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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 7-5 (7-1) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: Ted Tollner Returning starters: 16 (offense 9, defense 6) Outlook The Aztecs may not have the marquee names and the guys who bring NFL scouts out to practice. But a base of solid players and a coaching staff that makes the most out of the talent on campus, and recruits well enough to make depth an afterthought, makes for a season of promise on Montezuma Mesa. Following a seven-win season and the first bowl appearance in seven years, expectations are sky-high for coach Ted Tollner and his staff. What is on the typically sunny horizon in San Diego? A run at the conference title is not out of reach, and the schedule is conducive, with BYU, Air Force and Wyoming all coming to town. But when the new Mountain West has added up the wins and losses this year, the Aztecs are likely to be second or third in line for the conference's inaugural championship hardware. OffenseFormer Penn transfer Brian Russell should hold off Jack Hawley for the quarterback position with a combination of toughness and mobility in the pocket, although the staff doesn't plan to name a starter until the conclusion of fall camp. Last year Russell led the Aztecs to a 7-5 mark, a share of the WAC title and an appearance in the Las Vegas Bowl, their first postseason invite since a 1991 Freedom Bowl loss to Tulsa. Last year he threw for 1,438 yards and eight TDs (plus five rushing scores) with only seven interceptions. The problem is that he doesn't provide SDSU with a real deep-ball threat. Last year the long ball -- formerly a staple of the Aztec offense -- was notably absent from the passing attack. Despite the emphasis on stretching defenses, the heart of the offense can be found in the backfield. The running back tandem of Jonas Lewis and Larry Ned should be among the most potent combos in the country. Last year the pair combined for 1,772 yards despite missing a combined four games with injury. Lewis was held out of spring drills with a hamstring injury, but is 100 percent as the team prepares for its Sept. 4 opener. This season coaches are talking about both backs cracking the 1,000-yard barrier. If Ned can get a lock on a tendency to fumble, and Lewis stays healthy, it's not impossible. In order to free up the running attack, SDSU must improve every phase of its passing game. All-WAC receiver Damon Gourdine gives the team a game-breaker, and senior Lonny Mitchell has good hands and decent speed. Three returning starters cement the line. The trio of Mike Malano, Andrew Kline and Greg Spillane give the Aztecs a solid foundation up front. Malano, the center, has started 34 straight games. The group was dealt a blow when Spillane suffered an ankle injury in camp. If he's not ready to go, sophomore Mike Houghton would get the call. It's a good sign if: A dependable target can be found at tight end.It's a bad sign if: A quarterback controversy comes out of camp. Defense Rather uncharacteristically, this was the backbone of the team a year ago. Defensive coordinator Claude Gilbert's unit ended the season ranked 35th in the nation in total defense, the highest ranking for San Diego State since 1970. The Aztecs allowed just 20.4 points per game, the fewest since 1977. The star is undoubtedly Kabeer Gbaja Biamila, a 6-4, 235-pounder who leaves offensive lineman as tied up and unsteady as he does broadcasters. The end with the tongue-twisting name should become SDSU's career sacks leader. Last year he made 15 tackles for a loss. He'll be supported at nose tackle by all-WAC freshman returnee Jerome Haywood while seniors Scottie Nicholson at end and Antwone Young at tackle lend a veteran presence to the unit. George Heather was a present surprise. He arrived this fall from Hancock College and is battling Young and junior Akbar Gbaja Biamila for the starting tackle spot opposite Haywood. At linebacker, all-conference selection Joey Mayo returns, along with Joseph Tuipala, the defensive player of the game in the Las Vegas Bowl. The group of candidates to fill the two open spots include Scott Johnson, Martin Chlumak and Michael Duran, all of whom have started at some point in their careers. In the defensive backfield, all-conference strong safety Rico Curtis and cornerbacks Tairou Smith and Aazaar Abdul-Rahim are back after allowing just five passing touchdowns of more than 30 yards, none in the final five games. Last year Curtis moved from strong safety to free safety and led the Aztecs with 90 tackles and three interceptions. This year he is a leading candidate for the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the top defensive back in college football. Kevin Burton will also figure into the backfield mix. The biggest question will be whether Jermaine Watkins, Ricky Sharpe or Stan Bogard can claim the free safety position in to allow Curtis to return to his more natural strong safety position. There he can play closer to the line of scrimmage, something the coaching staff would like to see. It's a good sign if: The secondary builds off last season's improvement.It's a bad sign if: Double-teaming cuts into Gbaja-Biamila's sack total. Special Teams SDSU has a new punter in junior college transfer Justin Sisco, while Nate Tandberg returns as the placekicker. Gourdine is one of the best return men in the country. Last year he ranked second in the nation with an 18.4-yard average on punt returns. -- John Crowley |
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