OFFENSE

Quarterback Ryan Lindley is on pace to end his career as San Diego State’s all-time leading passer. Lindley made big strides last season, throwing for 3,830 yards and a career-high 28 touchdowns. His completion percentage was up to 57.7, and he was sacked only nine times, down from 15 the previous season. Lindley will be working under his third different offensive coordinator, with Andy Ludwig now in charge of the Aztecs’ attack. Quarterbacks coach Brian Sipe, a former SDSU great, was retained by new coach Rocky Long.

Running back Ronnie Hillman gives the Aztecs their top rushing threat since Marshall Faulk in the early 1990s. Hillman was named the Mountain West Freshman of the Year after rushing for 1,532 yards and 17 touchdowns. His offseason goal was to add some muscle so he could continue to carry the ball 20 times per game without getting worn down.

Tight end Gavin Escobar also starred as a freshman, catching 29 passes for 323 yards, but there are issues at wide receiver with the loss of two 1,000-yard receivers — Vincent Brown and DeMarco Sampson. Dominique Sandifer (23 catches in 2010) was the most experienced returner, but suffered a knee injury and is out for 2011. The Aztecs will have to rely on sophomore Dylan Denso and freshman Ezell Ruffin to emerge as Lindley's go-to targets.

Right guard Nik Embernate heads an offensive line that returns four starters, though Alec Johnson will slide over from left guard to center.

DEFENSE

The Aztecs were much improved on defense last season, allowing only 353.8 yards (down from 382.0 in ’09) and 22.1 points (down from 30.5) per game. Expectations are high this fall, with two of the premier defensive players in the league back for another season — linebacker Miles Burris and cornerback Leon McFadden.

Burris, a third-year starter on the outside, is a tremendous freelancer who spends a lot of time in opposing backfields. He led the Mountain West in both sacks (9.5) and tackles for a loss (20). McFadden is a shutdown corner who picked off two passes en route to first-team All-MWC honors. He is capable of intercepting five or six passes if teams don’t shy away from his side of the field.

San Diego State is hoping hard-hitting Eric Pinkins will man the Aztec safety position in the 3-3-5 alignment. Pinkins missed last season due to a suspension for violating team rules. Logan Ketchum joins Burris as a returning starter at linebacker. Nose tackle Jerome Long, the team’s top defensive lineman, had six tackles for a loss last season.

SPECIALISTS

Punter Brian Stahovich led the Mountain West and finished eighth nationally with a 45.4-yard average. He has a booming leg and placed 18 punts inside the 20-yard line. Kicker Abel Perez is a touchback machine (28) and made 17-of-22 field goal attempts.

FINAL ANALYSIS

Long seeks to continue the momentum after a 9–4 season that concluded with the program’s first bowl victory since 1969. Long, who spent 11 years as the coach at New Mexico before joining the SDSU staff in 2009, replaces Brady Hoke, who wasted no time cashing in on the surprise success by lobbying for and getting the Michigan job. Top-notch offensive coordinator Al Borges departed with Hoke, but the defensive philosophy remains the same with Long still on board.

The Aztecs have some star power on offense with Lindley and Hillman and should be solid on defense once again. Winning the MWC title will be tough — Boise State and TCU are the teams to beat — but SDSU should be back in a bowl game for the second straight season.