The Aztecs had a very solid 2019-2020, with a lot of promise, along with a glimpse into the future. A bowl game, rivalry wins, and nail biters all gave this team an identity, along with a sense of belonging.

1. Aztecs at UCLA (Sept. 7, 2019)

In a game where the Bruins were coming off a Week 1 loss, the Aztecs were looking to take advantage, and take advantage they did. With a presuming rivalry feel in the air, the Aztecs were looking for the first win in team history against the Bruins. Going 0-21 in years past, and playing UCLA for the first time since 2009, they wanted to win. A pivotal strip sack from Kyahva Tezino early in the third quarter shifted the momentum to San Diego State, and eventually they came out with the win. Aztecs’ quarterback Ryan Agnew lit it up, throwing for 293 yards and a TD. He also threw very efficiently, having a completion percentage of over 70-percent. Wide receiver Kobe Smith had a massive game, recording seven receptions, for 131 yards and a touchdown. The rushing game was lackluster for the Aztecs, having a combined 83 total yards, but the pass game made up for it. This game meant a lot for the Aztecs and the coaching was executed beautifully. San Diego State certainly delivered an exciting game for their second straight win of the 2019 season.

2. Aztecs vs Central Michigan (New Mexico Bowl; Dec. 21, 2019)

After falling in their last two bowl games, the Aztecs were looking to end their losing streak and get back into the win column. And boy did they deliver in a 48-11 blowout against Central Michigan. San Diego State’s rushing game was electric with a combined 241 rushing yards, 139 of those coming from sophomore running back Jordan Byrd, along with a rushing touchdown. Ryan Agnew led the passing game with 287 yards and three touchdowns. The defense had three picks against Central Michigan quarterback Quinten Dormady, which ultimately led to the game’s ensuing blowout. Overall this game meant a lot for the Aztecs, upping their bowl record to 6-8 (.429) and, more importantly, adding to their school-record longest streak playing in a bowl game to double-digits.

3. Aztecs vs. Wyoming (Oct. 12, 2019)

The Aztecs entered the game with a 4-1 record and intentions to put themselves in the Associated Press (AP)’s Top 25. The pass and run games were equally important in this game, with Agnew rushing for 42 yards on the night and making 209 passing yards and 2 touchdowns to go along with it. Agnew’s late fourth-quarter touchdown and a last desperation throw from Wyoming quarterback Sean Chambers, resulting in a pick, sealed the ballgame with a 26-22 victory for the Aztecs. The Aztecs went home with a 5-1 record and an AP Ranking coming later. This game was pivotal for SDSU as it showed that they could win these close games, along with the pressure that goes with that setting.

4. Aztecs at San Jose State (Oct. 19, 2019)

This game had hype right off the bat. On the opening kickoff of the game, running back Kaegun Williams took it to the end zone with a 95 yard kickoff return touchdown. The Aztecs played rock steady in this game and looked like they had control of the game the whole way. The run game once again led the way, with the team overall having 270 rushing yards, along with a couple of touchdowns. Ryan Agnew didn’t play much of a role in the passing game, but he recorded 44 rushing yards on 11 carries. The Aztecs beat a solid Spartans team and walked out with a dub.

5. Aztecs vs. Brigham Young (Nov. 30, 2019)

Now this game might not seem like a top 5 game on the season but it was for one simple reason: The glimpse into the future we got with true freshman quarterback Carson Baker making his first start. Carson Baker is our starter into the future, barring nothing changes, and what we saw this night was great. He threw the ball very efficiently, completing 19 of 24 passes for 172 yards and a touchdown. He was very accurate throughout the game, and the combo with the stout Aztec defense this night was phenomenal. This game might be very exciting for many fans.

The Aztecs had a very solid season, going 10-3 against good opponents. We’re all excited to see what the next season holds, and how Carson Baker performs in his first season as the Aztecs starter. Our defense will remain stout as usual, but sometimes the offense can see some imbalance. Possibly bringing in new head coach Brady Hoke will once again bring the Aztecs to a competing spot in the AP Poll and prove how valuable this team not only is to San Diego, but what it can do around the College Football scene.