SDSU @ Fresno State Recap: #19 rushes Aztecs to 17-3 victory
Credit: Go Aztecs
D.J. Pumphrey and the San Diego State Aztecs (5-1) swiftly and painlessly put away a weak opponent last night in Fresno. San Diego State controlled the game completely last night, dominating in time of possession, with almost 15 more minutes than the Bulldogs (1-6). The Bulldogs, however, did manage to keep SDSU under 20 points, which is 16 fewer than the 36.6 points per game average given up by the defense.
Scoring Summary
The game started out pretty slowly, with the first score not coming until Aztec kicker John Baron knocked down a 47-yard field goal with 4:21 left in the first quarter. The next score would not come until 9:15 left in the second quarter, when Pumphrey punched in a 2-yard TD run on a 75-yard drive. The Bulldogs would get their first, and only, score up on the board almost an entire quarter later by way of a 39-yard field goal from Fresno kicker Kody Kroening. As the third quarter was running out Pumphrey broke free for a 13-yard TD run to give him his second score of the game, and put him at 14 overall, and one TD behind the great Marshall Faulk on the NCAA All-Time rushing touchdown list. That would wrap up scoring for the game as neither team would put up any points in the fourth quarter.
Important Notes
San Diego State has won their 13th consecutive conference game, moving them past Clemson (12) for the longest standing conference game winning streak in the FBS. They are now 5-1, giving them their best start in school history since the 1997 squad opened up 5-1. This win also gave them their 15th win in their last 16 games.
D.J. Pumphrey rushed for over 200 yards for the fifth time in his career, allowing him to move from 15th to eight on the NCAA All-Time rushing list. His 5,383 yards push him past great names like Archie Griffin, Herschel Walker, and San Diego legend LaDainian Tomlinson. For the fifth straight game, and the 27th time of his career, number 19 rushed for over 100 yards in a game.
Calvin Munson led the team in tackles for the 13th time in his career, and finished with double-digit tackles for the third time this season, to put his season total at 58.
Damontae Kazee got his third interception of the season and his 13th of his career last Friday night. Thirteen interceptions ties him for number one among FBS players, and also ties for first in SDSU Division-1 history.
Christian Chapman moved to 7-1 as a starting quarterback while completing seven of his 12 passes for 72 yards.
Player of the Game
Surprise! D.J. Pumphrey gets the game ball. It’s hard to find a player of the game that’s not number 19 week after week, but he put the team on his back once again. He scored the only two touchdowns of the game and rushed for over 200 yards on the road. This performance only further extends his argument for the Heisman trophy.
Derek is a 22-year-old out of Lemon Grove, California. A burning passion for San Diego sports led him to pursue an opportunity to write and share about what’s going on with the teams in America’s Finest City. A young and aspiring sports journalist looking to grow his knowledge and expand his experience at any opportunity.