GAME INFORMATION

Date: Saturday, November 8

Location: Honolulu, Hawaii, Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex

Kickoff: 8:00 PM PT

TV: Spectrum/Mountain West Network

Aztecs Radio Network: San Diego Sports 760

SDSU is having a complete turnaround season in Sean Lewis’ second year as head coach. 7-1, first place in the Mountain West, and on a six-game winning streak. They already have more than twice as many wins as last season, and they became bowl eligible two weeks ago.

This week, they make the 2,600-mile trek across the Pacific Ocean to the island of Honolulu, Hawaii, to face the 6-3 Rainbow Warriors.

“We’re in a good spot with lots to clean up this week as we make a unique trip out to Hawaii, where they haven’t been home in a very long time. They’re playing at a really elite level themselves, and [we] know that they’ll have a good crowd in a unique environment there that we’re excited to go compete with,” Lewis stated in his opening press conference after the homecoming victory two days prior. “Timmy [Chang] does a great job. You can tell that the team has really taken on his personality. They’ve gotten a good job of developing their run game and coming downhill to complement an elite passing game, and then defensively. DT [Dennis Thurman] does a good job there. They’re very, very aggressive. They’re opportunistic in terms of taking the ball away, so excited for the opportunity, excited for the challenge, and looking forward to getting out on the grass and getting better.”

Hawaii is tied with New Mexico for fourth place in the Mountain West Conference. They are 3-2 in conference play with losses to Fresno State and San Jose State. 

Redshirt freshman Micah Alejado leads the offense. He has had an impressive season so far statistically, ranking second in the conference in passing. Alejado has completed 65.89% of his 302 passes for 2,124 yards and 15 touchdowns. His downside is that he has thrown six interceptions. 

On defense, Hawaii is tough against the run but is vulnerable when attacked through the air. They surrender an average of 132 yards rushing per game but allow an average of 225 yards passing per game. SDSU’s offense averages 185 rushing yards per game and 181 passing yards per game. The battle for SDSU’s offense will again be won in the trenches.

These two teams will be facing off for the 40th time, with the Aztecs leading the series 26-11-2. SDSU has won the last five matchups since 2019. Lewis faced the Rainbow Warriors at home last season as the Red and Black won the game after a Marquez Cooper rushing touchdown in the fourth gave them the 27-24 lead.

Keys To The Game

• Run The Ball Efficiently

Lucky Sutton is having a career year after sitting behind Marquez Cooper last season. He is currently leading the Mountain West in yards per game with 102.5 and rushing yards with 820. The hometown hero has had four 100-yard rushing games this season and has been a solid foundation that the offense has built off of so far.

“He’s proven it. He’s worked tremendously, and he’s met the opportunities. His preparation has created great moments as he gets stronger,” Lewis said of Sutton’s breakout year. “Going back to NIU when we were on the road. It was dirty, and it was sloppy, and we needed to drive. He was a workhorse in that regard and got us down in the field goal range. These moments have never been too big for him because he just keeps stepping up to his level of training. He’s got a special set of skills that, as the game goes on, he gets stronger, and all those body blows from the big boys up front, from our tight ends that are leaning on people, and his ability to then finish runs like that gives us a physicality and identity that I’m really proud of, that our kids are really proud of as well.”

His patient running style, combined with his ability to explode on downhill runs, makes him a dangerous weapon against opposing defenses. This week’s game on the road will be a physical contest, and setting the tone early will be key to setting up the offense for success.

When Sutton has rushed for over 100 yards, the Red and Black are undefeated and have outscored opponents 134-31. The Aztecs have also won the time of possession in all four of those games.

This week, the offense will be set up on the success of Sutton’s running. If the offensive line can explode off the football and allow Sutton to have a day, the rest should fall into place and open up for Jayden Denegal and his weapons.

• Win The Turnover Battle

Creating opportunities for the offense is huge and a goal of the defense every week. SDSU has forced 12 turnovers so far this season, 10 interceptions and two fumble recoveries. 

Rob Aurich will be looking to get after the Hawaii quarterback and force him to make mistakes that will give the secondary chances to create turnovers. With his six interceptions so far and him being a young quarterback, this Aztecs defense could be in for a big day.

The Red and Black are the number two defense in the country, only behind Ohio State University. The tough style of play that has been seen on the Mesa for years has continued, and the results this season have been phenomenal. 

“We’ve got to do a great job limiting their throwing game,” Lewis explained of what they need to do defensively this week. “They’re going to generate explosive plays. That’s who they are and the job that they do.”

Expect Aurich to pressure the quarterback early, but also keep his defenders in position to make plays to take advantage of the offense’s potential mistakes and limit the big plays downfield. If the Aztecs can win the turnover differential, then they can set themselves up for potentially their seventh win in a row.

Players To Watch

• Jayden Denegal

Denegal has been a bright spot on offense this season after quarterback play under Lewis’s first season was lackluster.

The former Michigan Wolverine has progressed nicely so far and didn’t throw an interception until his 94th pass of the year in the team’s fourth game on the road against Northern Illinois. 

As mentioned in the keys to the game, the run game can set up the offense for success. The execution will rely on Denegal. He has been able to command the offense well against some tough defenses so far and will be looking to continue his success in Honolulu. 

Denegal’s number one target has been Jordan Napier. The standout wide receiver has caught 45 passes for 610 yards and two touchdowns. Denegal, however, does spread the ball around as he has completed passes to thirteen different players so far.

Lewis has spoken on Denegal’s improvements each week throughout the season and seems pleased with a quarterback who can operate his offense efficiently.

This week, all eyes will be on number four as he has the opportunity to lead his team to another conference win and get that one game closer to competing for the Mountain West Championship Game.

• Jackie Johnson III (Hawaii Defensive End)

The senior defensive lineman is the Rainbow Warriors’ main destructive force up front. He has 18 total tackles, six sacks, and a fumble recovery. The Aztecs’ offensive line will need to keep an eye out for number 57 on all plays.

His size and speed combine for a lethal dose of pressure in the backfield. Stopping him will be of utmost importance to allow Denegal to make his reads and guide the offense down the field for points.

The attitude of the offensive line at SDSU has been tough and gritty as the group had to battle injuries last year, but has now found a consistent core that has performed well.

“It’s being relentless, having an attitude, edge, and effort about us,” said senior offensive lineman Joseph Borjon about the mindset this season. “We want to be relevant on the West Coast. We want to be one of the top lines in the nation.”

Not only is Johnson III a player to keep an eye on, but Hawaii has a front that will be looking to apply pressure all night. The offensive line will be tested for weak spots all night.

Keep an eye on the Rainbow Warriors’ defensive front, as that is where this matchup will be won or lost.

Johnny Olivieri

Johnny is born and raised in San Diego and a diehard fan of all his hometown teams. He is an avid collector of sports memorabilia that help paint a picture of the history of sports in San Diego. He spends a lot of his time attending sports games across San Diego county and enjoys studying the history and spreading knowledge of San Diego’s diverse sports.