Game Details

Date: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026
Time: 7 p.m. PT
Channel: The CW
Radio: San Diego Sports 760
Location: Snapdragon Stadium (San Diego)
Records: San Diego State 1-1, James Madison 2-0
Betting line: SDSU -2.5, O/U 46.5 (FanDuel)                                                                                                                                                                                            Series: First meeting

San Diego State will dress in red Saturday night, aiming to keep James Madison’s offense from painting the scoreboard the same color.

The Aztecs return to Snapdragon Stadium following a 28-10 loss at UCLA, while the Dukes arrive after an 87-3 demolition of Wagner, the highest-scoring performance in James Madison history.

SDSU will wear its new “Age of the Jaguar” uniforms, featuring red jerseys and pants with black helmets, during the program’s designated red-out game and while defending a seven-game home winning streak.

“Those are some good uniforms, and [I’m] excited to go out there and represent our colors,” cornerback Mike Lindsay said.

The Dukes are playing in California for the first time and making the longest regular-season trip in program history. They also reached the College Football Playoff last season.

Finding life through the air

The Aztecs need more balance after producing the Pac-12’s least-productive passing offense through two games.

Quarterback Jayden Denegal has completed 18 of 34 passes for 182 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. SDSU is averaging 101 passing yards and 190.5 rushing yards per game.

Running backs Lucky Sutton and Javion Kinnard give the Aztecs a dependable foundation, but the passing game must become more consistent to prevent James Madison from crowding the line of scrimmage.

Wide receiver Nathan Acevedo said the offense’s 10-point performance against UCLA has not changed his approach as one of the veterans in the room.

“We had an off game,” Acevedo said. “We all didn’t play to our best abilities. I’ve got to take accountability for me; I gotta get the team going. We’ve all got to get each other going.”

Acevedo said his connection with Denegal continues to improve through the team’s emphasis on getting “plus one” better each day.

“There’s really nothing that’s perfect in life,” Acevedo said. “I don’t expect JD to be perfect, and he doesn’t expect me to be perfect, but we’re on the same level, and that’s what matters.”

James Madison held Wagner to 204 total yards, including 86 rushing yards on 40 attempts.

SDSU must sustain drives and avoid giving the Dukes extra opportunities through turnovers or short fields.

Solving James Madison’s quarterback riddle

Starter JC Evans suffered a lower-body injury during the Dukes’ season-opening victory over Liberty. Camden Coleman replaced him and completed 11 of 17 passes for 170 yards and one touchdown in his first JMU start against Wagner.

With Evans’ availability unclear, SDSU has prepared for two quarterbacks who present different challenges. The defense may have to adjust its calls depending on who takes the field and how often James Madison uses its quarterback in the running game.

“They’re a big RPO team,” Lindsay said. “You never know exactly what to expect.”

Lindsay said the Aztecs must prepare for both quarterbacks and adjust their calls once they know who is playing.

Regardless of who starts at quarterback, the Dukes have multiple threats in the backfield. Nick Herman gained 133 yards and scored twice on nine carries against Wagner, while George Pettaway added three rushing touchdowns. James Madison finished with 291 rushing yards and six scores on the ground.

SDSU’s defense will need the communication it displayed against UCLA to handle the Dukes’ run-pass options, shifts, and potential quarterback runs.

“We communicate a lot as a defense,” Lindsay said. “That really puts some pressure on the offense.”

Linebackers Sione Hala and Tano Letuli lead SDSU with 19 and 15 tackles, respectively. Their ability to diagnose the Dukes’ option concepts and prevent explosive runs could determine whether James Madison’s offense resembles the group that scored 87 against Wagner or the one held to 20 points against Liberty.

A dangerous game of field position

James Madison scored three special-teams touchdowns against Wagner.

Michael Scott returned two punts for touchdowns and added a 92-yard kickoff return, finishing with 303 all-purpose yards. Miles Halbert also blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown.

Across the field, Acevedo has muffed a punt in each of SDSU’s first two games. The senior said he has relied on a short memory while continuing to handle the role.

“Next-play mentality,” Acevedo said. “I might mess up one play, but I don’t let the next play linger on to the next.”

Acevedo said his first responsibility is securing the ball.

“I just have to make a high-speed decision and secure the ball because the ball is the team,” he said. “I’m going to do a better job, for sure.”

Limiting mistakes and containing James Madison’s return game could determine whether SDSU extends its seven-game home winning streak.

Roman Aguilar

Roman Aguilar (he/him/his) is a San Diego State graduate from Stockton, California. He joined The Daily Aztec in 2022, covering football, men’s basketball, and water polo before becoming Sports Editor for three years. Aguilar was also the sports director for KCR College Radio for two years, where he covered SDSU athletics, reviewed concerts, and interviewed artists. Outside the newsroom, he’s often at local shows or watching his favorite horror films.