Has helped the Aztecs to an 8-1 record, matching SDSU’s best start in the last 51 seasons. The defense has been called on to perform even better this year and a struggling offense (116th in total offense, 127th in pass offense).
In the 16 games in which Kurt Mattix has served as defensive coordinator (since the start of 2020 season), San Diego State ranks third nationally in rushing touchdowns allowed (9), rushing yards allowed per game (94.6) and total defense (292.3), fifth in pass efficiency defense (109.4) and yards allowed per rush (3.0), and seventh in scoring defense (17.2).
San Diego State features one of the nation’s top defenses. The Aztecs are sixth in rushing defense (91.2), seventh in team passing efficiency (105.07) and third down conversion percentage (29.8), ninth in total defense (299.9), 10th in scoring defense (18.7), 18th in sacks (3.00) and 23rd in passes intercepted (10).
Junior defensive end Cameron Thomas has the best defensive rating in the nation (per PFF) among players with 455 snaps. He has the most quarterback hits in the nation (16), is second in the country in quarterback pressures (50) and leads the team in tackles for loss (13) and quarterback hurries (14).