Coach Lewis made the announcement that Stone Saunders will handle quarterbacking duties this week when they host Utah State.
Coaches get the big bucks to make the important decisions. While on the surface this seemed to be difficult, in reality, it was an easy, no-brainer. Stone Saunders will start this week and finish out the remainder of the season as the starting quarterback in place of former starter, Jayden Denegal.
“As of right now, Stone is the starter,” said Coach Lewis at his Monday press
conference. “He will continue to be the starter… In the past month, since he has had his injury, Stone has done a great job and is putting us in a position to be successful. So he will be the starter as we go forward.”
The key words have been putting them in a position to be successful. That hasn’t always translated into wins, but his performance has been what the Aztecs need to be able to turn the corner. Saunders, a transfer from Kentucky, came into the game against Fresno State following a Denegal injury and helped lead them to victory. He also started the following two games against Colorado State (in a loss) and Washington State (in a win). Saunders has been a breath of fresh air, as he has given the Aztecs some semblance of a passing game. He has completed 41 of his 65 passes for 532 yards and two touchdowns. He has thrown three interceptions, but one would expect that to be improved with more repetitions and consistency as he builds rapport with his receivers.
Asked about his decision to choose Saunders over Denegal. “It’s very specific in the player policy manual that your job is your job. You won’t lose it due to injury, unless you have been significantly outplauyed…The starter is the starter for a reason. If the no. 2, whatever the position, does come in, he better play so exceedingly well that everyone in the organization goes, ‘Hey, it’s clear as day.’ Like Ray Charles could see that he should be the starter.”
That play became obvious as the Aztecs managed to score touchdowns on both of their opening possessions during the past two games. They had been unable to do that in any of the previous seven games of the season. In the all important stat of third down conversion, They managed to improve from 29.3% to 54.2% the last two games. These type of statistics help to sway the momentum in a positive swing.
Lewis added, “He has continued to put us in a position to win and elevate the people that are around him. That’s the No. 1 job of a quarterback, to find ways to win and make people around you better as you go. … Stone did a good job with the opportunity that presented itself and took advantage of it.”
Going into the Utah State game, the Aztecs find themselves a 2 ½ point underdog. Kickoff is at 6:30 PST and can be seen on the USA Network. Utah State has turned around their season and have an overall 4-5 record and are 3-2 in conference play. The Aggies are coming off of a strong performance against Fresno State, where they won 17-10 on the backs of a solid defense. The Aztecs and Aggies are in a four way tie for second place with Oregon State and Texas State. Boise State has nearly ran away with the conference lead, taking on all comers. The Aggies are led by quarterback Grady Brosterhous who has thrown for 1,120 yards and seven touchdowns. Running back Javen Jacobs leads the way with 527 rushing yards on 106 attempts for a nice 5.0 yard average. Through the air, Eli Wood has 479 reception yards on 37 receptions and five scores.
This is the last home game for the Aztecs this season and they will say goodbye to 28 seniors including running back Lucky Sutton, edge Brady Nassar, safety MAx Garrison, Josh Hunter and Cornerback Jelani Whitmore who all have spent their entire career as Aztecs. This is a welcome and meaningful statement of the program to have players stay and retain their place on the team that recruited them. The Aztecs are 10-1 at home over the last two seasons and look to close out on a winning note before they end the season on the road at Boise State on the 21st.
