There’s not a lot to complain about when it comes to the Aztecs’ 2019 season, but all things considered a 5-3 conference record is pretty bland for a double-digit-win team. San Diego State was able to tie for the West Division championship with Hawaii, but they wouldn’t have fared so well in the Mountain Division, where Utah State, Air Force and Boise State each had better records. Still, it was a big step forward for the Aztecs after a 7-6 finish in 2018. 

San Diego State hits the reset button on their coaching staff this season, with head coach Brady Hoke coming in for the first year of his second stint with the team. The Aztecs have averaged 9.8 wins per season since 2015, so Hoke and his crew will have a high bar to match this year. They’ll have the usual restocking and turnover to deal with; notably center Keith Ismael was drafted by the Redskins while Luq Barcoo, Kyahva Tezino, Daishawn Dixon and Parker Houston signed pro UDFA deals. 

Looking at the schedule overall, there aren’t a whole lot of intimidating matchups but the landmines are potentially there. One tough-looking stretch features four road games in six weeks, finishing off with trips to Utah State and Wyoming before San Jose State going into the bye. If all goes well, San Diego State could flirt with double-digit wins, but they’ve got to stay effective on the road and get off to a good start when the season opens up. 

Pick: I have to take the under here. There are simply too many potential pitfalls on the schedule and a lot of games away from home. Considering the newly reinstalled coaching staff will have some kinks to work out as the year begins, I don’t know that San Diego State will be able to settle into a rhythm quickly enough to bang out nine wins. Seven or eight victories seems more likely this season, but the Aztecs will probably also be in the mix for another division championship. 

2020 San Diego State Aztecs Football Schedule 

Day, Date                                      Opponent 

Saturday, September 5                   Sacramento State 

Saturday, September 12                 at Toledo

Saturday, September 19                 UCLA 

Saturday, September 26                 at Nevada  

Saturday, October 3                       UNLV    

Saturday, October 10                     at Utah State  

Saturday, October 17                     at Wyoming 

Saturday, October 24                     San Jose State 

Saturday, October 31                     OPEN 

Saturday, November 7                   Colorado State  

Saturday, November 14                  at BYU 

Saturday, November 21                  at Fresno State  

Saturday, November 28                  Hawaii    

Saturday, December 5                   MWC Championship