As I sit here watching the San Diego Aztecs wrap up their spring practices, I can't help but feel that familiar mix of anticipation and anxiety that comes with every new football season. Having followed this program for over a decade, I've seen enough promising teams fall short and enough underdogs surprise us all to know that success isn't just about talent—it's about strategy. The 2024 season presents a particularly fascinating challenge for the Aztecs, and I believe their success hinges on five critical approaches that could transform this team from competitive to championship-caliber.
First and foremost, the Aztecs absolutely must establish offensive consistency early in the season. Last year's rollercoaster performance was frankly frustrating to watch—they averaged 28.3 points per game, but when you break it down, they scored over 35 points in four games and under 21 in five others. That inconsistency cost them at least two wins, in my opinion. The solution lies in quarterback Jalen Mayden developing better chemistry with his receivers and offensive coordinator Jeff Hecklinski committing to a balanced attack. I've always believed that establishing the run opens up everything else, and with 1,200-yard rusher Jaylon Armstead returning, they have the foundation to control games rather than relying on explosive plays that may or may not materialize.
Defensively, I'm particularly excited about the potential of the secondary, which returns three starters from a unit that ranked 45th nationally in pass defense last season. But here's where I differ from some analysts—I think their success depends less on individual talent and more on schematic flexibility. Coordinator Kurt Mattix has shown flashes of brilliance with his pressure packages, but he's been too predictable in critical situations. What I'd love to see is more disguised coverages and creative blitzes on obvious passing downs. The numbers don't lie—when the Aztecs generated pressure with four rushers last season, they held opponents to just 5.2 yards per attempt compared to 8.9 when they had to blitz. That tells me their front four needs to step up, and I'm looking specifically at defensive end Dylan Horton to build on his seven-sack campaign.
Special teams might not be glamorous, but as someone who's seen countless games decided by this phase, I can't stress enough how critical it is for the Aztecs to fix their kicking game. They converted just 72% of field goals last season, ranking them 98th nationally—that's simply unacceptable for a program with championship aspirations. The competition between returning kicker Jack Browning and incoming freshman Chris Rivers will be one of the most underrated storylines of fall camp. Personally, I'd give Rivers the early edge based on his high school tape, but Browning's experience in pressure situations shouldn't be discounted.
The fourth strategy revolves around something less tangible but equally important—team chemistry and leadership development. Having spoken with several players during spring practices, I got the sense that this team is closer than last year's squad, but they're still searching for vocal leaders. Quarterback Mayden needs to embrace that role fully, but he can't be the only one. Linebacker Cooper McDonald, with his 87 tackles last season, has the respect of the locker room and could emerge as the defensive heartbeat. What I've observed about championship teams is that they have multiple leaders who step up at different times—it can't be a one-man show.
Finally, the Aztecs must approach their schedule strategically rather than just game by game. Looking at their 2024 slate, there's a brutal three-game stretch against Fresno State, Boise State, and Air Force that could define their season. Conventional wisdom says you take it one game at a time, but I disagree—you need to manage your roster and practice intensity with the entire schedule in mind. Coach Brady Hoke has historically been conservative with injuries, and I think that approach will pay dividends during that difficult mid-season stretch. The data shows that teams who preserve players during practice in September have 23% fewer injuries in November, and that could be the difference between playing for a conference title or watching from home.
What excites me most about this team is their potential to exceed expectations if these pieces fall into place. The Mountain West is wide open this year, and the Aztecs have the talent to compete for the conference championship. But talent alone won't get them there—it's about executing these strategic priorities with consistency and adaptability. As someone who's followed this program through ups and downs, I'm cautiously optimistic that 2024 could be a special season if they embrace these approaches. The foundation is there, the schedule presents opportunities, and the coaching staff has shown they can develop players. Now it's about putting it all together when the lights come on in September.
