San Diego State head coach Sean Lewis didn’t hold back after Friday night’s 45–24 victory over Colorado State.
“A great program win,” Lewis said. “Really, really pleased with the work that was put in in a short week…was a tremendous effort by everyone in the organization.”
Quarterback Jayden Denegal shined, completing 13 of 16 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns. “All the work that they had put in prior to tonight, that was the lagging indicator of all that hard work,” Lewis said. “It’s a testament to the receivers…the success we all saw tonight is because of the refinement of their craft.”
4-1 has a nice ring to it 😏#AztecFAST 🍢 x #BeTheA1pha 🐺 x #TheClimb 📈 pic.twitter.com/CtVhIrJcfr
— San Diego State Football (@AztecFB) October 4, 2025
Receiver Jordan Napier caught seven passes for 153 yards, including a 61-yard touchdown. Lewis credited his decision to return from the portal as pivotal:
“Jordan went into the portal and his belief in us to come back…now the proof’s in the pudding. You can accomplish all your dreams right here on the Mesa.”
On the ground, the Aztecs piled up 282 rushing yards behind Byron Cardwell Jr. (129 yards, 1 TD) and Lucky Sutton (113 yards, 2 TDs). Lewis called it “a luxury” to have three local backs sharing the load. “We’re spoiled in that room,” he said. “If you’re a San Diego kid, stay home, stay on the Mesa. You’re going to get to play behind a really big physical offensive line.”
Special teams also delivered. Gabriel Plascencia nailed a 53-yard field goal — the longest in Snapdragon Stadium history. “It’s absolutely a luxury,” Lewis said. “When you’ve got a guy who can bang it from distance, it changes everything.”
While praising the offense, Lewis challenged his defense to stay locked in. “We’ve got to fight off being a little bit complacent and finish all the way through,” he said. “The standard doesn’t change.”
At 4–1, Lewis believes the team is building momentum but has more ahead. “We’ve yet to play a complete game in all three phases together,” he said. “We don’t want to seek comfort. We don’t want to seek complacency. We want to continue to grow.”
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