Film, Focus, and Garage Beers: Gruver’s Aztecs Ready for Championship Stage

Michael Blouse, The Stateline Gazette

SAN DIEGO — When the Stateline Elite Conference began as a simple idea in a text thread, few imagined it would evolve into a prime-time championship spectacle. On Sunday night, San Diego State head coach Chad Gruver will lead the Aztecs into the league’s first-ever SEC Championship Game against Tyler Holjes’ high-powered Toledo Rockets.

For Gruver, the journey to this moment began with a deliberate choice.

Building It His Way

“I wanted to choose a fresh team that I don’t normally play with,” Gruver said. “When I was doing research, I loved their roster.”

San Diego State wasn’t flawless. Few teams in the SEC are. But the speed jumped off the page — especially at corner and receiver. And then there was Lucky Sutton.

“Having Lucky Sutton at running back with his high overall was nice,” Gruver said. “But he’s played better than I ever could have imagined.”

Sutton has become more than just a featured back. He’s become the heartbeat of the Aztecs. Gruver proudly wears Sutton’s sweatshirt on game days — and sometimes to work or the grocery store.

“The dude is a beast,” he said. “And I love that he’s a San Diego guy staying at SDSU next year.”

The Mental Battle of the SEC

Getting to Sunday night required navigating a league that has sharpened every week.

“This league,” Gruver said when asked about the toughest obstacle. “Every single team is getting better.”

The challenge hasn’t only been competition. It’s been discipline.

“Focus and emotions staying in check are the hardest things,” he admitted. “Not making emotional decisions during the game is huge. Playing the game is the fun part. Staying locked in every snap is the work.”

That composure has defined SDSU’s run.

A Real Playcaller’s Edge

Gruver’s advantage isn’t accidental. As an offensive playcaller in the EPC, he approaches NCAA 2026 with real-life instincts.

Every snap comes with a checklist: box count, corner leverage, safety rotation, apex linebacker alignment, defensive tackle shade.

“These are things I do naturally every single play,” he explained. “It gives me an advantage in the run and RPO game that most others in this league aren’t doing without thinking.”

Against Toledo, that edge will be tested.

The Rockets enter the championship balanced and dangerous. Quarterback Tucker Gleason has protected the football all year. Playmakers like Vandeross and Chip thrive in space. And Toledo’s defense has suffocated opponents down the stretch.

“They have an outstanding defense,” Gruver said. “But their offense has been lethal. The key is not making mistakes — and if one happens, not letting it affect the next play.”

The Margin for Error

The matchup may come down to a handful of plays.

“Turnovers and punts are the keys,” Gruver said. “Neither one of us has turned the ball over much, and both of us have forced a lot of turnovers.”

Whoever breaks first may have to chase the game — and that’s dangerous in a matchup like this.

“Both of us have teams built to play ahead. Getting a two-score lead may be enough to win.”

Despite the stakes, Gruver insists preparation won’t change. One ritual, however, remains sacred.

“After I hit ready and the game is loading, I sprint to the fridge and grab two Garage Beers,” he said. “The first one is for during the game to calm the nerves. The second one is for celebrating — or sorrow drowning — afterwards on the JerseyEer Network.”

So far this season, there’s been far more celebrating.

Bigger Than One Game

There will be nerves. Gruver hasn’t won a championship since the 2003 Forks Rebels captured a CBL title. But livestreams and weekly broadcasts have hardened him for the spotlight.

“Once we kick off, it turns into another game,” he said.

Beyond Sunday night, what excites him most is the league’s growth.

“How this league has grown since it was just an idea in a text message is insane,” Gruver said. “Expansion, playoffs, new rivalries — the league is in a really healthy spot.”

And if the Aztecs finish the job?

“I’d call up Stevie Blatz and take him to karaoke at Tally Ho,” he laughed. “Hopefully he performs Baby Shark. Then maybe hit up Irv’s late night like the bus driver told us to do after a freshman football win — if it’s still standing.”

But first comes Toledo.

History will be written Sunday night. The first SEC championship banner will hang somewhere when the final whistle blows. Gruver’s Aztecs believe they have the speed, discipline, and mental strength to bring it back to San Diego.

“Good luck Toledo,” he said. “And Go Aztecs.”