Before the season started, the Aztecs were cautiously optimistic about their opportunities in this football season. While they lost a few key players to the NFL, they had adequate replacements to step in. In addition, the transfer of quarterback Braxton Burmiester from West Virginia seemed to put that controversy to rest. There was much talk that the Aztecs would compete for the Mountain West title and a national ranking. The game against Arizona and the resulting 38-20 loss caused a total team reset and a reality check. After three games the Aztecs were 1-2, suffering two losses against Pac-12 teams.