CORVALLIS, ORE. -- The Aztecs fell to Oregon State inside Reser Stadium 14-66 for their first road loss in conference play. The Beavers got on the scoreboard first after quarterback Braden Atkinson connected with Maalik Murphy for a two-yard touchdown after looking to convert on fourth and two just outside the Aztec’s end zone.
The Beavers offense was able to score on their first five drives before SDSU was able to respond. The Aztecs’ final possession of the half was highlighted by a 43-yard reception from Jaylon Hawkins down the seam. After a Javion Kinnard rushing first down spotted the ball at Oregon State’s 11-yard line, quarterback Jayden Denegal found Jacob Bostick in the back of the end zone for an 11-yard passing touchdown. It would be Bostick’s first receiving touchdown of the season.
Early into the third the Beavers continued to find offensive success, scoring three touchdowns on their first three drives of the second half. San Diego State’s special teams’ unit once again was productive with Jaylon Hawkins returning a kickoff 97 yards for his third kick return touchdown of the season. Redshirt freshman Draiden Trudeau also saw action completing four passes after taking over under center halfway through the third.
Punter Tashi Dorje tied a career high in punts during a single game with seven for a total of 318 yards including a long punt of 54 yards. Defensively, the starting linebacker duo of Tano Letuli and Sione Hala led the Aztecs. Letuli secured 14 total tackles while Hala posted 10 total tackles, one sack and 1.5 tackles for loss.
Jaylon Hawkins led the receiving core with 43 receiving yards along with his 97-yard kick return touchdown. Lastly, Javion Kinnard returned from injury to carry the football 11 times for 43 yards on the ground.
Oregon State’s Braden Atkinson completed 29 passes out of 38 attempts for 409 yards and five touchdowns. Wide receiver Jesse Legree added 10 receptions for 191 yards and three touchdowns.
The Aztecs move to 2-4 on the season and will now turn their attention back to Snapdragon as Fresno State will make the trip to San Diego on October 17 as both programs battle for the Old Oil Can.
A longer recap to follow shortly…