The Ohio Bobcats are set to begin their 2023 college football season with a challenging matchup against the San Diego State Aztecs. The game will take place at Snapdragon Stadium, the on-campus venue for SDSU, and will be broadcast on FS1. The Aztecs are expected to be a slight favorite in this nonconference matchup between teams from the MAC and Mountain West conferences.
Ohio enters the game as the defending MAC East champion and is coming off a successful season in which they won 10 games, including a thrilling overtime victory over Wyoming in the Arizona Bowl. Head coach Tim Albin’s Bobcats boast a strong offense, led by senior quarterback Kurtis Rourke. Rourke, who was named the MAC Offensive Player of the Year last season, threw for 3,526 yards and 25 touchdowns while only throwing four interceptions. Despite suffering an ACL tear in mid-November and missing the last three games of the season, Rourke’s impressive performance earned him the conference’s top offensive honor. However, if Rourke is not fully recovered, junior CJ Harris will step in as the starting quarterback. Harris was named the offensive MVP in Ohio’s bowl victory.
On the other side of the field, San Diego State is known for its strong running game and stingy defense. However, the Aztecs are looking to improve their passing attack as they aim for their first Mountain West championship since 2016. Quarterback Jalen Mayden, who made the switch from safety midway through last season, is expected to play a crucial role in SDSU’s offensive improvement.
While San Diego State’s defense was impressive last season, finishing 16th in the nation in yards allowed per game, head coach Brady Hoke will have to replace most of his starters on that side of the ball. This puts added pressure on the offense to step up and contribute significantly during the nonconference slate, which includes games against UCLA and Oregon State, before heading into Mountain West play.
As for the betting odds, BetMGM has set the spread for the game at San Diego State -2.5. This indicates that the Aztecs are favored to win by a field goal or more. However, it’s important to note that these odds are subject to change leading up to the game.
For fans who can’t make it to Snapdragon Stadium, the game will be available for streaming on FS1. This provides an opportunity for viewers across the country to tune in and watch these two Group of 5 programs face off for only the second time in their history.
In terms of expert picks against the spread, many analysts have favored San Diego State at -2.5. These picks are based on various factors such as team performance, player injuries, and historical data. However, it’s worth noting that these predictions are not guaranteed and should be taken with a grain of salt.
For those looking for additional pregame reading material, The Athletic has provided some insightful articles related to college football win totals and projections for Group of 5 teams. These articles offer valuable insights and analysis that can enhance fans’ understanding of the game and its implications.
In conclusion, the Ohio Bobcats and San Diego State Aztecs are set to kick off their 2023 college football season with an intriguing nonconference matchup. With both teams boasting talented players and high expectations, this game promises to be an exciting start to the season. Fans can catch all the action on FS1 or follow along with expert picks and pregame reading material to enhance their viewing experience.