SDSU Returns To Winning In 27-24 Victory Over Hawaii
The Aztecs steadily improve and now stand 1-0 in conference play.
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Marquez Cooper ran for 109 yards and two touchdowns to lead San Diego State.
San Diego, CA – On Saturday, October 5th, the SDSU Aztecs (2-3, 1-0) registered a 27-24 victory at Snapdragon Stadium over their first 2024 conference opponents, the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (2-3, 0-1) to end a three-game losing streak. This was the fifth straight Aztec win in the series versus the ‘Bows.
True Freshman starting quarterback Danny O’Neil looked comfortable and in charge, once again, as he carefully managed the ball as he completed 24 of 34 passes (70.5%) for 224 yards with a touchdown for the Aztecs. Dynamic running Back Marquez Cooper carried 30 times and was the only player to rush the ball beside O’Neil, who carried four times for minus-10 yards. Wide receiver Nate Bennett had 74 yards receiving on four catches to lead SDSU.
Cooper ran for 109 yards and two touchdowns to lead San Diego State. Cooper’s 2-yard scoring run ended an 87-yard drive and capped the scoring with 7:05 left in the fourth quarter.
Hawaii had fourth-and-2 from the Aztec 31, but Brayden Schager passed to Pofele Ashlock for a 2-yard loss with 1:12 remaining. The Rainbow Warriors forced a three-and-out on the next series, but were then pinned deep in their own territory with just 4 seconds left. Despite coming up short, Schager put in a gritty effort for the ‘Bows.
Schager was 26-of-44 passing(59.1%) for 272 yards and threw three touchdown passes and an interception for Hawaii. Ashlock had eight receptions for 77 yards and a TD. Nick Cenacle also had a TD catch.
The new-look Aztecs have steadily improved over several games, and appear to be synergizing as the season progresses, giving fans growing faith in coach Sean Lewis. How far can SDSU go despite their embattled start? We will learn more about that next week.
Next up, the Aztecs head to Laramie to face the Wyoming Cowboys on October 12th, at 12:30pm PST. They seek to improve to 3-3 at War Memorial Stadium, the highest FBS college football stadium in the nation with an elevation 7,215 feet (2,199 m) above sea level gridiron.
The Aztecs should bring plenty of beet juice and oxygen.