SDSU Rolls Past New Mexico In Conference Opener

#25 SAN DIEGO STATE AZTECS (5-0, 1-0) vs NEW MEXICO LOBOS (2-4, 0-2)

The Aztecs found the endzone in every quarter, rushed for over 200 yards (again), routing the Lobos to a 31-7 win. SDSU improves to 5-0 for the 2nd time in 5 years and start Mountain West Conference play at 1-0. UNM falls to 2-4 overall and 0-2 in the Mountain West.

RECAP

San Diego State were the heavy favorites in this one and the ending result showed us why. The Aztecs totaled 336 yards of offense, 206 of those yards coming on the ground. With their 5th consecutive game with 200+ rushing yards, SDSU is now 52-2 in their last 54 games when rushing for 200.

UNM totaled 193 yards of offense, 127 of those yards coming through the air. The Aztecs are the top rushing defense in the Mountain West and top 3 in the nation, so no surprise there. 66 rushing yards for the Lobos in this game is just above how much the Aztecs average for rushing yards allowed per game (49).

For SDSU, Greg Bell was the spotlight of the game once again, rushing for over 100 yards (111) for the 4th time in 5 games as well as scoring his fifth touchdown of the year. Bell is one of two running backs in the Mountain West that average over 100 yards per game on the ground and is 3rd in total touchdowns.

Senior quarterback Jordan Brookshire hit the start for the Aztecs coming off a foot injury. Brookshire looked to be his normal self with Head Coach Brady Hoke continuing to run the ball and only pass when needed. Brookshire completed just 11 passes on 24 attempts for 130 yards. He also scrambled 5 times for 45 yards and finding the endzone twice.

The SDSU defense held their own yet again, despite allowing their first 3rd quarter points this year on a fumble recovery touchdown. Which is technically a good thing, since they would’ve shut-out the Lobos if that mistake didn’t happen. Either way, SDSU is making their mark on this season and it is special.

BIGGEST TAKEAWAYS

New Mexico wasn’t there on offense all game, having to punt 9 times compared to 12 first downs. The passing game is there, although QB Terry Wilson excited with an elbow injury and his return is not yet determined. Moving forward, the Lobos will need to step it up and find creative ways to keep drives going.

The Aztecs weren’t efficient on third down, converting just 3 out of 11 times. Despite a good showing on offense and a high score, converting more third downs will be crucial in beating more worthy opponents.

Another game, another 200 yards rushing for San Diego State. If the Aztecs keep up this stellar run game, they will be hard to stop with conference play starting up.

UP NEXT FOR AZTECS

SDSU will try to stay undefeated as they face San Jose State in another conference matchup on Friday, October 15th. Kick off is at 7:30 pm PT and will be played at Spartan Stadium in San Jose, CA.