The San Diego State Aztecs Football Team (8-4) completed their regular season last Saturday with a thrilling come from behind victory over Fresno State (4-9) after falling behind 21-0 in the first half. The following day they were delighted to learn that their (8-4) record was enough to earn them an opportunity to play for the second straight year in a postseason bowl game. On Dec. 17, the Aztecs will take on the Sunbelt Conference’s third place finisher, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (8-4, 6-2) at the Mercedes Benz New Orleans Superdome. The game will be aired live on ESPN at 6:00 p.m. on Dec. 17. 

   The Aztecs wrapped up their home schedule in what has become their own peculiar way of playing football games. Once again, they looked clueless initially, fell behind early and then came roaring back. Falling behind 21-0 at the 9:46 mark of the second quarter, the Aztecs looked completely unworthy of a bowl bid. To their credit, despite their catastrophic start they kept their heads in the game. Then thanks primarily to the running of the electrifying Ronnie Hillman they battled their way back into the game.

   Hillman, the sensational sophomore who is considering a career in the NFL at the conclusion of this season, ended up with 178 yards and four touchdowns. While no doubt the biggest key to what was an amazing comeback, Hillman had plenty of help.

   Tight end Gavin Escobar was once again superb hauling in six Ryan Lindley passes for 125 yards. His highlight reel 55-yard rumble after a short reception set up Hillman’s third touchdown. Wide receivers Colin Lockett and Dylan Denso also had six catches for 102 and 44 yards respectively. Also worth mentioning was the passing of senior quarterback Ryan Lindley. Lindley, playing his final game as an Aztec in Qualcomm Stadium completed 21 of his 40 passes for 281 and no interceptions. He will conclude his Aztec career on December 17 as SDSU’s all-time passing leader.  Kudos also to the defense which stiffened late in the second quarter and from that point on held Fresno’s high powered offense to just seven points.

   For the Aztecs, the key to winning their second consecutive bowl game will revolve around two things. The first how well they are able to neutralize the Ragin’ Cajun’s quarterback Blaine Gautier. Gautier passed for nearly 2,500 yards this season and 20 touchdowns. He is also a threat while running the ball. Gautier carried for 464 yards and a 4.3 yards per carry average this season.

   The second key factor is which Aztec team will show up in New Orleans? Will it be the team that bumbled through the first half of many of their games? Or the team that played solid, winning football most of the time in the second half. Matching last year’s achievements with another 9-4 record and a bowl game win would be a great way for Lindley & Co. to take their final bow.