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San Diego State vs. San Jose State: Aztecs Survive Another Nail-biter Against San Jose State, 16-13
Special teams save the day for the Aztecs
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San Diego State ekes out another victory against an inferior opponent.
This time with no lightning delays, only edging out a 3-point win as a 4-touchdown favorite, and on the back on John Baron.
San Jose State played San Diego State tough. A statement that does not match their 0-7 record. San Jose State actually outgained San Diego State by 2 yards, 295 to 293 and San Jose State had 18 first downs to San Diego State’s 16.
The story for the Aztecs: better teams will find ways to win.
In what has been a bloodbath for San Jose State, Saturday’s matchup was closer more a featherweight boxing match. While not the main card, San Diego State went 12-rounds throwing light punches down to the level of competition.
San Diego State didn’t execute on either side of the ball. It was clear the Aztecs wanted to emphasize the run game. They rotated 4 running backs for a team total of 207 yards. Chase Jasmin carried the bulk at 19 carries, while Chance Bell eked out 81 yards on 15 carries. Kaegun Williams earned some reps, but an early game fumble kept him delegated to the bench. Speedster Jordan Byrd only took 3 handoffs the entire game.
Jasmin scored in the first half for the only Aztecs touchdown, but a combination of short yards and not enough first downs kept Aztecs drives stalled.
The defense did their job keeping the Spartans to one touch down and two field goals, but some sloppy penalties kept Spartan drives going.
For the second week, the Aztecs needed more John Baron. San Diego State Kicker and Mountain West Special Teams player of the week John Baron found his number called on a late-game field goal that hit the crossbar.
Never in doubt. #JBII pic.twitter.com/Onuo2mqlWd
— SDSU Football (@SDSUFootball) October 21, 2018
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John Baron’s field goal came late but left the defense to hold off one last drive from San Jose State. The defense had been pretty clutch making an interception on San Jose State’s previous possession. San Jose State drove down the field with 2:51 remaining on the clock. A few first downs got them as far as the SDSU 36-yard line, but the San Diego State defense came up on 4th and 1 to close out end the game.
These Aztecs keep the ball moving forward, but they have to find other ways to get opposing defenses second-guessing. Bottom line, they have to go for the knock out punch and stop playing down to their opponents.
San Diego State becomes bowl-eligible with their sixth win and gets ready for the Nevada Wolfpack at Reno next Saturday.