Flanker Az Hakim, running back George Jones, quarterback Billy Blanton and wide receiver Will Blackwell are standing on the beach with the Pacific Ocean as their backdrop.
At the start of this season, the foursome had the opportunity to produce the most eye-opening numbers since the Beatles washed ashore in the early 1960s.
Last year, Jones was a 1,000-yard rusher, Blackwell and Hakim were 1,000-yard receivers, and Blanton threw for 3,000 yards in one of the most dazzling offensive shows in the country.
San Diego State head coach Ted Tollner spent most of the summer thinking what these guys would do for an encore. Unfortunately for him, he didn't have to wonder very long.
Two of the fab four were washed out to sea before the first game was even played. Jones and Blackwell were suspended for the opener after their apparent misuse of a rental car while doing charity work.
Blackwell returned after one game, caught 11 passes for 280 yards and four touchdowns, then sprained his knee and is out for this Friday night's matchup with the University of Hawaii.
Jones returned to practice last week, but because he apparently lied to the NCAA about several different items - including details on a car loan - he is lost this weekend as well.
"There is no change (on Jones' status)," Tollner said yesterday during a conference call. "We're still waiting. It's my understanding our administration has turned everything in.
"We met with the NCAA back there. We were hoping to get an answer last week. They're supposed to maybe give us an answer Wednesday or Friday.
"We're getting ready to play without him. He did practice the last two weeks and he's close to being ready. But we have to put our focus on the people we know can play. That means we'll go with freshman Marty Graham."
According to the San Diego Union, Jones' lawyer said the NCAA told them he would miss at least three games, not including the season opener with Idaho.
It means the soonest Jones can be back would be next weekend at the University of New Mexico.
Even without Jones and Blackwell, the Aztecs will prove a formidable foe for Hawaii. Blanton is the No. 1-rated quarterback in the country.
The senior has a rating of 182.78. By comparison, Hawaii's Glenn Freitas has a 96.4. Blanton hasn't played in nearly three weeks because of scheduling changes involving the San Diego Padres.
But he's still fifth in the nation in total offense, averaging 305 yards a game, and has completed 63 percent of his passes for 1,002 yards, 11 touchdowns and only two interceptions.
With Blackwell sidelined, Hakim has become Blanton's favorite target. He has 18 receptions for 434 yards and four touchdowns. He leads the nation in receiving yards per game, with an average of 144.67.
"We're anxious to play, obviously," Tollner said. "It will be three weeks between games. You need to play to find out where you are.
"We've had several good practices, but there's nothing like playing games. We're very anxious to get back some of the momentum we've lost by not playing since Sept. 21. We had hoped to get some injured players back, but even being off this long, there are several guys who won't play."
That includes Blackwell (knee), starting center Bill Van Raaphorst (knee sprain), starting offensive tackle Ephraim Salaam (hamstring) and starting defensive tackle Cameron Chance (ankle).
The Aztecs do have top cornerback Ricky Parker on the defensive side of the football. The senior already has returned an interception 58 yards for a touchdown. He's also fifth on the team in tackles with 15.
"Overall, I think our team has responded well, despite the loss of some quality players over an extended period of time," Tollner said. "Not having played in a while, could pose a problem.
"That's why we're glad to be getting back on the field this weekend against what we feel is an improving Hawaii team. It's our first WAC game, so obviously, we want to get off to a good start with a win at home."
Teams: Hawaii Rainbows at San DiegoState.
When: Friday, 4 p.m. HST, Jack Murphy Stadium
Weekend update: San Diego State was idle last week.
Behind the scenes:Air Force and San Diego State were scheduled to play on Saturday night, but the game was preempted because of the St. Louis-San Diego baseball playoff game at Jack Murphy Stadium. The AFA-SDSU game was rescheduled for Thanksgiving day, a decision which left Aztecs coach Ted Tollner steaming because his team will have only five days to prepare for that game.