Credit: PJ Panebianco/ EVT Sports
GAME INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, November 22
Location: San Diego, Snapdragon Stadium
Kickoff: 7:30 PM PT
TV: FS1
Aztecs Radio Network: San Diego Sports 760
The Aztecs are coming off an impressive win over Boise State in a smash-mouth game that saw both teams battle it out in the trenches. SDSU improved to 8-2 overall and solidified its top spot in the Mountain West Conference.
With two games to go, Sean Lewis has the chance to host the conference championship at Snapdragon Stadium if his squad can win out.
“Good weekend on the Mesa. Great win. This team continues to find ways to win in different ways, which is a great skill to have. I’m really pleased with the physical effort along both the O-line and the D-line, but more so with our skill and the way that our secondary supported the run and got the ball to the ground with some really violent tackles,” Lewis said of the team’s win over the Broncos. “Very thankful for the fans that braved the elements and came out and supported. We need to have a great week of preparation as we go forward for another great opportunity here on the Mesa.”
SDSU’s win over the Broncos was a great team win after the tough loss to Hawaii the week prior. The offense played tough and controlled the line of scrimmage, allowing Lucky Sutton to rush for 150 yards. The defense continued its stellar play at home, giving up one score to Boise State.
This will be the last home game at Snapdragon unless the team is able to host the conference championship. The Red and Black have been lights out and remain undefeated at home this season. The Aztecs have outscored opponents 162-38. The defense, despite losing Tano Letuli for the season, has continued to play physical and shut down opposing offenses.
The Spartans are currently 3-7 overall and have only won two games in the division. Their offense excels in the passing game as quarterback Walker Eget leads the conference in passing yards with 3,015. His main target is also the leader in receiving yards in the Mountain West, Danny Scudero, who has amassed 1,155 yards. He is the only receiver in the conference who has surpassed the 1,000 receiving yards mark.
Their defense is vulnerable against both the run and the pass, and this game will be the first as interim defensive coordinator for the former SDSU DL coach, Bojay Filimoeatu. Jayden Denegal should be able to excel and take advantage of the defense. Sutton will be able to have a lighter load this week if needed, as the offense should find success through the air.
This series between programs is closer than most, with SDSU leading 24-21-2. The last matchup was in 2023, at San Jose State. The Spartans defeated the Aztecs 13-24. After a one-yard rushing touchdown by Jaylon Armstead, SDSU failed to find the endzone as the offense stalled.
Keys To The Game
Run The Ball Successfully
The running backs this year, led by Sutton, have been the most consistent part of the offense. Sutton has over 1,000 yards, while Christian Washington and Byron Cardwell Jr have provided explosive plays when called upon.
This week, the running game will be leaned on again. Wide receiver Jordan Napier, who exited last week’s game, is out for the season with a knee injury.
The Spartans have given up an average of 146.5 rushing yards per game to opponents and have allowed opposing rushers to find the endzone 19 times.
This season, the run game has excelled due to the significantly improved offensive line, led by coach Mike Schmidt. Schmidt has assembled a strong group of big guys up front, and they have remained healthy for the most part this season, which was a struggle for them last year.
“When the opportunity came here, it made sense to bring him back home, and I feel very fortunate to have him with his knowledge and his expertise,” Lewis said of Schmidt. “To be able to share ideas and to craft a plan each and every single week. He’s done a tremendous job going out and vetting the talent.”
Credit: Don De Mars/EVT Sports
Despite Eget’s success this season, he still has thrown the second-most interceptions in the conference with eight.
This Aztec’s defense has done a good job forcing turnovers, and this week, at home, will be another golden opportunity.
Having Chris Johnson back last week was a big boost on defense, and he will be looking to get back in the mix even more against the Spartans.
Eight different players have recorded interceptions for the Red and Black, and four have forced fumbles.
Against a weak running attack, the opportunity to create turnovers will be even greater. San Jose State’s leading rusher, Steve Chavez-Soto, has only 347 yards on the season with seven touchdowns.
The Aztecs’ front will have the chance to penetrate the backfield, disrupt plays, and create opportunities for the secondary.
The secondary can play aggressively, but will need to play smart, as Eget is a superb passer and can make them pay.
Overall, the defense will need to play to its potential, but play smart and not allow small plays to turn into big yard plays or scores that could’ve been avoided otherwise.
Players To Watch
Credit: PJ Panebianco/ EVT Sports
Through ten games, White has 41 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks.
After the success he had last season, teams were made aware of his skill set and have been treating him differently this year. Last season, he ended with 12.5 sacks total, and with two games left, plus a bowl game and conference championship, he will be short of that, but he has made an impact on the field nonetheless.
This week, he will be the top player to keep an eye on. The Spartans have a tough offensive line, but White is a special player with the ability to get by anyone trying to block him.
Even if White is not the one getting to the quarterback, his impact allows his teammates around him to be free to make big plays.
Keep an eye on number two to make big plays that could make or break this game. SDSU’s defense feeds off each other’s energy, and the nucleus of that energy is White and his big-play ability.
The heart of the offense for the Spartans is Eget. His ability to read defenses and make smart and accurate throws makes him a dangerous quarterback.
He uses the players around him to elevate the offense and take advantage of any opportunity. The big play quarterback is averaging just over 300 yards per game and can move his offense up and down the field at will.
This passing attack will be a good test for the SDSU secondary as they prepare to compete for a conference championship.
The most important aspect of shutting down Eget will be getting through his offensive line. This is easier said than done, as they have a solid front.
“They’re super dangerous. The passing attack is very real. Their front is dynamic,” Lewis said of the Spartan offensive attack. “They have players that can play on edges. We have to have a great week of preparation.”
Shutting down number five on their offense will lead to a snowball effect of rendering their offense useless. Keep an eye on the defense to be head-hunting for Eget.
Johnny is born and raised in San Diego and a diehard fan of all his hometown teams. He is an avid collector of sports memorabilia that help paint a picture of the history of sports in San Diego. He spends a lot of his time attending sports games across San Diego county and enjoys studying the history and spreading knowledge of San Diego’s diverse sports.
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