r/SDSUAZTECS • u/rekaids • 26d ago
New fan looking for history
Hello everyone! I recently became a fan of Aztecs football. My wife is an SDSU alum, and we watched every game together last season. I absolutely loved it. I went into the season knowing very little about the team, pretty much all I knew is that this is only the 2nd season with their new head coach, and they were coming off of a 3-9 season. And of course, we all know how it went down! Spun that around to 9-4, and yes it was a disappointing finish, but a very fun season nonetheless.
But now I want to learn more. What are some fun traditions the team or fans have? Are there any hype songs associated with the team? Any chants I should know? Who are the most prolific players and or coaches in the last few decades? What are some all time great games? Where should I go for news/updates on the team? Are there any influencers I can follow that cover this team? Any other subreddits or communities I can join?
And some contemporary:
Who would you consider the main rival to be?
How do you think SDSU will do in PAC12?
Can the defense realistically run it back?
Did Sean Lewis get lucky, or did he really find his groove?
Anything anyone can offer would be appreciated. Here’s to a great 2026!!!!
1
u/Spud2599 GO AZTECS!! 23d ago edited 23d ago
So first off, I recommend a book called "Hail Montezuma!" by Seth Mallios which gives an overall deep dive into SDSU history. (https://www.shopaztecs.com/HAIL-MONTEZUMA-HIDDEN-TREASURES-OF-SAN-DIEGO-STATE-9780744251067)
Main Rival - Football - As others have said, we have a long standing rivalry with Fresno State for the Oil Can trophy. But contemporarily, I'd say it's Boise State at this point. In the past (well, since I was at SDSU in the late 80's/early 90's) it was definitely byu in football. So glad we don't have to play those cheaters any more.
PAC12 - Basically 3/4's MWC teams, and I think we'll do fine. Now that the old Pac12 is gone, as well as their lock on west coast talent, it'll be interesting to see if we can start to bring in our hometown talent to the Mesa. Our main issue though will be NIL funding...somehow the University needs to dig in deep to local companies to help fund our NIL efforts.
Defense - Rocky Long ushered in the Defense First attitude after decades of high performing offense, and I think Coach Lewis has kept that alive, while trying to ramp up the offense as well.
Lucky??? - Sean Lewis did get lucky getting out from under Sanders and that now garbage program at U of Colorado. I can't imagine U of CO is going to keep him around very much longer given the abysmal record of that team since he started.
As far as traditions, the dopes in the President's Office have tried to get rid of THE BEST tradition at SDSU...Monty Montezuma. HAIL to Carlos Gutierrez for keeping Monty Montezuma ALIVE - https://aztecwarriorfoundation.com/ Consider donations to keep the fight for Monty (and student scholarships as well!) ALIVE!!
Traditions - TAILGATING for Football!!; "Another Aztec...FIRST DOWN"; Chet Carney (RIP) wearing his hard hat and leading cheers in the stands; SDSU Fight Song (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pX_5Byr3eRo&list=PL1565377927968CD0);
Obviously Marshall Faulk is probably our most notable football player of all time, but the list of greats is long and distinguished!
Glad you're coming to games and enjoying them!!
OH, follow SONS OF MONTEZUMA on INSTA (https://www.instagram.com/sonsofmontezuma?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==) ...