San Diego State University

Type of Offense: Pro-Style I. This offense is a run oriented offense that uses run plays and play action to get defenders out of position for passes in the 15-25 yard range. The tight end and fullback are more involved in the offense as the fullback is a blocker and the tight end is 70/30 blocking versus running routes. Most known for the isolation running plays in the middle, the offense has evolved to a more off tackle and “counter trey” running offense. This is more of the style of professional ranks allowing for a QB with a strong arm to thrive.

Type of Defense: 3-3-5. The 3-3-5 defense is used by teams who want as many fast, pass defenders on the field as possible. While more susceptible to the running game, there is more blitzing from different angles than normal. With the multiple blitz looks, blocking schemes are altered and OL are more likely to miss blocks allowing for tackles for loss.  

• Run/Pass %: 51-49
• Run/Pass Attempts: 439/426
• Points Per Game: 35.0
• Points Allowed Per Game: 22.1

Key Returning Players:
• Ronnie Hillman, RB: As a freshman in 2010, he ran for 1532 yards and 17 TDs to go along with 9 catches for 68 yards and a TD. Freshman of the year in the MWC and should compete for the 1st team all conference honors by the end of the season. The only thing that might pull Hillman down is the immense expectations that a 1500+ yard freshman season bring.
• Ryan Lindley, QB: It is very rare for a quarterback that threw for 3830 and 28 TDs to be overshadowed on his own team. Such was the case for Lindley in 2010. He should compete for all conference honors and could conceivably get to 4000 yards passing this fall.

Key Incoming Freshmen:
• Chad Jeffries, QB: This 3 star quarterback is seen in some circles as the heir apparent to Ryan Lindley. At 6-3, 195 pounds, this California product will sit in 2011 and possibly redshirt but should compete for the starting job once Lindley graduates. He could end up as a four year starter if redshirted in 2011.
• Brandon Wright, RB: This 5-10, 173 pound running back out of Las Vegas is lightning quick (4.4 40) and very elusive in space. While Hillman is the unquestioned starter, Wright should be able to find the playing field in some capacity in 2011 whether as a 3rd down back, as a backup, or in the special teams returning kicks or punts.  

Overall Assessment:
2010 was a good enough season that the big boys came calling for former coach Brady Hoke evident as he left the west coast for Ann Arbor. The only losses were to bowl teams (Missouri, BYU, TCU, and Utah). 2011 allows SDSU a chance to make some waves with a trip to Michigan, home games versus TCU and Boise, and a road trip to Air Force. Things set up nicely for the Aztecs and a realistic shot at a 9-3 regular season is within their grasp. Overall, with Lindley and Hillman back on an offense that put up 35 a game in 2010, expect at least the 9-4 that SDSU got in 2010 and possibly an improvement.