Aztecs Take Down Towson Tigers 48-21 To Start Season 4-0
The San Diego State Aztecs look rock solid going into Mountain West regular season conference play.
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The Tigers posted first points and played strong in the first half before the Aztecs gained full dominance.
Carson, CA- The San Diego State Aztecs (4-0, 0-0 MW) effectively manhandled the talented FCS Towson Tigers (1-3, 0-0 CAA) 48-21 on Saturday afternoon in front of a light crowd in their temporary home, the Dignity Health Sports Park.
Towson quarterback Chris Ferguson connected on 19/35 passes, throwing for 213 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Aztecs quarterback Lucas Johnson went 16/25, throwing for 149 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Aztecs running back Chance Bell ran for 79 yards and a touchdown on 7 carries, while Towson receiver Caleb Smith had 9 receptions for 65 yards and one touchdown.
The Towson Tigers energized the game by intercepting the Aztecs early on and then posting first points when quarterback Chris Ferguson connected with receiver Jerry Howard Jr. for 19 yards for a touchdown. The Aztecs responded with first quarter points when Kaegun Williams then ran the ball for 8 yards into the end zone.
Into the second quarter, the Aztecs next scored on a 12-yard run by Jordan Byrd. During their next possession Lucas Johnson connected with Elijah Kothe making it 21-7 after the extra point. With six seconds to go, Ferguson passed to Caleb Smith to make it a one-possession game with a halftime score of 21-14.
After the half, the Aztecs hammered the Tigers. In less than one minute into the third quarter, special teams Tyrell Shavers blocked a Tigers punt. The ball was then recovered for touchdown. Four minutes later, Jordan Byrd completed a 55-yard run for touchdown. Five minutes later, Matt Araiza made a 48-yard field goal. For the final touchdown of the quarter, Chance Bell powered a hard contested run into the end zone. At the end of the third quarter the score was 45-14.
In the fourth quarter, Matt Araiza made a 36-yard field goal for the Aztecs’ final points. Towson managed one more touchdown that was nearly picked off when Lucas Johnson passed for 9 yards to Daniel Thompson IV. The Aztecs used the remaining five minutes to give some of the upcoming freshmen valuable play time.
The game ended 48-21, and the Aztecs left the field with the W.
Notably, Greg Bell left the game with a shoulder injury. Matt Araiza played perfectly, and special teams performed extremely well.
The Aztecs have a bye week next week, before hosting the New Mexico Lobos at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday, October 9th.
