San Diego State University (SDSU) is gearing up for an exciting homecoming celebration this Saturday, November 1, as they host the Wyoming Cowboys at Snapdragon Stadium. This marks the Aztecs’ first home game in 30 days, and they are riding high on a five-game winning streak, boasting a record of 6-1, which has them tied for first place in the Mountain West Conference with Boise State.
Head Coach Brady Hoke expressed his enthusiasm during a press conference, highlighting the excitement of returning home with the “Old Oil Can” trophy, won in a recent rivalry match. “It’s great to be back on the mesa,” Hoke said. “We talked a lot about how rivalry games are unique journeys, and our guys embraced that challenge.”
The Aztecs will face a formidable challenge from Wyoming, who bring a balanced offensive attack featuring both a strong running game and effective passing strategies. Hoke emphasized the importance of stopping the run, which has been a staple of the Cowboys’ offense. Freshman standout Samuel Harris leads Wyoming’s backfield, having accumulated 430 rushing yards this season. The Cowboys have averaged an impressive 157.8 rushing yards per game, nearly double what SDSU has allowed their opponents.
To counter this, the Aztecs’ defense has proven to be a significant force, allowing only 88.4 rushing yards per game. Hoke stressed the necessity of playing collectively on defense to both stop the run and generate effective pressure on the opposing quarterback. Wyoming’s Kaden Anderson has been solid under center, ranking seventh in the conference for passing yards per game. Hoke believes that applying pressure on Anderson will lead to success for the Aztecs’ secondary, which includes star defensive back Chris Johnson, a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award.
Wyoming’s defensive unit will also present a challenge for SDSU. Senior linebacker Brayden Johnson is known for his defensive prowess, tallying 49 tackles this season. The Aztecs’ offensive line has shown significant improvement over the previous year, providing consistent health and continuity that will be critical in tackling Wyoming’s defense.
As the Aztecs prepare for what promises to be a spirited battle against a tough Wyoming team, they are bolstered by the return of their passionate fans for homecoming festivities. With the crowd’s energy and their recent successes, SDSU is poised to make a significant impact on the field.
This matchup highlights the resilience and growth of the Aztecs this season, promising a thrilling game for all in attendance.