By Aztec_Republic
Contributing Writer
San Diego State opens their 2026 football season and are expected to overwhelm Portland State when the two teams meet Saturday night, 6:30pm PST at Snapdragon Stadium. The point spread from the start was a massive 40-point advantage for the red & black.
But the Aztecs don’t need to worry about covering a spread. They just need to worry about executing the process that has gotten them to this point. With some returning pieces and some new pieces, the Aztecs figure this game to be a tune-up for the rest of the season. The Vikings on the other hand are looking to rebound after last week’s tough home loss vs UC Davis.
Despite all the hype, predictions and reports, here are 3 keys for each team to come out successfully. Let us know what are yours.
San Diego State Will Win If They Do This …
1. Make the defense set the tone
The biggest question surrounding SDSU entering 2026 is how quickly a rebuilt defense comes together. Portland State provides a good opportunity to establish that identity without having to face an elite FBS offense.
Last season SDSU didn’t lose a single home game. A large part of that was because the defense just wouldn’t surrender points. Any capable offense can be successful when they repeatedly get opportunities to score knowing they don’t have to keep up against their opponent. This will go a long ways if SDSU can continue that dominance.
2. Establish Lucky Sutton the run game
SDSU should make the physicality difference obvious from the opening drive. Lucky Sutton is the centerpiece of this offense after a huge 2025 season, so getting him downhill early can control the game.
Behind a massive offensive line that averages above 300 lbs should wear Portland State down, and open up everything else for Lucky, Christian Washington and Javion ‘Chop’ Kinnard to run freely.
3. Let Jayden Denegal play with confidence
This is the perfect game for Jayden Denegal to settle into the season. He returns as an experienced starter after some tough injuries he battle through in 2025.
The young team captain has plenty of heart and reports from coach Lewis and others speak highly of his command of the offense and the huddle. If he can fire off quickly in this game and allow his backups to get in and earn some confidence and playing time of their own, San Diego State has plenty of reason to believe its offense can be much more efficient in 2026.
Portland State Will Win If They Do This …
1. Vikings Gain Confidence
SDSU cannot afford to overlook an FCS opponent, especially one that just showed it can jump on a team early. Portland State led No. 6 FCS UC Davis 21-0 at halftime in its opener before collapsing in the second half.
Last week, Cru Newman set personal bests in receptions and all purpose yards including a 78 yard punt return for a TD. The Vikings confidence will wither away each quarter if they don’t come up with big plays.
2. 1st Down Battle
The first-down battle on Saturday is a big one. By limiting Portland State’s ability to consistently pick up positive yardage early in the series, SDSU can then pin their ears back and get after the QB in long down & distances.
In order to do that, San Diego State should focus on stopping the Vikings’ run game and keeping first-down gains to a minimum, forcing Portland State into 2nd-and-long and 3rd-and-long situations.
If the Vikings can somehow gain consistent positive yardage in the early downs, their odds increase of moving he ball with manageable 3rd downs.
3. Do Not Become One-Dimensional on Offense
Lucky Sutton is one of the best weapons on this team, but SDSU cannot simply hand him the ball over and over and expect to dominate.
Jayden Denegal is entering his second season at SDSU after throwing for 1,807 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025. Though both of his top returning wideouts will most likely be out this game, Lewis’ offense cannot afford to sit back and not attack through the air.
If the game is somewhat close because it’s turned into a low scoring running battle and the Aztecs fall into a malaise, this opens the door for the Vikings talented QB Tyrese Smith to open things up.
Last week the talented sophomore Smith threw for 268 yards against a quality opponent. At 6’2″ 225 lbs the Las Vegas native is very physical, and has the ability to scramble out of the pocket as a runner or to extend plays. If the Aztecs defense has difficulty controlling him, their best defense just might be their offense.
This will be an exciting game no matter how you see it. A rebuilt Vikings football program looking to shock the world, against a program expecting to contend for the CFP.
For more Aztecs sports views & hot takes, check us out at: Aztec_Republic
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