Corvallis, Oregon – If there was any optimism that the San Diego State Aztecs could build upon the momentum from last week’s miraculous 31-29 upset win over Texas State, that all but evaporated against Oregon State this Saturday.
The Beavers brutally routed the Aztecs 66-14, in one of the worst losses in program history. The lopsided defeat marked the 3rd-worst blowout loss in San Diego State football history. Just a 68-17 loss to Pacific and the infamous 70-7 defeat against New Mexico top this wide of a margin against the Beavers.
It was a game of contrasts in every facet. Oregon State (4-2, 2-0), a revived program led by first-year head coach JaMarcus Shephard, features one of the most potent offensive units behind coordinator Mitch Dahlen and, on the other side of the ball, defensive coordinator Mike MacIntyre.
San Diego State (2-4, 1-1) is in Year 3 of the Sean Lewis Aztecs Fast era, which has struggled to improve behind offensive coordinator Matt Johnson. On the flip side, first-year defensive coordinator Demetrius Sumler has struggled to get his unit off the field.
That said, let’s take a closer look at the good, the bad, and where the program goes from here in my final reflection.
The Good
The Aztecs scored a first-half touchdown against an FBS opponent for the first time in 286 days and four games dating back to last season. The drive came in 6 plays and 67 yards, capped by an 11-yard touchdown when senior quarterback Jayden Denegal found senior wide receiver Jacob Bostick in the back of the end zone.
That was Bostick’s only reception of the day. Redshirt freshman Jaylon Hawkins led the Aztecs with 43 receiving yards. They were all gained on one catch as well.
Hawkins continued his tremendous special teams season, returning a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown midway through the third quarter. It was his third special teams score of the season and the second in the last two games.
The Bad
Going into this game, it was understandable for Aztecs fans to feel optimistic that the defense would answer the call after the second half of last week’s game. However, that optimism proved irrational as the Beavers offense scored on 10 of their 13 drives and wasn’t forced to punt until the 1:55 mark in the fourth quarter.
The offense was suffocating as the Beavers held the ball for 42 minutes, 18 seconds and totaled 651 yards. The offense went 12-for-17 on third downs and 2-for-3 on fourth downs.
True freshman Beaver wide receiver Jesse Legree had no trouble making plays against the Aztecs secondary recording 10 receptions for 191 yards and three touchdowns. Legree could have easily racked up more stats had he not been taken out of the game.
Legree’s running mate and QB1, sophomore Braden Atkinson, didn’t play in the fourth quarter. He passed for 409 yards on 29 of 38 completions and five touchdowns on 10.8 yards per play. Atkinson was sacked only once and rarely pressured.
Senior backup Beavers quarterback Maalik Murphy had similar success, going 8/8 for 53 yards and a passing touchdown.
In rushing, no Beavers player put up more than 55 yards, but the team totaled 189 yards on 4.2 yards per carry and three touchdowns.
Whether it was missed assignments, blown coverages, poor tackling, miscommunication, or a lack of pressure on the line of scrimmage, Sumler’s Aztecs defense played an abysmal game. The unit couldn’t figure out the Beavers as they were outplayed, outsmarted, out-coached, and outmuscled.
The Beavers offense imposed its will on the Aztecs defense all afternoon, and regardless of the lack of offensive support, the Aztecs defense giving up 66 points is inexplicable and inexcusable, period.
To no one’s surprise, the Aztecs offense recorded another forgettable performance, totaling a pathetic 147 yards. The Beavers run game outgained the entire Aztecs offense by 42 yards. It’s a testament to the uninnovative, ineffectual, and uninspiring playcalling of Sean Lewis and Matt Johnson, who have turned into deer in the headlights without their explosive running backs to carry them.
The offense has been forced to rely on a non-existent, at worst, and dysfunctional, at best, passing game that plays into the defense’s hands.
Jayden Denegal turned in another futile performance, going 5/19 for 78 yards and a passing touchdown when the game was already far out of reach. The only saving grace of Denegal’s performance is that he didn’t turn the ball over, an impressive feat considering the ample opportunities given to Beaver defenders.
Aztecs fans could only ask why Lewis waited until the third quarter to make a change at the position.
The run blocking could hardly create running lanes, as Javion Kinnard could muster only 43 yards on 11 carries in his first game back. Freshman Joshiah Lucas didn’t fare any better behind this offensive line, recording 10 yards on 8 carries before an unfortunate injury.
Final Reflection
I didn’t think the Aztecs football program could sink lower, but they did. It’s astonishing to watch the team keep exceeding expectations in the worst ways possible. At 2-4 and three losses away from bowl-ineligibility, it’s safe to say with the way things have been trending between the bad play, injuries, and mumps, the 2026 season will more than likely be a lost one for the program.
Unfortunately at this point in the process, the days of the Sean Lewis era are numbered. Getting this team on track for any positive momentum to build on starts with benching Jayden Denegal for good in favor of redshirt freshman Draiden Trudeau—at least until Stone Saunders returns from injury.
Perhaps this move should’ve been made much sooner, but the lack of performance and decision to make the change has perhaps all but demoralized the team.
It doesn’t get any easier as PAC-12 play continues, with the Aztecs heading into rivalry week to defend home field and their right to keep the Old Oil Can from their hated Central Valley rivals, Fresno State. The Bulldogs have more than enough motivation coming off a tough 38-31 home loss to #23 Boise State.
If Lewis and his staff make a quarterback change and somehow win this game, it would at least cool his seat and erase some doubt coming from the Aztec Faithful and higher-ups.
Whatever happens, most Aztec football fans, myself included, are turning the page to 2027 as we look forward to the inevitable rebuild and retooling due for this program. Times are tough, and we fans are hurting, but I think there’s solace in knowing the day will come when Aztec football returns to glory and becomes a winning program.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
