Nine sacks in a fall scrimmage can produce two very different reactions, albeit they would be sacks if the quarterback could be touched.

The defense celebrates. The offense checks the protection.

San Diego State experienced both Saturday evening during its “First Saturday at Snapdragon” scrimmage. The Aztecs’ defense recorded nine sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and two takeaways during approximately 90 plays at Snapdragon Stadium.

Isaiah Green delivered the biggest play, intercepting a Stone Saunders pass and returning it 26 yards for the first half’s only touchdown.

The offense responded after halftime with two rushing touchdowns and four field goals. Three weeks before the Sept. 5 season opener against Portland State, however, the defense appeared further along.

Here are three things that stood out:

1. The defensive front brought the pressure

Malachi Finau and Djibril Rahman recorded two sacks apiece, while Tuaoa Tauili’ili added 1½. Jeramiah Lewis, Javari Nash, Robby Lavata’i, and Kainoa Davis also contributed as the defense produced nine sacks for 38 yards in losses.

The pressure came from the interior, off the edge, and through the second level.

Finau and Gavriel Lightfoot disrupted plays inside, continuing what coach Sean Lewis said has been a strong camp for both defensive linemen. Edge rusher Kai Wallin also earned praise for his improvement against the run.

“Anytime that you can create some dents inside, that makes life really, really hard,” Lewis said.

The defense set the tone on the opening possession. Linebacker Cameron Cooper forced a fumble after Nathan Acevedo made a 10-yard reception, and Lightfoot recovered at the 39-yard line to end a six-play drive led by Jayden Denegal.

Another scoring opportunity ended when Christian Washington was stopped for a 3-yard loss on fourth-and-1 from the 16. Later, a penalty and two sacks stalled a Denegal-led possession following two completions to Bert Emanuel Jr.

Green turned the pressure into points in the second quarter. The sophomore safety intercepted Saunders’ third-down pass into triple coverage and returned it 26 yards for a touchdown.

SDSU finished with 57 net rushing yards on 46 attempts, though the sack yardage reduced that total.

2. Denegal operated like the starter

SDSU used four quarterbacks, but Denegal appeared firmly in command of the first-team offense.

The senior completed 11 of 13 passes for 83 yards without a turnover. His possessions did not result in a touchdown, but he moved the offense efficiently despite constant pressure.

It was an encouraging performance from a quarterback who played through a shoulder injury last season. Lewis said Denegal now looks more confident making throws without wondering how the shoulder will respond.

“There’s a command that he has,” Lewis said. “There’s a confidence that he has in the throws that he knows that he can make.”

Lewis has called Denegal the team’s “thermostat” because of the energy and composure he brings to the huddle. Saturday’s performance was not explosive, but it showed his control of the offense.

Saunders produced the longest completion, finding Parker Threatt for 40 yards on his first snap with the second unit. The Kentucky transfer finished 9 of 18 for 96 yards with one interception.

Brady Campbell completed 1 of 2 passes for 14 yards. Draiden Trudeau completed his lone attempt for four yards.

3. Receivers and kickers made their cases

Several receivers took advantage of their opportunities as the Aztecs continued evaluating their season-opening lineup.

Acevedo led the team with six receptions for 21 yards. Emanuel caught four passes for a team-high 49 yards, including gains of 11 and 15 yards from Denegal. Carson Diehl, a freshman from La Jolla High School, added four catches for 25 yards.

Threatt supplied the most explosive reception with his 40-yard catch from Saunders.

“We’ve kind of got a spoil of riches there in that room,” Lewis said.

Four kickers also received opportunities. Lane Garner and Noah Serna made 39-yard field goals, while Tyler Prasuhn connected from 40. Cooper DiLeva missed from 34 yards before making a 35-yarder. Garner later hit the right upright from 41 yards.

The offense reached the end zone late. Jordin Thomas scored on a 3-yard run following a short field, and Josiah Lucas broke down the left sideline for a 25-yard touchdown.

Javion Kinnard led the rushing attack with 55 yards on 16 carries.

SDSU returns to practice Monday to begin its third week of camp.

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.