College Football Preview: San Diego State

San Diego State Aztecs

2015 Results: 11-3 (8-0, 1st in West)

Defeated Air Force in Mountain West Championship

Defeated Cincinnati in Hawaii Bowl

Returning Starters: 7 OFF, 7 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd NEW HAMPSHIRE

10th CALIFORNIA

17th at Northern Illinois

October

1st at South Alabama

8th UNLV

15th at Fresno State

21st SAN JOSE STATE

29th at Utah State

November

5th HAWAII

12th at Nevada

19th at Wyoming

26th COLORADO STATE

San Diego State was one of the surprises from a season ago. After starting 1-3, the Aztecs ran off 10 straight wins. They return key players from that team while suffering minimal loses. This team is a lock to be ranked in the Top 25 to start the season, and almost a shoe-in to repeat as conference champs.

Sophomore Christian Chapman was thrown into the fire last season when starter Maxwell Smith went down. Chapman was Offensive Player of the Game in the Mountain West Championship. Lining up beside him will be the reigning Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year in Donnel Pumphrey. The Aztecs return a deep receiving corps that will be led by junior Mikah Holder.

The Aztecs might have one of the best defenses in the nation going into the season. Last year, they ranked in the top 10 in all major categories. They only allowed 16.4 points and 287.3 yards per game. Leading the defense will be corner Damontae Kazee. Kazee could be an All-American this coming season. Aside from winning Defensive Player of the Year in the conference, Kazee had 8 interceptions which tied him for the nation's lead. Senior safety Malik Smith returns to a deep secondary for the Aztecs. Along side him is Na'im McGee who was the second leading tackler on the team. The line is worrisome as they only have one starter returning. At linebacker, Calvin Munson returns a year after leading the team in tackles with 98. He also tallied 15 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.

Player to Watch: Donnel Pumphrey

Pumphrey is currently the active leader in rushing yards (4,272) and all-purpose yards (5,145). He looks poised to defend his award, and also carry this team on his back.

If you only watch them once, watch:

9/10 California

The Golden Bears murdered the Aztecs last year. This year, they don't have a definitive answer at quarterback. If this game was later in the year, the result might be different. When SDSU welcomes Cal, you best believe they will remember the 35-7 whooping they took last season.

What to Expect

The Aztecs are on undefeated alert. Don't be surprised if they start out hot and catch the nation off guard. It's almost a lock that they will repeat as conference champs, but don't overlook trips to Nevada and Wyoming late in November.

Prediction

10-2 (6-2, MWC)

-Dug

@chansm1th