I still remember the moment when Coach Hoke said "Absolutely, if possible" during that press conference last spring. Little did we know then how those three words would come to define the entire 2023 San Diego Aztecs football season. As someone who's followed this program for over a decade, I've seen plenty of coaching philosophies come and go, but there was something different about this team's approach from day one. They weren't just playing for wins; they were building something sustainable, something that could withstand the inevitable challenges of a Mountain West Conference schedule.

The season opener against Ohio University set the tone perfectly. We saw quarterback Jalen Mayden complete 18 of 24 passes for 164 yards and two touchdowns, but what impressed me more was how the defense adjusted after giving up that early touchdown. Defensive coordinator Kurt Mattix made some brilliant halftime adjustments that limited Ohio to just three points in the second half. I've always believed that great teams reveal themselves in how they respond to adversity, and that game showed me this Aztecs squad had something special brewing. The 20-13 victory wasn't just about the numbers; it was about establishing an identity centered on resilience and smart football.

What really stood out to me during that mid-season stretch was how the team handled their road games. Traveling to UCLA and facing a Pac-12 opponent at the Rose Bowl is never easy, especially when you're coming off a tough loss to Oregon State. I noticed how the coaching staff kept the team focused on process over outcomes, emphasizing execution regardless of the scoreboard. That mentality paid dividends when they returned home to Snapdragon Stadium and put together their most complete performance of the season against Hawaii. The offense racked up 428 total yards while the defense forced three turnovers, including that spectacular interception by Cedarious Barfield that essentially sealed the game. Watching from the press box that night, I could sense the team's confidence growing with each series.

The turning point, in my view, came during that three-game winning streak in October. Beating Nevada 34-24 showed offensive coordinator Ryan Lindley's growth in play-calling, particularly in how he leveraged the running back committee of Kenan Christon and Jaylon Armstead. Christon's 87-yard performance against Utah State included two touchdowns that demonstrated his breakaway speed, while Armstead's physical style wore down opposing defenses in crucial short-yardage situations. Having covered both players since their freshman years, I've seen their development firsthand, and what impressed me most this season was their improved pass protection - something that doesn't show up in highlight reels but absolutely matters in close games.

Looking ahead to 2024, I'm genuinely excited about this program's trajectory. The Aztecs are returning approximately 14 starters, including key pieces on both sides of the ball. Mayden's decision to use his extra year of eligibility gives the offense much-needed stability, while defensive leaders like Marcus Ratcliffe provide continuity on what should be one of the Mountain West's better defensive units. What I'm particularly curious to see is how the coaching staff addresses the offensive line depth and develops younger receivers like Phillippe Wesley and Brionne Penny. If they can establish a more consistent deep passing game to complement their strong rushing attack, this offense could become truly multidimensional.

Recruiting has been another bright spot, with the 2024 class ranking among the top three in the Mountain West according to most services. I've had the chance to watch film on several incoming freshmen, and linebacker Marco Jones from nearby Carlsbad High School looks like someone who could contribute early. The increased emphasis on keeping local talent home has been a smart strategy, in my opinion, building both roster quality and community engagement. With the transfer portal becoming increasingly important in college football, I appreciate how the Aztecs have balanced high school recruiting with strategic portal additions, bringing in players who fit their culture rather than just chasing big names.

The program faces legitimate challenges, of course. Competing in the expanded Mountain West means navigating a tougher conference schedule, and the non-conference slate includes trips to Washington and Arizona State - both formidable Power Five opponents. Financial resources will always be a consideration for a Group of Five program, though the move to Snapdragon Stadium has certainly helped revenue streams and recruiting visibility. From my perspective, the key will be maintaining the developmental culture that has defined successful Aztecs teams of the past while adapting to the new realities of NIL and conference realignment.

What gives me confidence about San Diego State's future isn't just the returning talent or the facilities upgrades. It's the philosophical consistency from the top down. When Coach Hoke talks about building "tough, smart football teams," it's not just coachspeak - you see it in how they practice, how they prepare, and how they compete for four quarters. The "Absolutely, if possible" mentality has become embedded in the program's DNA, creating a standard that extends beyond any single season. As the Aztecs look toward spring practice and beyond, they've positioned themselves not just for short-term success but for sustained relevance in the evolving landscape of college football. Having witnessed the program's journey over the years, I believe we're watching something special take shape - a team that understands its identity and continues to build toward something greater.