A football season of unprecedented expectations begins for San Diego State University Saturday evening, with their opener against New Hampshire to be followed by the KGB SkyShow 41 fireworks extravaganza.
SDSU carries a 10-game winning streak into the 2016 campaign, second in the nation only to defending national champion Alabama. Some college football observers give the Aztecs a chance to make it into a prestigious New Year’s bowl game, and ESPN predicted an undefeated regular season.
The confidence stems from the winning streak, 15 returning starters and a dark horse Heisman Trophy candidate in running back Donnel Pumphrey, though hopes could be derailed by a lack of depth at quarterback and an offensive line that’s already suffered multiple injuries.
The Aztecs haven’t finished a season without a loss since 1969 and have never played in a New Year’s bowl game.
While their opening opponent is a member of the lower-level Football Championship Subdivision, the Wildcats have reached the FCS playoffs a dozen years in a row, making it to the semifinals in 2013 and 2014.
The popular SkyShow is billed by KGB as the largest pyrotechnics display west of the Mississippi River, combining fireworks with video and music. A playlist on the classic rock station’s website promises tunes such as Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the Beatles “A Day in the Life” and a grand finale with The Who’s “Long Live Rock.”
KGB will broadcast live from the parking lot at Qualcomm Stadium from 2 p.m. until the 5:30 p.m. kickoff.
The University of San Diego will also open its football slate today, hosting Western New Mexico at 6 p.m. at Torero Stadium.
—City News Service
