SDSU’s offensive line depth took a hit with the recent departures of Dean Abdullah and Ryan Silver. Sources told EVT that Abdullah left to preserve his redshirt. Silver’s decision was injury-related. 

The Aztecs’ play upfront has been mixed this season. They have allowed 13 sacks in six games. Their 2.17 sacks per game ranks 82nd in the country but is a slight uptick from averages in 2022 (2.07) and 2023 (2.0). 

If the season ended today, it would be the highest since SDSU moved to the spread  beginning in 2019. One reason for switching from bunch sets was to reduce the sacks allowed. Over the past decade, 2018 (2.5) and 2017 (2.4) were the zeniths for the average amount of sacks the Aztecs gave up each contest. 

“The one thing I am proud of is they’ve been battling in protection,” SDSU running game coordinator Mike Schmidt told EVT in an exclusive interview. “We’ve been showing improvement in protection. We’ve got to continue that trend. We’ve got a couple of tough ones against some tough fronts down the stretch, where we got to be at our best. But we got to continue that progression that we’ve made over the first six (games), and then, we got to put our guys in the best situation to be successful.”

Losing Abdullah and Silver leaves the Aztecs with only 13 offensive linemen and 11 scholarship athletes at the position. With Joe Borjon and Myles Murao unavailable, the number of healthy linemen is diminished even more.

Experience is another challenge. Four are freshmen, and six have yet to take significant DI snaps. Defensive lineman Teivis Tuioti played in ten games for Colorado State on the O-Line last season, but Schmidt said the attrition has yet to reach a level where SDSU is looking for anyone to switch sides of the ball. From filling the scout team to establishing a two-deep, Schmidt has quite a balancing act.   

“We’re changing the way we practice,” Schmidt explained. “We’re monitoring that situation as we speak with the limited numbers we have. The number one issue is getting through the next six weeks and putting the best product out there so everybody in San Diego can be proud.” 

Tyler McMahan and Saipale Fuimaono

Abdullah only had an option to redshirt because Tyler McMahan jumped him in the pecking order. McMahan arrived on campus this summer. If anyone appeared headed for a redshirt, it was him. Instead, he stepped up to the challenge and provided the Aztecs with needed stability. 

Schmidt said losing four linemen to the transfer portal before the year did not afford the linemen on the roster the luxury of sitting out a season. That McMahon has grown into a starter after just a couple of months of Schmidt’s tutelage before the season is a testament to both men. 

The Modesto Junior College transfer has competed in five contests this year and started the past three games. Overall, McMahan has arguably been better than Murao was last season. Like the line as a whole, his pass protection has been better than his run blocking. 

“Tyler McMahon, the JUCO transfer, the good thing with him is there’s nothing more important than when he straps that helmet on and goes out there and plays,” Schmidt explained. “You can see that in this game, you can see the improvements he’s made in three weeks. And we’ve got to continue that trend. He’s got to keep making strides here down the stretch for us to be competitive in these games.”

The Aztecs can ill afford another injury, but Schmidt’s task is to prepare for all possibilities. Saipale Fuimaono, a transfer from Allan Hancock College, is next in line to help this season. Fuimaono only appeared in the season’s first game but played in 18 at the JUCO level, where he was a two-time first-team all-league and a one-time all-state selection. 

Fuimaono’s body composition and athleticism in winter conditioning did not fit a typical offensive lineman. Often finishing first in agility drills, he could have been confused for a blocking tight end. Throughout the season, he has been Christian Jones’ backup at left tackle. He appears to have the feet for the position. 

“Sai, another JUCO guy, that got here in December,” Schmidt explained. “He’s been one of those guys who’s been in reserve role all year, but he’s really shown strides in practice. I’m excited to get him his opportunity out there and get him in the mix as well.”

Goals for the rest of the season

Marquez Cooper continues to be the focal point of SDSU’s offensive attack. He is the Aztecs’ best player on that side of the ball, and his central place in the game plan allows true freshman Danny O’Neil to manage the offense in his first year on a college campus. 

SDSU’s second half appears tougher than its first six contests. To match its 3-3 first half record and reach bowl eligibility, the Aztecs will need more from Cooper. 

The star back is 22nd in the country and second in the Mountain West with 670 yards this season. Over the past three contests, however, he is averaging just 3.4 yards per carry.

“We’ve had our struggles running the ball,” Schmidt said. “That’s the biggest highlight that we’ve got to try to correct. The efficiency is down from what we’re used to around this place. That’s the first thing we’ve been studying hard this bye week, trying to get corrected.  

“There’s all kinds of different reasons for it and we’re trying to put our finger on it and really evaluate what our guys can do at a high level. … We got to continue the progression that we’ve made over the first six (games), and then, we got to put our guys in the best situation to be successful running the football and getting Coop space.”

The first bye in SDSU’s schedule, following its contest with Cal, set the team back in the run game. During this break, Brayden Bryant injured his leg. Schmidt described Bryant as a “rock” during the first three weeks but said his center has been playing on one leg over the past three games. 

The Aztecs hope the second bye will help correct what the first caused. Schmidt pointed to Bryant’s improving health as key for the team. 

“In order to be able to run the football, you got to be strong up the middle,” Schmidt explained. “We haven’t been as strong the last three that we were the first three. Fixing that dilemma, I think he’s gotten some good rest. Getting him back to 100% will really help.” 

With a break from game preparation, Schmidt has identified three areas of growth to get the running game on track. Bryant’s return to full strength should be a boom to all of them.

With the shakeup on the line this season, Schmidt aims to coach his group to communicate better presnap. This will lead to greater cohesion as a group. Too often, SDSU’s line has competed as five individuals instead of a cohesive whole. 

Ultimately, Schmidt wants to see his athletes finish their blocks at a higher rate. Effort has not been lacking, but football’s bottom line is not measured by desire. 

The next four games are the most critical of the Aztecs’ season. Three of the four opponents are ranked or receiving votes in the national polls. The fourth, New Mexico, has won three straight and scored at least 50 points in each victory. 

SDSU’s modest two-game winning streak could easily give way to a four-game losing skid. Should the year turn in this sour direction, it would guarantee head coach Sean Lewis’ first season ends with a losing record. 

SDSU will depend on their JUCO transfers to improve the offensive line’s play and prevent that outcome. With the recent defections from the teams, SDSU is fortunate Tyler McMahan and Saipale Fuimaono are ready to compete. 

Paul Garrison

My earliest sport’s memory involve tailgating at the Murph, running down the circular exit ramps, and seeing the Padres, Chargers and Aztecs play. As a second generation Aztec, I am passionate about all things SDSU. Other interests include raising my four children, being a great husband and teaching high school.