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Weber State vs. San Diego State: Game Preview, Kick Time, TV & Radio Schedule, Livestream, Prediction
SDSU hosts the Eber State Wildcats in their 2019 season opener at SDCCU Stadium. Here’s the path to victory and how to tune in.
Contact/Follow @tedmcgovern & @MWCwire
Sorry, Eber State. The Aztecs plan to hold on to the “W.”
WEEK 1: Weber State Wildcats vs. San Diego State Aztecs
WHEN: Saturday, August 31st— 6:00 PM PST | 9:00 PM EST
WHERE: SDCCU Stadium; San Diego, California (70,561)
TV: none
STREAM: Facebook
RADIO: : 101.5 KGB / XTRA 1360 / Fox Sports InlandEmpire (IE) 1350 / XM Internet 981 (pregame starts at 4 p.m. PT on XTRA)
SERIES RECORD: Aztecs are 2-0 in the series.
ODDS: San Diego State -7.5
The Aztecs ended 2018 completely rattled. They lost five of their last six games after getting off to a brilliant start and going 6-1 including beating ranked ASU and Boise State, despite being down their star quarterback Christian Chapman and their elite running back, Juwan Washington.
Despite it all, they still reached a ninth consecutive bowl game- even if it was a 27-0 loss against Ohio University. . .
This season will indicate whether the Aztecs had a great run, or if they are Group of Five elite- the real deal- and whether Rocky Long may be the most underrated FBS coach out there. FCS powerhouse Weber State will issue the Aztecs a righteous gut check to start this season.
With Brady Hoke now in the coaching ranks once again, not to mention a cadre of well-seasoned coaches of different magnitudes, there will be a tremendous pool of coaching talent supporting this year’s team.
The Aztecs return twelve starters, including mid-linebacker Kyahva Tezino, arguably the best linebacker in the nation right now. They also showcase Juwan Washington, who has the potential to be the most productive running back AND kickoff returner in the nation- if he stays healthy. We will also see what quarterback Ryan Agnew will bring to the gridiron. Agnew has a keen ability to run for the chains with strong success; he can pass although his completion rate needs to improve, and he can do what San Diego State does well: feed the ball to elite backs.
It’s hard to say what’s fully in store for the Aztecs, but there are enough ingredients for San Diego State to turn heads once again. Before anything, though, they will have to handle the Wildcats.
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Three Keys to a San Diego State Victory
1. A Healthy and Productive Juwan Washington
Although he was sidelined for several games and ran for just 999 yards last year, Washington is a torch bearer for a team with arguably the best Running Back legacy in recent times in all of FBS football. As a superb freshman, he backed up tailback greats Donnel Pumphrey and Rashaad Penny. It would make a lot of sense that if he stays healthy Washington will want to showcase that he belongs right alongside those elite alumni.
That’s no small task- but he is definitely up for the challenge.
2. Special Teams Strength
San Diego State has many secret weapons. Special teams in recent years has been supremely special. Last year coach Doug Deakins was working out his ducks as he entered his first season as standalone Special Teams coach. He had the benefit of John Baron II, one of the nation’s best kickers and a Lou Groza candidate. He also lost exemplary kickoff returner Juwan Washington. After Washington was injured kickoff returning was so bad the Aztecs in some situations opted to have NO returner whatsoever.
Washington is good to go, and redshirt Freshman Matt Araiza is already turning heads for his Baron-esque range and consistency.
3. Ryan Agnew achieving a 60% completion rate
Ryan Agnew threw for 51% last season. It was his debut, and at times he did extremely well- but too many opportunities fell short. This season, he must hit the receivers and they must secure the ball- period. If he can achieve this statistic, the Aztecs could very well have a ten-win season (or pretty darn close), and they will have a good look at a tenth-straight bowl game.
Prediction
This game is going to be an entertaining smash mouth battle. The Wildcats are one of the very best in their class as one of the FCS’s top football programs, ranking roughly 8th in that division. Nonetheless, the Aztecs will have the upper hand in depth, size, coaching and venue. The Aztecs will have a chance to see how the new re-tooled spread formation comes together, and how Agnew commands the gridiron.
Even if they have to grind it out: the Aztecs will keep the W.
San Diego State 27, Weber State 20
(Sky Show Info)
The 44th annual KGB SkyShow will follow the Aztecs’ 2019 opener. The event features the largest fireworks show in the area, annually attracts one of the largest crowds of the season, including last year when 45,755 fans showed up to watch SDSU defeat Sac State, 28-14.
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