I still remember the moment when Coach Hoke looked at our team during preseason training and said, "Absolutely, if possible" in response to whether we could turn around last year's disappointing 4-8 record. That phrase became our unofficial motto throughout the 2023 season, driving us to push beyond what anyone thought possible for San Diego State football. Let me tell you, what unfolded over those thirteen games surprised even the most optimistic among us.
We kicked off the season with a statement win against Ohio University, putting up 20 points while our defense held them to just 13. I've been covering Aztecs football for fifteen years now, and I can honestly say I haven't seen our defensive line perform with that level of coordination since the 2015 season. Jalen Mayden's transition from quarterback to safety proved to be one of the smartest moves I've witnessed in college football - his 68 tackles and 3 interceptions fundamentally changed how opponents approached our secondary. Offensively, we struggled at times, but watching Jaylon Armstead break through for 122 rushing yards against Boise State reminded me why I fell in love with Aztecs football in the first place. That kid's got raw talent that you just can't teach.
The turning point came during our mid-season matchup against Nevada. We were down by 10 points going into the fourth quarter, and honestly, I thought we were done. But then something clicked - our offense put together two incredible drives totaling 158 yards, and our defense forced three critical turnovers. When we walked off that field with a 27-24 victory, you could feel the energy shift. The team started believing in that "absolutely, if possible" mentality in a way that transcended coach-speak. We finished the regular season at 8-4, a remarkable turnaround that exceeded even my most optimistic preseason predictions. Our rushing game averaged 187 yards per contest, while our defense ranked 24th nationally in points allowed - numbers that don't fully capture how dramatically this team evolved.
Looking ahead to 2024, I'm genuinely excited about our prospects, though I'll admit we have some significant gaps to fill. Losing seniors like Mayden and Armstead hurts - there's no sugarcoating that reality. But what gives me hope is the emerging talent I've seen in our younger players. True freshman quarterback DJ Riles showed flashes of brilliance in limited action, completing 64% of his passes in the three games he started. And our recruiting class for next season includes three four-star prospects, the highest-rated group we've attracted since 2019. The Mountain West Conference is only getting tougher though - Fresno State and Boise State aren't going anywhere, and Air Force's triple option remains a nightmare to prepare for.
What really excites me isn't just the talent pipeline though - it's the cultural shift I've observed in this program. The "absolutely, if possible" mentality has become embedded in how these players approach both games and practices. I was talking with offensive coordinator Ryan Lindley last week, and he mentioned how the team's work ethic during voluntary workouts has increased by roughly 40% compared to last offseason. That intangible factor - the belief that they can compete with anyone - might be the most significant development of this past season. It's the kind of foundation that sustainable programs are built upon.
The challenge now becomes maintaining this momentum while integrating new starters at key positions. Our non-conference schedule includes a tough road game against UCLA, followed by home contests against Oregon State and Utah State - a stretch that could define our entire season. Personally, I'd love to see us open up the playbook more next year. We became somewhat predictable in our offensive approach during the latter part of this season, relying too heavily on our ground game when situations called for more creativity. But that's a minor critique of what was otherwise a remarkable turnaround season.
As I reflect on this year and look toward the future, I keep coming back to that simple phrase that started it all. "Absolutely, if possible" represents more than just coach-speak - it's become the identity of a program that's rediscovered its competitive edge. The Aztecs have proven they can compete at a high level again, and with the right development of our young talent, I believe we're looking at a team that could challenge for the Mountain West championship as early as next season. The foundation has been laid, the culture has shifted, and frankly, I haven't been this optimistic about Aztecs football in years.