San Diego State’s offense will look to make its presence known on the ground this season, much like they have every year in the Rocky Long era with running backs such as Adam Muema and Ronnie Hillman in the past.
This year sophomore running back Donnel Pumphrey stepped into the starting running back role, and has proven he is more than qualified. In the preseason, he was named to the Doak Walker Award watch list—a list that recognizes the top running backs in the nation—and already has at least 100 yards rushing in each of his first two games this season.
A huge blow to the offense came in last week’s game against the University of North Carolina, when senior wide receiver and captain, Ezell Ruffin, broke his collarbone, effectively putting him out for six to eight weeks.
Ruffin opted to return for his senior season, instead of going to the NFL. He was the Aztecs’ leading receiver last season.
This was terrible news for the whole program, but may be the most detrimental to senior quarterback Quinn Kaehler who had an affinity for passing the ball to No. 3.
Kaehler is going into his second year as the starting quarterback at SDSU and has proven to be a quality manager, leading the Aztecs to a 9-3 record and a bowl win after taking over as the starter.
The loss of Ruffin will undoubtedly test Kaehler harder than he ever has before in his young career, and will have to rely upon unproven receivers such as sophomores Eric Judge and Lloyd Mills.
Judge will likely fill in as the No. 1 receiver, as he showed glimpses of his potential last week against UNC by grabbing a 56-yard touchdown catch—his first collegiate touchdown.
In the trenches, the Aztecs are anchored by their left tackle and captain, senior Terry Poole. Senior Zach Dilley moved from right tackle to center this year, and provides leadership for a critical spot on the offensive line.
Before the Ruffin injury, the outlook for the offense was fairly bright. However, losing its leading receiver was a huge loss that will downgrade the offense significantly.
Grade With Ruffin: B+
Grade Without Ruffin: C+
