 

Brand new stadium. Beautiful San Diego weather. It could be worse. 

Which player on offense should Cal fans know about?    

Running back Marquez Cooper. He is the current active rushing leader in the country. He started the year with a 223 yard game against Texas A&M Commerce and followed that up with 53 yards in last week’s 21-0 loss to Oregon State. 

What's the early evaluation of the offense? What's the vibe of the program after the new hire? Sean Lewis came with much hype from the media/people who loved his work at Kent. Is there cautious optimism? Unbridled joy?

Optimism is always guarded. Coach Lewis brings a much-needed energy and outlook that was missing the last few years under former coach Brady Hoke. Rebuilds take time as cultural development. San Diego State is more of a basketball school so realistic expectations for a successful football program will take time to develop. 

Why do you think the Aztecs struggled so much to generate offense against Oregon State? What are the biggest areas of improvement?

Poor quarterback play with true freshman Danny O’Neill at the reins. He has potential, drive, and talent, but will need to find that next year. He was 11/24 passing last week and that has to improve. The dropped passes didn’t help either. All areas really need to be improved upon as several big games with Washington State, Boise State, and UNLV ahead. The Aztecs lucked out by not having in-state rivals Fresno State and San Jose State on their schedule this year. 

Kenan Christon was once a highly touted USC recruit and now he's buried on the depth chart at SDSU. What happened there?

He has an injury that will keep him sidelined 6-8 weeks. Marquez Cooper should be an adequate replacement in the interim. He may be ready to return for the WSU or Boise State games.  

SDSU has some young quarterbacks. What was the QB battle like before the season, and how confident are you in freshman QB Danny O'Neil?

It was down to two QBs, O’Neill and Florida State transfer AJ Duffy. Coach Lewis went with O’Neill because he felt he gave them the best chance to win. His high school career was highlighted with championships and accolades. Sometimes that doesn’t immediately transfer over to the next level though. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Duffy get a chance to play if O’Neill sputters. 

Which player on defense should Cal fans know about?

There hasn’t really been a standout, but two to watch are LB Tano Letuli and CB Chris Johnson. Of note, no Aztecs appeared on the pre-season all conference selection. They were thrashed by graduation and the transfer portal.

Who’s one under-the-radar or X-factor player who could swing this game for you?

Again, it’s who can step up. One exciting player is WR Ja’Shaun Poke. He has the ability to get open and make yards after catches but only has 9 receptions for 55 yards. Another to watch is WR Louis Brown IV, who leads the team with 136 receiving yards. If they get some catches, it could be exciting.

What does SDSU need to do to win the game?

Run the ball and stop the run. Their line play is of serious concern. 

What does Cal need to do to win the game?

Establish physical play early and sustain long drives. 

How do you see the game going?

California winning 32-20

What's the mood of the fanbase after coming so close to a Pac-12 invite, only to have the entire conference collapse in flames?

Probably of some disappointment but more like relief since the Pac implosion. 

We don't condone violence at W4C, but we like this question as an opportunity for folks to air it out. Whom do you most want to punch in the face?

Hmmm, 🤔 probably the offensive lineman, who crackback-blocked me in high school 🤣