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San Diego State vs. Weber State: Non-Conference Game Preview
The Aztecs open 2019 against FCS powerhouse Weber State- an entertaining and beatable foe- with the KGB Sky Show to follow.
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Game Broadcast
Date: Saturday, August 31
Game Time: 6:00pm PST 9:00 pm EST
Venue: SDCCU Stadium, San Diego, CA Network: Not Televised Radio:101.5 KGB | XTRA 1360 | FOX Sports IE 1350
SDSU (0-0) vs. Weber State (0-0) Game Preview
In the world of FCS, the Big Sky Conference’s Weber State Wildcats are ranked #8 in the FCS Stats preseason poll.
In the world of FBS, the San Diego State Aztecs have realized off and on G5 elite status under Rocky Long’s leadership.
The Aztecs finished 2018 with a disappointing 7-6 record which nonetheless included quality wins over No. 23/25 Arizona State and No. ur/24 Boise State. SDSU is one of 14 teams to make a bowl game in nine consecutive seasons.
Time will tell if the injury-plagued 2018 season was a disappointing outlier in what has otherwise been a tremendous era for the Aztecs.
San Diego State returns its leading passer Ryan Agnew, who has taken over for recently graduated star quarterback Christian Chapman. At Running Back University, Juwan Washington strives for a redemption season after managing just 999 rushing yards last year.
He is still chasing back-to-back running back legends Donnel Pumphrey and Rashaad Penny, both now in the NFL. Washington was on the sidelines for nearly half of the 2018 season, but is healthy now- and presumably chomping at the bit. Tackler Kyahya Tezino will be on many watch lists this year.
In Rocky Long’s coaching arsenal, the loss of key defensive coach Danny Gonzales to Arizona State was felt during the 2018 season. The Aztecs nonetheless spanked the Sun Devils for a second straight year last season, and the Aztecs have since added former SDSU and University of Michigan head coach Brady Hoke to help the Aztecs get its defensive groove back. While Gonzales is missed, Hoke is a major upgrade.
The Wildcats will look to running back Josh Davis and wide receiver/kick returner Rashid Shaheed to lead the offense. Davis ran for 1,362 yards and scored nine rushing touchdowns for Weber State in 2018. Davis averaged 113.5 yards rushing per game which second in the FCS in rushing in 2018.
On defense, the Wildcats have Adam Rodriguez and Jonah Williams. Rodriguez finished third in the Big Sky in sacks with seven last season while Williams managed 42 tackles last season including 23 solos.
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.
The Aztecs season opener will likely be entertaining, and if Rocky Long has his house in order for 2019 San Diego State should handle Weber State without too much struggle in a spirited season opening match at home.
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