The San Diego State Aztecs took over Friday night at SDCCU Stadium against Fresno State. With their victory, they defeated the Bulldogs for the first time since 2016, and the first time at home since 2015.
San Diego State began the game with two punts and a turnover on downs before Fresno State struck first with a touchdown with 7:05 left in the first quarter.
The Bulldogs got the ball back after another punt from the Aztecs, but an interception by Tariq Thompson, his second of the year, led to a 22-yard drive ending in a touchdown from Ryan Agnew and the Aztecs. After a 12-yard pass interference penalty, Junior running back Chase Jasmin ran from the two-yard line for his third touchdown of the season. Matt Araiza kicker the extra point to make it a tied ball game at 2:39 left in the opening quarter.
Before Friday night’s game, the Aztecs had not recorded a touchdown at home in the first half. Jasmin’s first-quarter score was his first home touchdown this season, and his first since Oct. 20, 2018.
San Diego State nearly made another touchdown, but it was overturned when officials ruled senior tight end Parker Houston not in control of the ball and Houston just missed out on his first TD of the year.
Later on the second half, for his first multi-score game of his career, Jasmin caught his second career reception touchdown in another career-high six reception game.
Ryan Agnew had a busy night, making 32 throws in the first half alone. The senior quarterback finished the game with 33 completions in 47 attempts (70.2%) and threw for 323 yards. The leading receptor, Jesse Matthews, caught eight passes, going for 119 yards (14.9 YPR) and his longest going for a game-best 29 yards.
On defense, Dwayne Johnson Jr. led the way with 8 tackles (5 solo) and Luq Barcoo made two interceptions to add his season total to the nation’s second-best seven INTs. Freshman Cameron Thomas and senior Myles Cheatum each made a sack on Fresno State’s quarterback.
The Aztecs will get seven full days off before going on the road to face the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors for the final conference game of the year. San Diego State will need a win to advance to the Mountain West Championship Game. Kickoff will be at 8 p.m. (PT) in Honolulu, Hawaii.