When senior Jordan Brookshire took over as the quarterback for the injured Lucas Johnson, San Diego State was down 16-3 and 3:04 left in the second quarter, and their conference title hopes on the line. But Brookshire controlled the game, scoring a touchdown and leading the Aztecs to a field goal with seconds remaining in the half.

The Aztec offense did not get to a good start, but neither did the defense who gave up a few big plays along with unnecessary penalties that helped Boise State. The Broncos scored touchdowns on their third and fifth possessions, and after a fake punt attempt by the Aztecs failed and gave the Broncos key positioning, they scored a field goal for a 13-point first-half lead.

Then Brookshire was given the ball. His first play was a 30-yard pass completed to wide receiver Jesse Matthews to get the ball in Bronco territory. A two-yard quarterback run and 17-yard completion to tight end Daniel Bellinger put Brookshire in position for his first touchdown pass since Sept. 11, a 29-yard reception to Matthews to get San Diego State back into a one-possession game.

The Aztecs gave the ball back to the Broncos with 1:30 left, and with 28 seconds remaining, received the ball back after a six-play drive from Boise State. Brookshire completed a pass to Elijah Kothe for 16 yards, then 22 yards to Tyrell Shavers to get to the Boise State 20. After two incompletes and seven seconds to go on the clock, head coach Brady Hoke and the Aztecs went for three to get within three at halftime.

Brookshire and the Aztecs opened the second half with consecutive touchdown drives with the game’s second interception in between. Greg Bell ran for two yards for the first touchdown, giving the Aztecs their first lead of the game. Brookshire ran for 16 yards to extend the lead to 11 points and capped a 24-0 run in a 10-minute span.

The Aztec defense was there all second half, limiting Boise State to six or fewer plays on 10 separate drives and three interceptions, with two made by safety Patrick McMorris. Defensive lineman Jonah Tavai made four solo tackles and three sacks, leading the Aztecs defensive team.

The Aztecs have clinched their first Mountain West Conference Championship game since 2016, and will go for their 22nd conference title when they face the Utah State Aggies at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday, Dec. 4 at 12 p.m. PT.