RENO, Nev. -- San Diego State was unable to convert on fourth-and-goal from the Nevada 5-yard line in the late moments and had to settle for a 26-21 loss Saturday in Reno, Nev.
With the Aztec (3-2, 3-2 MW) offense sputtering in the second half, SDSU caught a break when Darren Hall picked off Wolf Pack (5-0, 5-0 MW) quarterback Carson Strong on the UN 26-yard line with 3:23 remaining in the game.
San Diego State picked up two first downs on runs by Chance Bell to get to the Nevada 4-yard line. On first down, Aztec quarterback Lucas Johnson's pass attempt to Jesse Matthews in the left-corner of the end zone was batted down by Wolf Pack cornerback Berdale Robins. On second down, UN stopped Chance Bell for a 1-yard loss. On third-and-goal from the 5, Johnson's throw to a crossing Matthews was just behind him, setting up the fourth-and-goal situation. Following a timeout, Johnson's pass attempt to the left side of the end zone sailed over Kobe Smith's head, setting up a Nevada kneel down.
SDSU appeared in control in the first half, where it racked up 252 yards on 28 plays (9.0 yards per play) and 13 first downs, while punting once.
The Wolf Pack stuck first on a 31-yard field goal by Brandon Talton with 8:37 left in the first quarter.
San Diego State answered with a 35-yard run by Johnson. The first career rushing touchdown for Johnson came right after a 35-yard pass to a diving Jesse Matthews on third-and-5.
After another field goal by Talton (33 yards), the Aztecs marched 75 yards on seven plays, ending on a 7-yard pass from Johnson to Smith.
Talton's third field goal (22 yards) brought UN to within five at 14-9 with 9:55 remaining in the second quarter.
Following a SDSU punt, Nevada went 86 yards on eight plays, culminating with a 2-yard pass by Strong to Cole Turner. The Wolf Pack was helped by three San Diego State penalties on the drive, including a roughing the passer on third-and-10 from the UN 14, a face mask call inside the Aztec 10 and a pass interference call in the end zone.
Unfazed, SDSU drove 64 yards on just six plays thanks to a returning Greg Bell. Greg Bell, who entered the game with four straight 100-yard rushing games, injured his ankle on the third play of the game and was questionable to return. On the drive, Bell rushed for 35 yards on five attempts, including a 2-yard score to give San Diego State a 21-16 lead at intermission.
The Aztecs, however, struggled offensively in the second half, gaining just 41 yards on 32 plays (1.3 yards per play) and three first downs, punting seven times.
Nevada took the lead for good on its first drive of the second half on Strong's 50-yard pass to Romeo Doubs. The Wolf Pack later added a fourth field goal by Talton (27 yards) to finish up the scoring in the game.
SDSU went three-and-out on five straight drives to start the second half before a 13-yard pass by Johnson to Smith gave San Diego State a first down. The drive stalled, however, and the Aztecs had to punt once again.
Hall's interception late in the fourth quarter gave SDSU some hope, but San Diego State was unable to get into the end zone.
Johnson was 14-for-24 in the game for 184 yards and a touchdown, including five passes for 80 yards to Matthews.
Hall led the Aztec defense with a career-high 11 tackles (10 solo), an interception and two pass breakups, while sophomores Michael Shawcroft (eight tackles) and Patrick McMorris (seven tackles) each set career highs in tackles.
SDSU held Nevada to its fewest points (26) and total yards (376) for the season.
Aztecs Fall to Nevada, 26-21, in Reno
