Aztecs Regain Edge in Paradise, Beating Hawaii 28-7
Honolulu, Hawaii
Sometimes you just need a vacation.
Football is like life, in that every once in a while you just get overstimulated. Especially if you are a part of a winning program or team. All the numbers with the preparation attached to them become a burden. The game ceases to be fun and turns into a chore of sorts.
With that attitude brings a loss of swagger and momentum.
The San Diego State Aztecs were in a lull and needed something to boost their confidence. A trip to Hawaii and a sort of vacation away from the local press seemed to be just the answer, as the team regained their balance and got back to the basics.
A great effort from the offensive line produced huge numbers for Rashaad Penny, as the running back had an extra step to his game on Saturday night.
When the smoke cleared, Penny rushed for 253 yards on 30 carries and was magnificent.
Christian Chapman was only required to throw the ball 11 times as the Aztecs were able to play with the lead early in the game. SDSU is built to pound the ball with the lead. When they have to play from behind, they are in trouble. On Saturday they did not have that issue.
Rashaad Penny got the team off on the right track with this running TD. 7-0 Aztecs
Here we go! #OneCityOneTeam #Win22 pic.twitter.com/SSjWmV1avB
— SDSU Football (@Aztec_Football) October 29, 2017
Chapman only threw occasionally, but he did find Micah Holder on this TD catch. 14-0 Aztecs and the game was virtually over.
Holder with the catch puts us up by two scores! #Win22 #OneCityOneTeam pic.twitter.com/D4bzZ4nP4L
— SDSU Football (@Aztec_Football) October 29, 2017
The Aztecs had their swagger back and Rashaad Penny was a force running the ball.
He constantly earns yards after contact and the Hawaii defense was unable to stop that.
Take a look at this video of Rashaad Penny dragging a defensive player down the field.
TAKE ME WITH YOUUUUU pic.twitter.com/7DdENZDhVl
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 29, 2017
The Aztecs defense also stepped up as they won the battle on the line constantly. Diocemy Saint Juste was held to 40 yards on 17 carries. The Hawaii running back was coming off two impressive performancesn and containing him was no easy task. Kudos to the defense for stepping up and beating Hawaii to the punch.
Sacked! #Win22 #OneCityOneTeam pic.twitter.com/Uh02KRGART
— SDSU Football (@Aztec_Football) October 29, 2017
The Aztecs put the game out of reach with this run by Rashaad Penny.
“Rashaad Penny, look out!” #Win22 #OneCityOneTeam pic.twitter.com/JtoEeJ8Nuw
— SDSU Football (@Aztec_Football) October 29, 2017
Penny was dominant and the Aztecs got their mojo back. A little too late to completely salvage the season, but perhaps they can build on this and end the season on a positive note. There is still much to like about this squad. Go Aztecs!
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.