Oct. 3, 2009
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SDSU Postgame Notes vs. New Mexico State in PDF Format
SERIES NOTES
- SDSU moves to 7-1-1 all-time against New Mexico State following the first meeting between the two sides since 1975. The Aztecs are 7-0 at home against the Aggies.
- SDSU has won two non-conference games for the first time since 2004.
- SDSU has won three consecutive home games dating back to last season. This is the Aztecs' longest home win streak since the final outing of 2003 (vs. Air Force) and the first two games of 2004 (vs. Idaho State, Nevada).
CATCHING UP WITH KAZEE
- SDSU running back Walter Kazee became the first Aztec true freshman to run for over 100 yards in a game since Lynell Hamilton in 2003. He is the second Aztec back to log a 100-yard rushing effort this season joining Brandon Sullivan, who had 24 carries for 111 yards against Southern Utah. Kazee ended the night with a career-best 101 yards on 22 carries and his first career touchdown in the fourth quarter.
BROWN BULLETS
- It took awhile to get his first catch of the game, but SDSU wideout Vincent Brown did so with a bang, hauling in a 50-yarder in the third quarter, which later set up his 21-yard touchdown reception. Brown has a touchdown catch in five consecutive games this year, matching the longest streak by an Aztec since Kassim Osgood also had one in five straight games in 2002.
Vincent Brown has six receiving TDs in five outings in 2009, exceeding his season total from a year ago. Brown's 13 career TDs are one short of the Aztec career top 10.
- Vincent Brown, who entered the game ranked third nationally in receiving yards per game (136.8), saw his streak of consecutive games with 100 yards receiving come to an end at five, after logging three grabs for 84 yards and a TD tonight.
DEFENSIVE NOTES
- SDSU held an opponent to under 300 yards of total offense for the second consecutive game and the third time in five games in 2009. The last time SDSU held consecutive opponents under the 300-yard mark was in 2004, when Colorado State managed only 196 yards (Oct. 16) and New Mexico had only 220 yards (Oct. 23).
New Mexico State's 234 yards of total offense are the fewest SDSU has allowed since Sept. 24, 2005 vs. San Jose State (233 yards).
- Junior Dey Juan Hemmings scored his first touchdown in the second quarter when he returned a fumble 14 yards. It was SDSU's first fumble return for a TD since 2006, when T.J. McKay returned one 23 yards in a 27-24 loss at Wyoming on Nov. 4, 2006.
The Aztec defense has contributed points in three of the team's five outings in 2009 (2 safeties, 1 TD).
- SDSU junior warrior Dey Juan Hemmings and true freshman Leon McFadden intercepted their first career passes tonight. The Aztecs now have seven picks in 2009, after tallying nine in 12 outings in 2008.
- SDSU did not allow a point in the first quarter for the first time this season and first time overall in its last 12 outings.
- New Mexico State went 0-for-4 on fourth-down conversions tonight. It marks the first time the Aztecs have not allowed a fourth down to be converted when three or more have been attempted since Sept. 16, 2006, at Wisconsin (Badgers were 0-for-3).
New Mexico State came into the game with fourth-down conversion rate of 73 percent (8-for-11).
-SDSU had three sacks tonight, giving it 11 in five outings in 2009. A year ago, SDSU only recorded 13 sacks in 12 games in 2009.
OTHER NOTES
-Two Aztecs made their first career starts today with both coming on the offensive side of the ball. True freshman Nik Embernate started at right guard in what is also his first collegiate game, while fullback Willie Watters made his first career start in his first action of 2009 (2nd career game overall).
-Another true freshman, defensive back Eric Pinkins, also made his Aztec debut on special teams, as did redshirt freshman tight end Hunter Hewitt. SDSU has had six true freshmen play already in 2009.
-SDSU junior defensive tackle Ernie Lawson forced his first career fumble in the second quarter, leading to the Aztec touchdown.
-Watters recorded his first career touchdown on his first career reception in the fourth quarter to give SDSU the 24-17 lead.
-The Aztecs scored a touchdown for the 31st straight game.