San Diego State Falls 38-6 to Hawaii: Key Takeaways

Basio badr

ago 2 hours

San Diego State Falls 38-6 to Hawaii: Key Takeaways

San Diego State University (SDSU) faced a significant setback on Saturday night, losing 38-6 to Hawaii at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex. This defeat marked a critical moment for the Aztecs in the Mountain West Conference.

Key Takeaways from the Loss to Hawaii

1. Defensive Struggles

SDSU’s defense, previously a strength during a six-game winning streak, faltered against the Rainbow Warriors. The absence of linebacker Tano Letuli and cornerback Chris Johnson appeared to disrupt the team’s defensive cohesion. The defense allowed Hawaii to accumulate 396 yards, a performance uncharacteristic for a unit that had previously limited opponents to just 300 yards in a game twice this season.

Hawaii gained 300 yards of offense in the first half alone.
After a successful start with an interception, SDSU allowed Hawaii to score quickly.
The loss to Hawaii leaves the Aztecs with little room for error moving forward.

2. Quarterback’s Ongoing Health Issues

Quarterback Jayden Denegal has been under duress this season, having sustained a shoulder injury in the season opener. He has played with a brace while dealing with pain from multiple injuries, including a recent issue during the game against Fresno State.

Denegal’s performance against Hawaii was subpar, completing only 10 of 27 passes for 132 yards and two interceptions. This drop in effectiveness raises concerns about his ability to lead the team in the upcoming critical matches.

3. Championship Aspirations Remain

Despite the loss, SDSU’s chances for winning the Mountain West title remain alive but precarious. Currently, the Aztecs sit tied with Boise State at the top of the conference but must navigate upcoming games without further losses.

Upcoming matches include a showdown with Boise State on Saturday.
SDSU must also face San Jose State and New Mexico before the regular season concludes.

Winning all three games will not only secure the Mountain West regular season title but also allow SDSU to host the conference championship game. With four other teams close behind in the standings, the upcoming weeks are crucial for the Aztecs.

Head Coach Sean Lewis emphasized the need for urgency and learning from this defeat. “There’s always a sense of urgency…for us to learn from what transpired against Hawaii,” he stated, indicating a focus on growth and improvement for the team.