Editor’s note: This is the first installment of Mountain West Conference football team previews.
Rocky Long’s affection for his alma mater and his former coaching home is no secret.
Coach: Rocky Long (5th year at SDSU, 16th as head coach; 32-20 at SDSU, 97-89 overall)
Last season: 7-6 overall, 5-3 MWC (T-1st West Division)
Preseason prediction: 1st in MWC West
Orlando Sentinel’s Countdown: 42nd in nation, 2nd in MWC
USA Today’s Countdown: 48th in nation, 3rd in MWC
Series with UNM: Aztecs lead, 25-15 (teams do not meet in 2015)
Returning starters: 6 offense, 8 defense
Key players: Donnel Pumphrey, jr.