Before I begin with this “preview” let me just say- this is not a preview. I’m not sure what to call it, but if you are looking for meaningful previews might I suggest you peruse the Irish Blogroll on the right side of the page. This is more like the anti-preview.
San Diego State Aztecs.
The season opener / home opener is finally upon us. If you are reading this, you either can’t sleep or wake up early and need something. That “something” is probably a beer and some football. Do yourself a favor and please wait until 10:oo am before communing with the god of hops and barley. Five and a half hours should still be plenty of time to kill the rest of the brain cells that cling to the memory of 2007. Now on to the good stuff…
What should you be drinking? Tecate, Tecate, Tecate. Aztecs are of Mexican decent and so is this nectar of the gods. Too many of you gringos are under the assumption that Corona or Dos Equis are the only Mexican Cerveza’s in existence. Wrong. Take the time to grab this southern treat that has a bold flavor and is one of the few beers in the U.S. served in a can. You can add a lime if you wish- to be gay.
What should you be eating? Fish tacos. If you haven’t tried this most delectable treat of the sea, I recommend you run to the grocery and give it a whirl. If you are too afraid to try and make them yourself, there is a place in South Bend called “Mi Cocina” on Western avenue. I am told that it is fantástico.
What should I be wearing? The forecast calls for a very nice Saturday (75 degrees will feel like 92 after all of the Tecate and fish tacos). I recommend a pair of board shorts for the fellas and a green bikini for the ladies. Overkill? I think not. Let’s prove to the recruits that we are just as hot as the people in southern California.
What freshman will make the biggest impact? Easy there tiger. I know you want to pull the trigger and say Michael Floyd, and you may be right. But the safe bet is on TE Kyle Rudolph. Kyle has the size and speed to become a true downfield threat. He’s no pretty boy though. Rudolph has become a very good run blocker according to those in the know. (Those in the know are Joe Montana via The Cincinnati Enquirer). I predict a 3rd quarter TD grab by the frosh.
What offensive player needs to step it up? That would be Michael Turkovich. Turk takes over at the LT position and if the Irish are going to improve and win a good amount of ball games this year. Turk has the mean streak needed in the rushing attack and has proved himself in practice to agile on his feet as a pass protector on Jimmy’s blind side.
What defensive player needs to step it up? How about… Pat Kuntz. Kuntz takes over the end spot previously occupied by the dominant Trevor Laws. Pat has the motor and the knack for getting his hands up to deflect passes (team leader in 07) just like Laws, but is he athletic enough to make all of the plays that Laws did? I think he can, and he can thank a more aggressive and athletic “D” for the help Laws never seemed to have.
Who’s gonna win? The Irish- by a large margin. How about… 46-6. SDSU lost to Cal Poly last week and looked really bad in doing it as well. They have lost 5 starters for this game and beyond and will simply be outmatched. If the Irish don’t put up huge numbers and allow very little… we could be in for a long season. But, that shouldn’t happen Saturday.
(Irish Illustrated’s McStug)