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SAN DIEGO STATE AZTECS (4-0) vs TOWSON TIGERS (1-3) Recap
The San Diego State Aztecs take care of the Towson Tigers, 48-21, en route to first 4-0 start in 40 seasons.
Both teams started a little slow, as it was a 7-7 tie at the end of the first quarter. A fumble recovery in their own red zone by Garrett Fountain sparked life for the Aztecs in the final minutes of the first quarter. RB Kaegun Williams scored with 15 seconds left to tie it.
The second quarter consisted of a few scores by the offense as Senior RB Jordan Byrd rushed all over field as well as into the endzone to take the lead (14-7). Not even 4 minutes later QB Lucas Johnson connected with Elijah Kothe for a 16 yard TD pass, his first of the year. Johnson finished with 16/25 passing for 149 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception.
Towson QB Chris Ferguson did well in the game, completing 19 passes on 35 attempts for 213 yards, 3 touchdowns and and interception. Ferguson found WR Caleb Smith for a red zone TD in the final seconds going into halftime (21-14).
The Aztecs exploded in the third quarter, as the special teams got a takeaway-touchdown with a blocked punt by Tyrell Shavers and the scoop and score by Trenton Thompson. This was just 1 minute into the second half.
Another special teams touchdown for the Aztecs! Punt block, scoop and score, SDSU up 28-14 pic.twitter.com/6unTgNKw9R
— San Diego State Football (@AztecFB) September 25, 2021
The Aztecs run game was stellar, rushing again for over 200 yards using 7 different runnings backs. Standout performances were by senior backs’ Jordan Byrd and Chance Bell. Byrd was solid on the day rushing for 75 yards on just 7 attempts and a touchdown.
Byrd’s best run was when he broke free for a 55 yard TD-run to go up 35-14. Chance Bell also did well with a similar resume to Byrd’s, rushing for 79 yards on 7 attempts and a touchdown. Bell’s TD came in the 3rd quarter as well, as the Aztecs were pouring it on, making it 45-14.
The Aztecs have now out scored their opponent 62-0 in the third quarter.
Towson ending with 21 points is above their points per game average (17) which is a plus, but just wasn’t enough against an offense that refuses to quit and has multiple weapons.
BIGGEST TAKEAWAYS
The Aztec defense allowed just 15 total yards on the ground. 15 yards on 20 attempts. This defense definitely proved they are the top running defense in the conference.
SDSU running back’s rushed for over 200 yards yet again, the fourth time this year. They are now 51-2 in their last 53 games when rushing for 200. The depth at running back is the savior of this offense and will continue to show out through the rest of the year.
Towson put up 21 points against one of the best defenses in the Mountain West. Not bad, for a team who has lost their last two games. 3 Touchdowns through the air was exceptional and the only way the Tigers would keep up. Keep the air raid going.
UP NEXT FOR AZTECS
The 4-0 Aztecs will take on the Lobos of New Mexico Saturday, Oct. 9. Kick off is TBD. The game will be played at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA.
The last time these two teams faced was on Nov. 3rd, 2018, as the Aztecs won 31-23. SDSU has won the last 7 meetings in a row dating back to 2009.
As conference play begins for SDSU, they will attempt to keep the undefeated record alive and prove they are a powerhouse in the Mountain West.