Grading SDSU’s 27 - 17 Win over San Jose State

Make it two wins in a row and a very enjoyable 6-1 on the season for San Diego State with a 27 - 17 win over the San Jose State Spartans this weekend. Kaegun Williams started the night off right by returning the opening kickoff 94 yards for s score, the run game had a coming out party and Caden McDonald had an interception so life is good. Here is the position report card for the game.

Offense

Quarterback (B) Ryan Agnew had 13 completions for 88 yards, so it was a forgettable outing. That being said sometimes you don’t need to do much more than exist when the run game puts up over 200 yards and special teams is scoring.

Running Back (A+) They get this grade if for nothing else just the sheer fact that this was their best game as a unit this season. Six rushers combine for 270 yards, Juwan Washing and Chase Jasmin both had touchdowns, the latter of which took it in from midfield without really being touched by a defender. The entire group ran hard and downhill, and while you probably cant look for these numbers every game Aztecs fans should now feel a little more comfortable knowing that the ceiling for this offense is pretty high.

Wide Receivers (B+) Low numbers can be a side effect of a big night for the run game, I’ll throw in the + for quality blocking efforts since most wide receivers don’t get enough love for their blocking efforts.

Offensive Line (A) Something has finally clicked because this group up front won the battle and controlled the line like we haven’t really seen this season. Running backs got sizable holes to run through and often didn’t get hit until the second level. Perhaps the best stat of the night was the more than 40 minutes of ball possession that the Aztecs had and I credit that mostly to the quality blocking form the line.

Defense

Defensive Line (A+) The Aztecs only allowed 55 rush yards on the night, the linebackers get a little credit for that as well, but the success against the run starts up front with the line. They maintained control of the line and filled gaps up front like champs. They forces San Jose State to pass the ball and that led to a 10 point win, so a good night for the big men.

Linebackers (A-) Kyahva Tezino continues to be a menace, Cameron Thomas is a great Robin to Tezino’s Batman. Only thing missing now is the sack numbers, more pressure in the backfield might be the final piece missing in the defensive look.

Secondary (B+) The interception from Caden McDonald makes things a little easier to digest but 200 plus yards and 2 scores through the air by San Jose State isn’t the greatest night at the office.

Special Teams (A) Brandon Heicklen wound up getting Mountain West Special Teams player of the week for his performance and a pair of field goals gave the Aztecs some breathing room.

The Aztecs are back at it on Saturday night as they take on a 2 - 5 UNLV Rebels in Las Vegas, kickoff at 7:30.