San Diego State had their six game winning streak snapped by the Hawaii Warriors.
Aztecs defense was gashed for 386 yards in an embarrassing loss.
Hawaii Quarterback Micah Alejado threw for 256 yards and
three scores in leading Hawaii to the upset win.
Once again it seems as if the beauty and tranquility of paradise was ruthlessly and brutally rent asunder as the San Diego State Aztec football team experienced first hand that paradise was not what it was meant to be. The Aztecs were gut punched through the air, giving up three touchdowns, as well as a kickoff return for a score and, mercifully, a pick six to end the scoring. While Alejado was picking apart the Aztec secondary on 22/34 passing and 256 yards, receiver Jackson Harris had a backbreaking game with seven receptions, 130 yards and three touchdowns.
With the victory, Hawaii (7-3, 4-2) still is in the hunt for the conference championship game. The Aztecs (7-2, 4-1 MW) were seemingly a ghost of themselves as they struggled to gain any offensive traction. They saw their six game winning streak end in front of a sellout crowd of 15,194 at the Clarence T.C. Ching Complex. The loss drops the Aztecs into a first-place tie with Boise State, which will visit the Aztecs next Saturday in yet another conference showdown.
The Aztecs were optimistic as they began the game and the defense rose up intercepting Alejado on their first series. Backup cornerback Deshawn McCuin, who was replacing Chris Johnson, came down with the turnover. The Aztecs put three points on the board with a 42-yard Gabriel Plascencia field goal, leading 3-0. Hawaii’s next series saw them go nine plays, 75 yards, culminating in an Alejado to Jackson Harris 9 yard score, his first on the day. Hawaii got the ball back again after holding the Aztecs to a three and out. Going 70 yards in 7 plays, Alejado again connected with Harris for a 34 yard score and Hawaii was up 14-3. The Aztecs would get the ball and settle for a 43 yard field goal from Plascencia to cut the lead to 14-6. Hawaii, not to be outdone, went 75 yards in six plays in two minutes, hitting paydirt on a 35 yard strike from Alejado to Jackson Harris. Hawaii had found a way to pierce the Aztec defense. Hawaii would add three more points on a 22 yard field goal from Kansei Matsuzawa. That would be his 22nd straight field goal on the season. Hawaii took a 24-6 lead into halftime. Jayden Denegal, who would wind up 10/27 for 132 yards and two interceptions, struggled to make the accurate read. A few drops and suddenly the offensive machine was not clicking. Yet, the Aztecs knew they could execute their gameplan and make adjustments in the second half. They kicked off and running back Cam Barfield took it at his 14 and after hitting the line, broke through in a sprint to the endzone and a 31-6 lightning strike of a score for the Warriors. The rest of the second half would be just as futile. The next drive would end in an interception, and a turnover on downs. The following series saw Denegal throw an interception by Elijah Palmer who returned it 53 yards for a Hawaii 38-6 lead. The Aztecs would have two punts and two fumbles the remainder of the way. Lucky Sutton was able to ground out a tough 78 yards on 18 carries. The Aztecs struggled to move against an aggressive and inspired Hawaii defense. They struggled to build momentum and found themselves with zero red zone opportunities. The four turnovers led directly to Hawaii scores and Aztec drive killers.
NEXT UP ARE THE BOISE STATE BRONCOS GALLOPING INTO SNAPDRAGON ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 15 AT 7:30 PM.
AROUND THE MOUNTAIN WEST
This weekend featured several blowouts if we include the San Diego State and Hawaii game. UNLV regained momentum as they whalloped a floundering Colorado State 42-10. Utah State is one win away from bowl eligibility as they took care of Nevada 51-14 as the Aggies scored early and often. Finally, Air Force used their pounding run game to hand the Spartans a devastating defeat. San Diego State and Boise State both share the Mountain West Conference lead with 4-1 records. Hawaii is next at 4-2, followed by New Mexico, UNLV, Fresno and Utah State all with 3-2 marks. What was once sure has become cloudy as the pack closes in to the top teams. Wins can be found anywhere at any time. Hawaii showed up and still remains in contention. They have two games remaining with UNLV and Wyoming. They do avoid Boise State. The Aztecs will regroup and prepare for the Broncos. The season looks like it does rest on the outcome of this game. Let’s bring a sellout this weekend to Snapdragon.
