What Is 1966 San Diego State Aztecs football

Overview

The 1966 San Diego State Aztecs football team represented San Diego State College in the NCAA College Division during the 1966 season. Under the leadership of head coach Don Coryell, the program continued its ascent as one of the top non-Division I programs in the country.

Playing as an independent, the Aztecs compiled a solid 7–3 record, showcasing a powerful offense and disciplined defense. The season reflected the growing reputation of San Diego State football, laying groundwork for future success in the years to come.

• Don Coryell, in his sixth year as head coach, implemented an aggressive offensive strategy that emphasized passing and speed.
• The team scored 277 points over 10 games, averaging 27.7 points per game, one of the highest marks among college teams outside Division I.
• They allowed 158 points total, demonstrating a defense that improved steadily as the season progressed.
• San Diego State played its home games at Aztec Bowl, a 15,000-seat stadium located on the university's campus.
• The 1966 season was part of a five-year stretch from 1963 to 1967 in which Coryell led the Aztecs to a 41–5–2 record.

Season Performance

The 1966 campaign featured a balanced schedule of regional opponents and strong independents, testing the Aztecs against a variety of competition. Wins against teams like Cal Poly and Northern Arizona highlighted offensive execution and defensive resilience.

• September 17: The Aztecs opened the season with a 33–13 win over Cal Poly, setting a tone of offensive dominance.
• October 1: A hard-fought 20–14 victory over Nevada showed the team’s ability to win close games under pressure.
• October 15: The 41–0 shutout of Northern Arizona demonstrated defensive strength and depth.
• October 29: A loss to Fresno State, 14–13, ended a four-game win streak and exposed minor weaknesses in red-zone defense.
• November 12: A decisive 34–7 win over Utah State reaffirmed the team’s offensive firepower late in the season.
• Final record: The Aztecs finished 7–3, their third consecutive season with seven or more wins under Coryell.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 1966 Aztecs stacked up against recent seasons and key rivals:

The table illustrates that while the 1966 Aztecs scored slightly fewer points than in 1965, their defensive performance remained strong compared to peers. Their point differential of +119 was competitive with top-tier college programs outside the University Division. The consistency across 1963–1966 under Coryell established San Diego State as a national power in college football’s lower divisions.

Why It Matters

The 1966 season was a key chapter in the development of one of the most influential programs in college football history, particularly in shaping offensive philosophy.

• Don Coryell’s system in 1966 laid the foundation for the modern passing game, later adopted in the NFL by coaches like Joe Gibbs and Mike Martz.
• The team’s success helped elevate San Diego State’s national profile, contributing to its eventual move to NCAA Division I in the 1970s.
• Several players from the 1966 roster went on to play professionally, including Monty Montgomery, who joined the CFL.
• The season demonstrated the viability of non-scholarship programs competing at a high level through coaching and discipline.
• It reinforced Aztec Bowl as a community hub and symbol of local pride in San Diego athletics.
• The 1966 team was part of a legacy that led to San Diego State joining the Western Athletic Conference in 1978.

Ultimately, the 1966 San Diego State Aztecs represent more than just a season record—they symbolize the rise of a program that redefined small-college football and influenced generations of coaches and players.