San Diego State Football: Run defense hurts Aztecs in 34-31 loss to Boise State

It was a back-and-forth game as the San Diego State Aztecs hosted the Boise State Broncos; Boise State came out on top 34-31.

[mm-video type=video id=01h78ctg9d75nmcfkja3 playlist_id=none player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01h78ctg9d75nmcfkja3/01h78ctg9d75nmcfkja3-d0892caa1e11023045b1283a9572d074.jpg]

It was a back-and-forth game as the San Diego State Aztecs hosted the Boise State Broncos; Boise State came out on top 34-31.

 Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty scored with two minutes left to extend Boise State’s lead to 34-24, but San Diego State’s Jalen Mayden scored a 10-yard run to make 34-31 with 42 seconds left.

Run defense struggled

The Aztecs could not stop Jeanty; he rushed for 205 yards on 23 carries and two touchdowns. One of his touchdowns was a 58-yard run. Jeanty averaged 8.9 yards per carry. The Aztecs have to do a better job stopping the run; you can not give up 241 yards rushing in a game and expect to win.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=2649869]

Jalen Mayden showed up

After a slow start, Mayden found his footing and threw for 241 yards on 16-of-22 passing. He also threw one touchdown pass. Maylen also rushed for 85 yards on 16 attempts with one touchdown. Mayden showed his ability to be a two-way threat, which bodes well for San Diego State in the future.

Mayden threw to nine different receivers, with Baylin Brooks leading the way with five catches for 117 yards and a touchdown. Brionne Penny also caught five passes and added 97 yards.

Turnovers

The downside for Mayden against Boise State was his two lost fumbles. One of the fumbles came after Christon’s incredible 71-yard kick return to open the game. If you lose the turnover battle, you are probably going to lose.

The Azrecs had more first downs and total yards than the Broncos, but the inability to stop the run and turnovers cost them the game.

Now at 2-3, San Diego State plays Air Force next week on the road, another challenging game. Air Force is currently 4-0.