What Is 2008 Cal Poly Mustangs football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2008 Cal Poly Mustangs football team represented California Polytechnic State University in the NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 7-4 record and placing third in the Great West Conference under head coach Rich Ellerson.

Key Facts

The 2008 Cal Poly Mustangs finished the season with a 7-4 overall record
Head coach Rich Ellerson led the team during his fifth season at Cal Poly
The Mustangs played their home games at Alex G. Spanos Stadium in San Luis Obispo
They competed in the Great West Conference and finished third with a 4-2 conference record
Quarterback DeNarius McGhee was a key offensive player, throwing for over 1,200 yards

Overview

The 2008 Cal Poly Mustangs football team represented California Polytechnic State University during the 2008 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), the team was led by head coach Rich Ellerson, who was in his fifth year at the helm. The Mustangs played their home games at Alex G. Spanos Stadium in San Luis Obispo, California, a venue known for its passionate fan base and strong home-field advantage.

This season marked a transitional phase for the program as Cal Poly continued to refine its triple-option offensive system. While not qualifying for the FCS playoffs, the team showed marked improvement in several statistical categories compared to previous years. The Mustangs’ performance reflected a growing consistency in conference play and a solid foundation for future success.

Record: The team finished the 2008 season with a 7-4 overall record, including a 4-2 mark in the Great West Conference, placing them third in the standings.
Head Coach: Rich Ellerson, in his fifth season, emphasized a disciplined, run-heavy triple-option offense that led the team to improved offensive efficiency.
Home Stadium: Alex G. Spanos Stadium, with a capacity of over 11,000, hosted all home games and provided a strong community-supported atmosphere.
Offensive Leader: Quarterback DeNarius McGhee threw for 1,237 yards and seven touchdowns while also rushing for 372 yards, anchoring the offense.
Defensive Standout: Linebacker Kyle Shotwell earned All-American honors in 2007 and remained a key defensive leader in 2008 despite missing time due to injury.

Season Performance

The 2008 campaign featured a mix of competitive non-conference matchups and intense Great West Conference battles. Cal Poly demonstrated resilience in close games, winning four of their six home contests. The team’s schedule included road games against strong FCS programs, testing their depth and adaptability throughout the season.

September 6, 2008: The season opened with a 31-28 win over San Diego, showcasing the effectiveness of Cal Poly’s rushing attack with 324 yards on the ground.
October 11, 2008: A pivotal 24-21 victory over Southern Utah helped solidify their conference standing and highlighted defensive improvements.
November 15, 2008: The Mustangs lost 27-20 to UC Davis in the season finale, ending their hopes of a playoff berth despite a strong finish.
Rushing Yards: Cal Poly averaged 264.7 rushing yards per game, ranking among the top 10 FCS teams in that category.
Turnover Margin: The team struggled with ball security, finishing with a -5 turnover margin, which impacted several close losses.
Special Teams: Kicker Alex Spavdal made 8 of 11 field goals, providing reliable scoring in tight games.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2008 Cal Poly Mustangs' performance against key conference rivals and national FCS averages.

Team	Overall Record	Conference Record	Avg. Rush Yards	Turnover Margin
Cal Poly Mustangs	7-4	4-2	264.7	-5
UC Davis	6-5	4-2	189.2	+2
Southern Utah	5-6	3-3	176.4	-3
North Dakota	7-4	4-2	201.1	+1
National FCS Avg	N/A	N/A	178.3	0

The table illustrates that Cal Poly excelled in rushing offense, significantly outpacing both conference rivals and the national average. However, their negative turnover margin and lack of postseason qualification highlighted areas needing improvement. Despite this, their 7-4 record tied for the best in the Great West Conference, showing competitive parity.

Why It Matters

The 2008 season was a building block for Cal Poly’s football program, setting the stage for future success in the FCS. The team’s strong rushing attack and conference competitiveness demonstrated the effectiveness of their offensive scheme and coaching strategy.

Program Growth: The 7-4 record marked continued improvement under Rich Ellerson, who later led Cal Poly to the FCS playoffs in 2012.
Offensive Identity: The triple-option system became a hallmark of Cal Poly football, influencing recruiting and game planning for years.
Player Development: Quarterback DeNarius McGhee’s performance laid the foundation for future offensive leaders at the position.
Conference Impact: Strong showings helped elevate the profile of the Great West Conference during its final years of operation.
Recruiting Boost: Competitive seasons like 2008 improved Cal Poly’s visibility, aiding in attracting talent from across California.
Fan Engagement: Consistent home wins increased attendance and community support, strengthening the program’s long-term sustainability.

The 2008 Cal Poly Mustangs may not have reached the playoffs, but their season was a critical step in the program’s evolution, blending disciplined coaching with a unique offensive identity that would define the team for years to come.