1) The Aztecs go 6-6 and receive a bid to the Poinsettia Bowl, which will happen assuming all other Mountain West teams finishing at least 7-5 have already received bids to other bowls. Yes, a victory tonight over Cal Poly of the Football Championship Subdivision counts toward a bowl bid.

2) SDSU goes 3-1 in nonconference games and steals a win at New Mexico or Wyoming.

3) Redshirt freshman quarterback Ryan Lindley wastes little time making people forget Kevin O'Connell.

Three worst-case scenarios:

1) An offensive line that features a former defensive tackle and a converted tight end at the tackle spots fails to protect Lindley.

2) A defense that ranked 118th in the country last year vs. the rush and 107th in sacks turns in a repeat performance.

3) Loss of senior linebacker Russell Allen, the team's unquestioned leader.

– MICK McGRANE