San Diego State and Washington State enter Week 2 coming off very different Week 1 performances. The Aztecs delivered a dominant 42-0 shutout over Stony Brook, while the Cougars needed a last-second field goal to narrowly escape with a 13-10 win over Idaho.
In their first-ever meeting with Stony Brook, San Diego State controlled the game from the opening kickoff. Running back Lucky Sutton led the way with 100 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, while quarterback Jayden Denegal threw a touchdown pass as the Aztecs rolled to a one-sided win. The defense held the Seawolves to just 95 total yards and pitched a shutout, marking an ideal start for a team looking to bounce back from a tough 2024 season.
Washington State, meanwhile, struggled in their opener. Redshirt freshman quarterback Jaxon Potter made his first collegiate start and was efficient, completing 76.7% of his passes for 208 yards and a touchdown. But the Cougars were completely ineffective on the ground, finishing with just three rushing yards as a team. They needed a 32-yard field goal from Jack Stevens with three seconds left to get past an Idaho team that competes at the FCS level.
San Diego State at-large
San Diego State has now lost six of its last seven games overall but looked re-energized in Week 1. Denegal completed 52% of his passes for 207 yards and a score, spreading the ball to a young receiving group led by Jacob Bostick and Donovan Brown. On the ground, the Aztecs averaged 228 rushing yards, with Sutton leading a deep and physical backfield.
Defensively, the Aztecs were dominant. They allowed zero points and just 95 total yards. Tano Letuli led the team with 9 tackles, while August Salvati contributed 1.5 sacks. San Diego State’s identity as a hard-nosed defensive team appears to be intact.
Washington State coming alive?
The Cougars have now split their last 10 games and have major concerns heading into this matchup. Potter was accurate in the passing game, connecting with Tony Freeman and Jeremiah Noga for a combined 118 yards. However, the ground game was non-existent. Kirby Vorhees led the team with just 19 yards on six carries, and the offensive line struggled to create push against Idaho’s front.
Defensively, Washington State allowed only 10 points and 221 total yards, led by Caleb Francl with 11 tackles. But the inability to control the line of scrimmage or establish offensive rhythm is concerning, especially heading into a matchup against a more physical opponent.
Trends to Know
- San Diego State has lost six straight games against Pac-12 opponents.
- Washington State has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games as a favorite.
- The underdog has covered in six of Washington State’s last seven games.
- San Diego State’s last five games against Pac-12 opponents have gone under the total.
Washington State's lack of a rushing attack and close call against Idaho raise red flags. San Diego State thrives in physical games and should control the trenches. If the Cougars can’t run the ball again, they’ll struggle to sustain drives and protect their young quarterback. Expect the Aztecs to keep this game tight and ultimately pull off the upset on the road.
How to Watch
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 6
- Time: 10:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Martin Stadium — Pullman, Washington
- TV: CW Network
MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS:
- Tom Brady helps Shedeur Sanders secure a roster spot in Cleveland
- Was Bill Belichick fired from UNC? Viral social media post dupes Tar Heels fans after embarrassing debut
- Deion Sanders sends clear message to Ryan Clark over Browns treatment of Shedeur
- Miami legend wants nothing to do with Shannon Sharpe: "I’m shocked at his content"
- Josh Allen to make Wyoming football history as first number retired