Aztecs Dominate Colorado State with Impressive 45-24 Victory

San Diego State Aztecs Showcase Dominance with Impressive Win Over Colorado State
San Diego State Offense Shines in 45-24 Victory
In a highly anticipated matchup at Snapdragon Stadium, the San Diego State Aztecs revitalized their offense, delivering an explosive performance against Colorado State. Reintroducing a classic marketing slogan, “The Pass is Back in the Aztec Attack,” the team showcased its air game with quarterback Jayden Denegal leading the charge. Denegal threw three impressive passes in the first half, including two touchdowns of 45 and 42 yards, contributing to a strong 45-24 victory. The game, attended by an announced crowd of 29,019, marked an exciting start to Mountain West play.
Quarterback’s Stellar Performance Propels Aztecs
Denegal’s performance was a key highlight, completing 13 of 16 passes for 256 yards, with 2 touchdowns to boot. His precision in the first half was astounding, going 10-for-12 for 223 yards. Jordan Napier emerged as Denegal’s favorite target, amassing 153 receiving yards, including a 42-yard touchdown reception that pushed the Aztecs’ lead to 21-10.
Running Game Reaches New Heights
The Aztecs also excelled on the ground, racking up a total of 281 rushing yards, a feat that hasn’t been achieved with multiple players going over 100 yards in the same game in six years. Key contributors included:
- Lucky Sutton: 113 yards on 21 carries, 2 touchdowns
- Byron Cardwell: 129 yards on 15 carries, 1 touchdown
- Christian Washington: 28 yards on 8 carries, 1 touchdown
This balanced offensive attack resulted in 540 total yards for the Aztecs, the highest output in 23 games at Snapdragon Stadium. “It’s always good to see our offense get in gear,” noted Aztecs edge Trey White, emphasizing the importance of the game’s dynamics.
Defensive Highlights Despite Challenges
While the Aztecs’ defense had been strong in previous games, allowing no points at home this season, they faced challenges against Colorado State. The Rams managed to score twice, including a 49-yard touchdown pass from Jackson Brousseau to Armani Winfield. SDSU coach Sean Lewis acknowledged these hurdles but remained optimistic about the team’s performance overall, stating, “It’s a testament to the receivers, Denegal, and their consistent hard work.”
Key Moments That Defined the Game
Significant moments during the game included:
- Donovan Brown’s 45-yard touchdown reception to open the scoring
- A crucial 13-play drive resulting in Christian Washington’s 2-yard score
- Gabe Plascencia’s 53-yard field goal, setting the school record for consecutive field goals
As the Aztecs moved forward in the season, their impressive display against Colorado State marked a turning point in their quest for success in the Mountain West conference.
Looking Ahead: What Lies Ahead for the Aztecs
With their record improving to 4-1 overall and 1-0 in the Mountain West, San Diego State is poised for future success. Coach Lewis expressed optimism, noting that the offense is showing signs of coming together in Year 2. As the Aztecs gear up for the next challenges, fans can expect more thrilling performances from this dynamic team.