San Diego State University’s football team has no time to dwell on its second-worst defensive performance in program history — last Saturday’s 66-14 drubbing at Oregon State University. The Aztecs have the battle for the “Old Oil Can” trophy this Saturday.
SDSU first started facing Fresno State University in 1923, and holds a 32-27-4 record over the Bulldogs. The Aztecs have won the last two meetings in this long-standing rivalry.
SDSU (2-4) and Fresno State (4-2) are both 1-1 in Pac-12 play.
The Aztecs gutted out their Pac-12 opener with a 14-point comeback win over Texas State University, but lost by 52 points to Oregon State last week. SDSU is also managing significant injuries and health concerns related to a mumps outbreak.
“As I mentioned after the game, that’s embarrassing, and that falls on me,” Aztec head coach Sean Lewis said Monday. “It is 100 percent on me, and as the leader of this program, and as the guy who’s driving it, we need to be better across the board. We will be better across the board. We got exactly what we earned … So, we have to learn from it.”
Fresno State is coming off a 38-31 loss to Pac-12 co-leader-Boise State University (2-0 in conference, 5-1 overall) in the teams’ battle for the Milk Can trophy. Among Pac-12 offenses, the Bulldogs are second in passing yards and touchdowns.
“Their quarterback is a good player and doesn’t have a lot of turnovers; we definitely have to affect him and his quick throws,” SDSU senior linebacker Sione Hala said. “The running back is also good; I played with him in high school; he’s a good player. Overall, they’re a good outfit.”
Lewis shared that starting running back Lucky Sutton “continues to progress and (we’re) hopeful that he’ll be able to contribute this week.” Backup Javion Kinnard returned from injury against Oregon State, but only had 11 rushing attempts. The head coach wants the team to deliver, regardless of its health.
“We got what we earned last week, and we have exactly what we need this week with a huge rivalry opportunity against the team up north,” the head coach said. “Obviously, been playing this game for a really long time. It means a lot to us, and this week is different, and we need to approach it as such as we go forward to keep the Old Oil Can here home with us.”
SDSU allowed touchdowns on Oregon State’s first five drives. Offensively, the Aztecs didn’t score until late in the second quarter. Quarterback Jayden Denegal was replaced late in the game for the second time in three weeks.
“Everything’s going to be on the table as we go forward so that we get the right guys on the field that are going to care to execute, care to prepare, and do it at a much higher level than what we did today,” Lewis said.
The only bright spot in last Saturday’s otherwise forgettable game: redshirt freshman Jaylon Hawkins was named Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week after returning a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. He’s had three kick return touchdowns this season already.
On the season, Hawkins has returned 14 kickoffs for 543 yards (38.8 average).
Kickoff on Saturday is slated for 7:30 pm at Snapdragon Stadium.
Go Griffins
Grossmont College improved to 6-2 on the season, 3-0 in American Pacific play following last Saturday’s 44-13 victory at West Los Angeles College (3-3 overall, 1-1 in conference).
The Griffins led 14-0 after the first quarter and 31-7 at halftime.
The visitors racked up 518 yards in total offense — a balanced effort of 238 passing and 280 rushing. Quarterback Michael Kearns III completed 10 of 14 attempts for 237 passing yards with three touchdowns — one each to Ka’Tyleon Phillips (one catch, 58 yards), Dvonte Peoples (two catches, 50 yards) and Jaidan Brooks (one catch, 12 yards).
Ethan Ford (12 carries, 140 yards), Kearns (10 carries, 51 yards) and Jordan Lindley (three carries, 39 yards) each scored one rushing touchdown. Ford prepped at Cathedral Catholic while Lindley attended Helix Charter.
Kearns (Arbor View Las Vegas) accounted for four touchdowns — three passing and one rushing.
Trenice Woods keyed the Griffs on the receiving end with two catches for 58 yards.
Lucas Mora (Imperial) tacked on five kicking points while averaging 65 yards on three kickoffs.
On the defensive side, Isaac Turner (Lincoln) logged two interceptions for 49 yards. As a team, Grossmont collected six tackles for losses and two sacks.
The Griffins net host San Bernardino Valley (2-0, 6-1) on Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. The Oct. 31 game against L.A. Pierce has already been ruled a forfeit.
