Oct. 22, 2017
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SAN DIEGO ââ'¬" San Diego State dropped its second straight game Saturday after suffering a 27-3 loss to Fresno State on Homecoming Night at SDCCU Stadium. With the defeat, the Aztecs (6-2, 2-2 MW) fell two games behind the Bulldogs in the West Division standings of the Mountain West.
Despite running eight more plays (62-54) and maintaining a near three-minute advantage in time of possession (31:24-28:36), SDSU was outgained in total offense 375-255, including a 176-90 margin in passing yards. In addition, Fresno State (5-2, 4-0 MW) forced the game's lone turnover inside its own 10, quashing the Scarlet and Black's best scoring threat.
The Aztecs were pinned deep after receiving the opening kickoff, but marched from their own 8-yard line all the way down to the Bulldog 4. Rashaad Penny keyed the drive with a 21-yard burst down the right sideline, while Juwan Washington added a 15-yard run to give the host school a first-and-goal opportunity.
However, two plays after a holding penalty, Fresno State defensive back Mike Bell recovered a Penny fumble at the 10-yard line, short-circuiting the Aztecs' momentum.
Following an exchange of punts, the Bulldogs needed just four plays to go 61 yards for the game's first score. After Marcus McMaryion connected with Jamire Jordan for a 48-yard reception, Josh Hokit dove in from the 1 to put the visitors up 7-0 with 15 seconds remaining in the first quarter.
On the ensuing drive, Washington powered his way past defenders for a 45-yard gain, giving SDSU a first down at the Fresno State 24. However, the Bulldog defense stiffened, forcing the Aztecs to settle for a 37-yard field goal by John Baron with just over three minutes elapsed in the second period. Fresno State found the end zone once again on its next possession, increasing its lead to 14-3 courtesy of Hokit's 26-yard touchdown run on a 3rd-and-2 situation.
Later in the quarter, the Bulldogs tacked on a 38-yard field goal by Jimmy Camacho with 2:05 left to give the contest its 17-3 score at intermission. SDSU came up empty in the second half, recording just one first down on three possessions in the third quarter.
The Bulldogs padded their lead on 43-yard field goal by Camacho with 6:03 left in the period, while Hokit added his third touchdown of the night on a four-yard scamper just over five minutes later to close out the scoring.
Penny was held to 69 yards on 15 attempts, marking his second straight contest under 100 yards, while Washington gained 68 yards on seven carries.
Despite finishing his seventh consecutive game without an interception, Christian Chapman threw for just 77 yards on 10-of-20 passing and was sacked four times. Meanwhile, Mikah Holder led the receiving corps with four catches for 35 yards.
Conversely, Fresno State running back Jordan Sims led all players with 112 yards rushing on 21 attempts, while Hokit added 77 yards on 14 carries.
The Aztec defense was paced by Ronley Lakalaka, who matched his season high with 10 tackles, including eight solo stops, while Sergio Phillips totaled six tackles of his own, one short of his season best.