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Logan • A month into last season, San Diego State was limping along with a 1-3 record, including a head-scratching overtime loss to South Alabama and a 28-point defeat at Cal.

The Aztecs were on the ropes.

So, it seemed, was coach Rocky Long.

Less than a year later, however, San Diego State is the toast of the Mountain West Conference.

The Aztecs are the overwhelming choice to win the Pacific Division and reach the league's title game. Long's job couldn't be more secure and those connected with the program are talking with supreme confidence about 2016.

"Everybody thinks that … we're going to be pretty good," Long said. "I think we have a chance to be pretty good, too. It's just a matter of us having the right attitude, staying away from injuries and playing well when we have to play well. Going into the season, we have a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of positive thoughts. We'll see how it goes."

Star running back Donnel Pumphrey is more optimistic.

"We know, if we start fast, it could be a special year and possible undefeated season," he said. "… I feel like we deserve that kind of recognition. We play great and are one of the toughest teams in the nation."

After last season's slow start, San Diego State won 10 straight games, including a 48-14 victory over Utah State. No team — not Utah or Washington or BYU — manhandled the Aggies like the Aztecs did on that lopsided evening at Qualcomm Stadium.

San Diego State returns 14 starters, including Pumphrey. He rushed for 1,653 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior.

"He's as good as any running back in the country," Long said. "I also think the league we play in and being on the West Coast makes it very difficult for him to earn any national recognition."

Against Utah State last season, Pumphrey rushed 21 times for 183 yards and two touchdowns.

Some expected him to declare for the NFL draft, but Pumphrey didn't consider it.

"I've always known I was going to come back," he said. "I've always talked to my parents about graduating. I also committed to being for four years and I told the coaches that when they first recruited me. That's been a big part of me wanting to stay here."

Another reason?

"Knowing that we have a great team coming back," Pumphrey said. "It could be a special year and I know that if everything goes right we can hopefully win another conference championship. That's our ultimate goal."

San Diego should once again own the Pacific Division, where Nevada and San Jose will likely battle for second place and bid to a higher-level bowl.

In the more balanced Mountain Division, Boise State is the preseason favorite. But defending champion Air Force, New Mexico, Utah State and Colorado State are all bowl-caliber teams which will be waiting if the Broncos to stumble.

Twitter: @sluhm —

Mountain West predictions

West Division

1. San Diego State

Starts the season on 10-game win streak.

2. Nevada

Pack doesn't play either Boise State or Air Force.

3. San Jose State

Spartans return 16 starters from last season's bowl team.

4. Fresno State

Is coach Tim DeRuyter on the hot seat?

5. UNLV

Since 1995, Rebels are 65-173 overall.

6. Hawaii

Nick Rolovich takes over for Norm Chow as head coach.

Mountain Division

1. Boise State

Broncos replace seven defensive starters.

2. Air Force

Plays New Mexico in Dallas on Oct. 15.

3. New Mexico

Beat Boise, Air Force, Aggies last season.

4. Utah State

Big questions at linebacker, wide receiver.

5. Colorado State

Five of first six games played in Colorado.

6. Wyoming

RB Brian Hill is one of the best in the MWC.