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“Aztecs Football–Bowl Time”

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San Diego State is headed to its 10th bowl game in a row, this time facing Central Michigan of the Mid-American Conference.

The Aztecs came home (9-3) this season.  The Chippewas went to the MAC championship game, losing to Miami of Ohio, ending up (8-5).

Old school coaches face each other.  Rocky Long-vs-Jim McElwain.  Long has been spectacular on Montezuma Mesa.  McElwain rebuilt a (1-11) team into a bowl team in one year.  Both have world of experience.

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Rocky Long’s comments”

..Excited about going to bowl game in New Mexico.
..Short period of time to prepare to play on 12/21
..Central Michigan has had great turnaround season

..Jim McElwain-great success at Colorado State, got the job at Florida
..Took CMU from (1-11) to the MAC title game.
..On film lots of formations on offense, strong on defense with 7-man front
..Hard for us to run the ball
..They put in new system when he got there…finally got it going mid-year
..Scored 40-points or more 5-games second half of season
..Developed group that now knows the system and executing well

..Our team always excited to play another game
..Like going to a different bowl games
..We have played a lot of MAC  teams..they play good football
..CMU very physical up
..Excited about going to new place-experience new things

..Wanted to be in game vs Boise State…have to let it go..just like life
..I found out this year, outside incentives don’t mean a damn thing
..It adds stress and pressure…some people handle it well…some don’t.
..Just let kids play the game

..Cycle-seniors leaving program…alot of fond memories…gave us lot of success
..Our seniors are our leaders…did a great job leading this group

..Kids playing last game…kids excited about what future holds for them
..These kids been playing since they were 8-and-10…it will hit them
..It hits them during the game…they can get sad.
..I was sad when I was pulled out for the final game at New Mexico

..Long layoff-get lazy-rusty….how sharp we are when game starts is the question

..Speed of the game is a problem when you have been off a couple of weeks.

..Disappointed last year loss to Ohio..players didn’t want to play in bowl game
..Proud way seniors led this group since 2nd semester last January

..Gave Jesse Matthews-WR-awarded scholarship next year-he deserves it.

..I have special feelings about New Mexico…love the place..the people..the culture
..Trying to let players know how special New Mexico is
..Only ones who offered me a scholarship-that’s how I went there

..4-game redshirt rule…NCAA may change it…I had answer to problem
..Put a guy on scholarship, here to play football-get college degree…give them 5-years.
…End restrictions how and when they play.
..No waivers-no redshirts-no injury redshirts…Have 5-to-play 5
..You still have 85-grants per year…Not spend additional money

..NCAA transfer portal rule…don’t think there is tampering going on..
..Allow athletes avenue to move on if not happy.
..Not against it…but a lot of names are showing up in the portal.

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