What Is 1970 San Diego State Aztecs football

Overview

The 1970 San Diego State Aztecs football team represented San Diego State University during the NCAA University Division football season. Competing in the Pacific Coast Athletic Association (PCAA), the Aztecs achieved one of the most successful seasons in program history under first-year head coach Claude Gilbert.

With a powerful offense and disciplined defense, the team captured the PCAA title and earned a berth in the Sun Bowl. Their 9-2 record marked a significant improvement from previous years and signaled the rise of San Diego State as a competitive force in college football.

• Record: The Aztecs finished the season with a 9-2 overall record, their best since the late 1960s, showcasing dramatic improvement under new leadership.
• Conference: They competed in the Pacific Coast Athletic Association (PCAA), winning the conference championship with a perfect 5-0 record.
• Coach: First-year head coach Claude Gilbert implemented a disciplined system that emphasized ball control and defensive toughness.
• Sun Bowl: On December 26, 1970, the Aztecs defeated the Iowa State Cyclones 35-30 in El Paso, Texas, marking their first major bowl victory.
• Quarterback:Dennis Johnson led the offense, throwing for 1,388 yards and 10 touchdowns while completing 54% of his passes.

Performance & Strategy

The 1970 Aztecs combined a balanced offensive attack with a tenacious defense, allowing only 19.4 points per game. Their strategy emphasized consistency, minimizing turnovers, and capitalizing on key moments in conference play.

• Offensive Scheme: The team ran a pro-style offense that relied on quarterback Dennis Johnson and a strong running back tandem of Ernie Lane and Bob Alwin.
• Defensive Approach: The defense used a 4-3 alignment, focusing on pressuring quarterbacks and forcing turnovers, recording 24 takeaways over 11 games.
• Key Game: A 21-14 victory over UC Santa Barbara in October solidified their dominance in the PCAA and boosted bowl eligibility hopes.
• Rushing Attack: The Aztecs averaged 186.3 rushing yards per game, led by Bob Alwin’s 612 yards and 7 touchdowns on the ground.
• Pass Defense: They held opponents to just 138.2 passing yards per game, ranking among the top mid-major teams nationally.
• Special Teams: Kicker Steve Haskin converted 9 of 12 field goals, providing crucial points in close games.

Comparison at a Glance

The 1970 season compared favorably to previous and subsequent years in terms of wins, bowl performance, and national recognition. The following table highlights key metrics:

This comparison shows that while the 1969 and 1970 teams had identical records, the 1970 squad achieved greater success by winning both the PCAA title and a bowl game, marking a peak under Gilbert’s early tenure.

Why It Matters

The 1970 season was pivotal for San Diego State football, establishing a foundation for future competitiveness and national recognition. It demonstrated that the program could thrive even after the departure of legendary coach Don Coryell.

• The Sun Bowl victory was the first major bowl win in school history, boosting recruiting and fan engagement.
• Winning the PCAA title helped legitimize the conference and elevated San Diego State’s regional profile.
• The success proved that first-year coaches could succeed with continuity, as Gilbert retained much of Coryell’s system.
• Players like Dennis Johnson and Bob Alwin became program legends, inspiring future Aztec athletes.
• The season contributed to increased stadium attendance, with an average of over 25,000 fans per home game.
• It laid the groundwork for San Diego State’s eventual transition to Division I-A (FBS) in later decades.

Ultimately, the 1970 San Diego State Aztecs season remains a milestone in the program’s history—a blend of resilience, strategic execution, and breakthrough success on the national stage.