What we learned from San Diego State’s heavy 38-6 loss to Hawaiʻi

It was a nightmare on the islands for the Aztecs last Saturday night. In what was billed as an opportunity to take full command of the Mountain West and also a big step towards a potential College Football Playoffs position, quickly drowned in the Honolulu rains.

San Diego State fell 38-6 and it was really only close for the first few minutes.

Two sacks by LB Owen Chambliss, an interception by Deshawn McCuin, and some spirited defensive play had us all thinking these Aztecs were going to continue their dominance for another game. The Rainbow Warriors and the island magic had other ideas.

Having been there in attendance, watching that game from the metal bleachers soaked in rain water and having a soggy bottom was not fun. But of course we made the most of it. After experiencing it live and watching the replay, here is our assessment of the game.

Defensive breakdown despite prior strength

The Aztecs entered the game with one of the nation’s best defenses—allowing 10.0 points per game and 246.3 yards per game. Against Hawaiʻi, however, they surrendered 386 total yards, 256 through the air.

The Warriors’ QB Micah Alejado to WR Jackson Harris combo connected on three passing TDs. Not really anything new as Timmy Chang’s offense has been on a tear scoring over 30+ points in their last three games. But this was a different level of performance at the expense of SDSU’s supposedly potent defensive unit.

The SDSU’s secondary couldn’t keep up. One big reason was they weren’t facing against a lower rated QB. In SDSU’s seven victories this season, only one has been passed their sophomore year of college—and he was a QB at the FCS level. While CAL and Hawai’i both bost highly skilled QB’s, overall the Aztecs haven’t faced all that skilled of players at that position.

Another big reason was being without one of the highest rated CB’s in the nation, Chris Johnson. Ruled questionable to start the game, Johnson was fully dressed and appeared ready to go. He did not play and Alejado made the Aztecs secondary pay. For whatever the reason for not having him in the game, Johnson exited the sidelines before the game was through.

Early on the game took a very different complexion when Bryce Phillips was penalized for taunting, when after a pass breakup he showed emotion waving his arms. It was a call that seemed to deflate the SDSU team as a whole. It extended the Hawai’i drive and they marched down field for a go ahead touchdown. Then the rain seemed to come down harder & harder.

Even top defenses can be exposed when facing a well-prepared, aggressive opponent; SDSU however will need to re-evaluate covers, pressure and situational discipline. Why? For starters, the Aztecs will face a Boise State team coming off two weeks of preparation time. After that San Jose State comes to town and they boast one of the scoring offenses in the Mountain West.

Lewis’ Offense stalled and failed to capitalize

SDSU only scored 6 points, both via field goals by their top rated kicker Gabriel Plascencia. It’s all great that he continues his success in the kicking game, but this is not the optimal result for Sean Lewis’ offense. They failed to score a touchdown despite several drives into Hawaiʻi territory. Aztecs definitely got a taste of their own medicine.

The offense went just 2-of-14 on third downs and 0-of-2 on fourth downs. That will never get it done, no matter playing on the road with rain, or at home in sunny conditions.

Starting QB, Jayden Denegal, was 10-of-27 for 132 yards and 2 interceptions. The passing accuracy has been an issue at times for Denegal this season, but arguably more important has been the inconsistency of improvement in the decision making. Even during games SDSU has won the offense has failed to reach a new level of effectiveness through the air.

At this point in the season the offense must take the next step in operating more efficiently and scoring touchdowns more frequently if a Championship is to become a reality. Denegal’s ability to pull the trigger quicker in his progressions isn’t just about passing alone either.

The season ending injury to WR Jacob Bostick is beginning to show a bit in the options Denegal feels comfortable in letting his passes fly and the route running cleanliness to get open may also be an issue as well on the receivers end. Though Jordan Napier has the playmaking ability, it will be crucial for a 2nd & 3rd wideout to step-up in that department.

The offensive line played horribly in the first half against Hawai’i, failing to really get a meaningful push or contain edge rushers. Crucial plays where the pocket broke down were extended usually ended up in roll out incompletions. Denegal can do himself and his offensive line a big solid by tucking the ball and attacking opposing defenses with his legs before the play completely breaks down.

Of course with more purpose and better timing running for important yardage can absolutely open up the offense and giving more dimension to prepare for. Offensive inefficiency and four turnovers proved decisive against Hawai’i; SDSU’s offense must improve execution, third-down conversion and ball security.

Special teams & momentum swings were costly

The Aztecs defense made the stops and held Hawai’i’s offense scoreless technically in the 2nd half. But games aren’t won only by offense/defense — special teams lapses and momentum shifts can turn a close matchup into a rout. That’s exactly what happened.

In the 2nd half, Hawaiʻi scored on an 86-yard kickoff return to open and also added a 53-yard interception return for a touchdown. Despite SDSU punters doing well (two 60-yard punts) the return TD and pick-six changed the game’s momentum. There was no doubt the Aztecs drowned.

So what does it all mean? Where do we go from here?

Good thing the Aztecs’ win streak was so potent, that they are still in first place. Up next is a return home vs Boise State who also shares that first place standing with SDSU. Will this next battle for the drivers seat to the Championship game prove that the loss on the islands was a one-off? Or will it further show deeper cracks in Sean Lewis’ roster & scheme?

More to come taking a closer look at this Saturda night’s matchup vs the Broncos.