Bracketology 2021: 10 biggest winners from opening month of season
By Joey Loose
6. San Diego State
The national pandemic’s cancellation of the NCAA Tournament was devastating to all of the college basketball world, but San Diego State was one of those programs it hurt more than others. After winning their first 26 games last season, the Aztecs had emerged as an elite force and were likely getting a top 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament had it taken place. With Malachi Flynn, Yanni Wetzell and KJ Feagin all gone, the Aztecs were left replenishing the cupboard.
Fortunately, there still remained a lot more talent in San Diego than most people realized. In the month since the season began, the Aztecs have beaten a pair of ranked Pac-12 opponents, including a road win at a tough Arizona State team.
They suffered a home loss to BYU after a poor all-around performance, but rebounded in a major way, thrashing Saint Mary’s in a neutral site game. Early on, this San Diego State team is clearly the team to beat in the Mountain West once more.
Matt Mitchell, Jordan Schakel, and Nathan Mensah have really emerged this season for the Aztecs; with Mitchell in particular shining in that loss to the Cougars a few weeks ago. Even without Flynn and the other talent they lost, coach Brian Dutcher has built a fantastic roster with the depth and talent to compete on the highest stage.
It remains to be seen how this Aztecs team will fare as Mountain West play begins, but they are certainly back in the public eye and will spend much of the winter and early spring in the top 25 if they get on another roll.