San Diego State survived a dramatic matchup against Texas State, overcoming a 29-point offensive effort to secure a 31-29 victory Saturday night at Snapdragon Stadium. The win marked the first Pac-12 Conference game for both programs.
Texas State vs San Diego State Final Score
San Diego State 31, Texas State 29
The game featured several major momentum swings, but the Aztecs’ third-quarter surge ultimately proved decisive. San Diego State scored 21 unanswered points in the third quarter to turn the game around and take a 31-24 advantage into the final period.
Texas State fought back late, but San Diego State’s defense made enough plays to preserve the two-point victory.
San Diego State Football Gets Big Plays
The San Diego State football team entered the game shorthanded, with 13 players unavailable because of a mumps outbreak within the program. The Aztecs were also without their top two rushers, Javion Kinnard and Lucky Sutton, because of injuries.
Freshman Josiah Lucas stepped up in their absence. Lucas rushed for 111 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries, providing a major boost to the San Diego State offense.
Jaylon Hawkins delivered one of the game’s biggest plays when he returned the opening kickoff of the second half 96 yards for a touchdown. The explosive return immediately changed the momentum.
Cameron Cooper was another key contributor. He recorded a 32-yard interception return for a touchdown and also blocked a 35-yard field-goal attempt by Texas State late in the first half.
Texas State Football Keeps Fighting
The Texas State football team produced plenty of offense despite ultimately falling short.
Quarterback Brad Jackson completed 27 of 43 passes for 372 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. His passing performance kept the Bobcats within striking distance throughout the contest.
Wide receiver Beau Sparks was especially effective, catching 10 passes for 153 yards. His 40-yard touchdown reception with 1:54 remaining cut San Diego State’s lead to just 31-29.
Texas State had opportunities to take control earlier, but key defensive and special-teams plays from the Aztecs proved costly.
A Wild Sequence Decides the Game
The final minutes featured one of the strangest stretches of the matchup.
Texas State stopped Arvis Battle Jr. short of the goal line on fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line. Two plays later, a low snap resulted in Jayden Denegal losing his footing and falling in the end zone for a safety.
That play reduced San Diego State’s lead to 24-22 with 3:01 remaining.
However, the Aztecs immediately answered. On the next play from scrimmage, Cooper intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown, giving San Diego State a 31-22 advantage.
Texas State responded with Sparks’ 40-yard touchdown reception, but the Bobcats could not complete the comeback.
Texas State vs San Diego State Highlights
The Texas State vs San Diego State matchup was defined by explosive plays:
- Jaylon Hawkins: 96-yard kickoff return touchdown
- Cameron Cooper: 32-yard pick-six
- Cameron Cooper: blocked 35-yard field goal
- Josiah Lucas: 111 rushing yards and two touchdowns
- Brad Jackson: 372 passing yards and three touchdowns
- Beau Sparks: 10 catches for 153 yards and a touchdown
- San Diego State: 21-0 third-quarter advantage
- Final score: San Diego State 31, Texas State 29
SDSU Football Moves Forward
The victory gives SDSU football a 2-3 record and provides an important conference win after the Aztecs suffered a 41-16 loss to Toledo in their previous game.
San Diego State will now turn its attention to another road challenge. The Aztecs are scheduled to play at Oregon State next Saturday.
Texas State also falls to 2-3 following the narrow defeat. The Bobcats will have time to regroup before hosting Colorado State on October 15.
The Texas State vs San Diego State game ultimately came down to special teams, turnovers and a huge third quarter. Despite being shorthanded, San Diego State made the critical plays late to claim a 31-29 win in the first Pac-12 game for both programs.
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