Written by Michael Huling
The San Diego State Aztecs are off to a 2-0 start to the season, defeating UCLA 23-14 in their second game. Interestingly, this is the first time the Aztecs have ever beaten UCLA, previously going 0-21-1 against the Bruins.
It was an impressive win on the road for SDSU in a game that UCLA was favored to win by seven points. The Aztecs played a great all-around football game, with quarterback Ryan Agnew going 23 for 31 for 293 yards and a touchdown—his first of the season. Wide receiver Kobe Smith had seven receptions for 131, along with the first touchdown of his collegiate career.
First career touchdown for Kobe Smith!
Agnew's first TD pass of the year. pic.twitter.com/uRYoNe3GzU
— San Diego State Football (@AztecFB) September 7, 2019
The defense also played well, forcing two turnovers, three sacks, and holding the Bruins to just 261 total yards. Cornerback Tayler Hawkins led the defense with 10 tackles, including two for loss. Kicker Matt Araiza made all three of his field goals attempts, giving the Aztecs the nine-point advantage that they would ultimately win by.
SDSU’s next game is tonight at 5 p.m. against the New Mexico State Aggies. The Aztecs are favored to win by 16, as the Aggies are off to a rough start this season. Unfortunate scheduling has been a major factor, with the Aggies playing their first two games this season on the road against ranked teams. They lost to then 23rd [now 20th] ranked Washington State by a score of 58-7, then lost to powerhouse Alabama 62-10. So through two games, the Aggies have been outscored 120-17. Yikes.
This should be an easy win for the Aztecs, but if there’s one thing that’s for sure in sports—anything can happen.
