San Diego State Aztecs Crack the Top 25 For the First Time in 21 years
San Diego, CA- Hey San Diego Sports Fans! It’s been a while since the last time you’ve seen me write for San Diego Sporting News and I’m thrilled to be now writing for the East Village Times!
With that being said…..It’s time to party like its 1995 San Diego! After being snubbed by the voters for the first few weeks of the season, the San Diego State Aztecs cracked the AP Top 25 for the first time since November 7th, 1995 this week coming in at No. 22. In 1995 the Aztecs entered the AP Top 25 following an early season home win against Cal and featured a Heisman trophy candidate running back in George Jones who rushed for 1,842 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Just like the 1995 Aztecs, this season’s team defeated Cal at home 45-40 for an impressive win (especially since they just upset No. 11 Texas) that caught the nation’s attention and also features a Heisman trophy candidate running back in Donnel Pumphrey. Pumphrey has carried the Aztecs to their (3-0) start by leading the FBS in rushing yards (599), all-purpose yards (666) and being 3rd in rushing touchdowns (7).
We don’t know about you, but we’re feeling 22. #AztecFB #Win21 pic.twitter.com/ldx15QwXeT
— GoAztecs (@GoAztecs) September 18, 2016
The Aztecs are off this week before returning to action on October 1st at South Alabama (1-2), as they look to get revenge for their home loss to South Alabama last season. A win against South Alabama (who have already upset Mississippi State this season) will help the Aztecs finally crack the coaches’ Top 25 and rise in the AP poll.
From this point on the Aztecs will be favored in every game the rest of the season and as long they continue to perform to their abilities……there’s no reason the Aztecs can’t continue to rise up the rankings and surpass their highest ranking at No. 13 in 1975.
Welcome aboard, @Aztec_Football https://t.co/4TnsZKfpXQ #APTop25 pic.twitter.com/NJcA5QlikF
— AP Top 25 (@AP_Top25) September 19, 2016
Enjoy it San Diego…after decades of hard work your San Diego State Aztecs are now a Top 25 football and basketball program.
What a time to be an Aztec!
Joel is a born and raised San Diego Sports fan. He is the founder of San Diego Sporting News, former Editor of Surf Turf and Murph and now hope’s to help continue to provide you with the high quality news you have come to expect from the East Village Times.