Jim Harbaugh’s Inspiring Return to Coaching Roots at USD

Unpacking the Aztecs' Scrimmage: Key Plays and Insights as Season Approaches

Update A Glimpse into San Diego State's Exciting Football Scrimmage As the San Diego State Aztecs gear up for the 2025 football season, their recent FanFest scrimmage at Snapdragon Stadium delivered moments of anticipation and exhilaration. While tackling was off the table to ensure player safety, the action on the field showcased the depth of talent in the roster and the growing excitement for the upcoming season. Quarterback Showdown: Who Stood Out? The team’s quarterbacks took the spotlight, with starting quarterback Jayden Denegal and backup Bert Emanuel Jr. making their presence felt. Both players completed six out of their 13 attempts, but it was Emanuel who shone with a remarkable 86-yard touchdown pass to Myles Kitt-Denton, proving that he could make big plays under pressure. Kitt-Denton expressed his confidence on the long scoring play, indicating, “Bert made a great pass, the line held up, I just did what I was trained to do.” Such performances are crucial as fans hope for a dynamic offense this coming season, where explosive plays may become the norm. The Defensive Standout: Pick Six for McCuin On the defensive side, Deshawn McCuin made waves by intercepting a tipped pass and returning it toward the end zone, a moment that perfectly encapsulated his eagerness to return to competitive play. Although a quick whistle prevented the full completion of his touchdown, McCuin’s excitement shone through. “It was most definitely a Pick Six. It’s been a long time coming for me,” he said, underscoring the importance of defensive contributions: Why Playing It Safe Matters Despite the thrill of touchdowns and interceptions, it is essential to consider the underlying strategy of the scrimmage. With injuries to key players like Dallas Fincher and Jelani Whitmore, coach Sean Lewis prioritized player health over hearty tackling sessions. He remarked, “Sometimes as the head coach, you’ve got to say, ‘We’ve got to do what’s best and keep the long-term focus in mind as well.’” Such decisions are vital as the team prepares for their season opener against Stony Brook in just a couple of weeks. A Balanced Approach: Offense Meets Defense The Aztecs displayed a promising balance between their offensive and defensive strategies during the scrimmage. Although the lack of tackling limited evaluations, the players showed great maturity and discipline. Junior defensive player McCuin exhibited confidence, emphasizing how the team is adjusting to these changes, “We’ve established ourselves in terms of being able to tackle and being able to be physical.” Looking Ahead: What Fans Can Expect As the Aztecs move closer to the beginning of the season, they have shown resilience and commitment to improvement. The scrimmage acted as a preview of what may come, allowing both players and coaches to devise strategies that play to the team’s strengths while mitigating risks. The excitement for the game against Stony Brook on August 28 is palpable, and with every practice and scrimmage, the foundation for a hopeful season is being laid. As fans gear up for the upcoming season, it's crucial to keep an eye on player health and performance, which will significantly impact the Aztecs' journey this year. Remember to show your support and cheer on the team as they aim for a successful run in the 2025 season!