SAN DIEGO –
Complete, utter dominance. The San Diego State Aztecs, led by their defense, captured their sixth victory at Snapdragon Stadium with a 25-3 win Saturday, finishing the regular season undefeated at home.
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Once again, the Aztecs’ defense controlled the Spartans for 60 minutes, turning the game into a nightmare for an offense that was sacked four times and committed two turnovers.
The Aztecs’ offense struggled for most of the night and was outgained 268-248. Out of 134 combined plays, only one went for more than 20 yards.
Two plays into the game’s opening possession, safety Dwayne McDougle intercepted his third pass of the season, setting up the Aztecs deep in Spartan territory. Running back Lucky Sutton carried the ball on five of the six plays, including a one-yard touchdown that gave SDSU an early lead.
On their next drive, the Spartans moved downfield but missed a 43-yard field goal after kicker Denis Lynch lost his footing. Before going three-and-out following the miss, San Jose State quarterback Walker Eget left with a knee injury, bringing in freshman Tama Amisone.
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San Diego State answered with a 12-play, 57-yard drive capped by a 35-yard field goal from Gabriel Plascencia. The Spartans responded with a long field goal drive of their own, burning five minutes off the clock.
After a second missed field goal by San Jose State’s backup kicker, the Aztecs put together another late-half drive. Donovan Brown hauled in a 52-yard sliding catch to set up SDSU inside the 5, and four plays later, Jayden Denegal scored on a one-yard sneak to make it 18-3.
Both offenses struggled to muster momentum in the second half, but the Aztecs’ defense continued its dominance, allowing just 104 yards after the break. Entering the game questionable, senior defensive back Chris Johnson closed out senior night with a sack and a jump-ball interception.
San Diego State heads into the final week of the regular season with a chance to clinch the Mountain West title against New Mexico. Kickoff for the season finale is set for Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
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