SDSU vs. New Hampshire Recap: Aztecs roll in opener

San Diego State's season opener took place after the KGB SkyShow and in front of a crowd of 46,486 at Qualcomm Stadium. The defending Mountain West Conference champions sailed past New Hampshire in a 31-0 rout. The Aztecs piled up 461 total yards while holding New Hampshire to just 141, and 0-14 on third downs.

In San Diego State's opener against New Hampshire, many season-defining factors were on display. Notably first, is that the Aztecs might have a solid passing game this season to accompany its dominant rushing game.

Christian Chapman threw crisply for 283 yards, including a pair of touchdown strikes to Mikah Holder. Sophomore quarterback Chapman was 16 of 25 without an interception, and looked like a veteran on the gridiron- decisive in the pocket and running for yardage when receivers were covered. Holder finished with four catches, all in the first half, including an 86-yard bomb for the game's first touchdown that set the tone.

Holder had a career night. The Sophomore wide receiver had a career-high 160 reaching yards and tied his personal best with two touchdown receptions. It was the first 100-yard game of Holder's career.

"Mikah's the one who broke it open," SDSU head coach Rocky Long said. "New Hampshire came to play. They were physical, they were ready to try to upset us and then the big pass that went for the touchdown popped it open."

Running back Donnel Pumphrey ran for 98 yards on 21 attempts and scored a touchdown. He also caught four passes for 41 yards. The potential Heisman Trophy candidate moved from 74th in NCAA history to 64th in career-rushing yards, passing Bo Jackson (4,303). He now has 4,370 career rushing yards. Pumphrey made it a 14-0 lead less than three minutes later when he scored on a 20-yard run to capping a 67-yard drive that included a 35-yard catch by Holder.

"Best football player I've seen coaching in a long, long time here at UNH," Coach Sean McDonnell said. "He does it all. I watch him run the football, I watch him catch the football. He's a competitior and a half. Great, great player. I haven't slept really well since the beginning of August when I began watching the tapes."

San Diego State's defense was as dominant as expected. Linebacker Calvin Munson led the Aztecs with 11 tackles and Senior Defensive End Alex Barret matched his career high with two sacks.

SDSU safety Na'im McGee made his first career interception in the fourth quarter. In between, SDSU linebackers Calvin Munson and Randy Ricks were especially active chasing down plays.

John Baron kicked a 33-yard field goal, and an interception midway through the fourth quarter set up the final touchdown, a 1-yarder from Rashaad Penny.

The Aztecs get a chance to avenge last year's loss next Saturday at home when they take on Cal. San Diego State lost to the Golden Bears at Cal last year 35-7. This season, the Aztecs are going to take it one game at a time.