Week 11 Takeaways From San Jose State vs. San Diego State
43-27 Win For The Aztecs
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San Diego State is bowl eligible
San Diego State became bowl eligible with a 43-27 win over San Jose State at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday night. It was a game that the Aztecs needed to remain in contention for the West Division.
The Aztecs produced a convincing win against one of the best teams in the Mountain West Conference. Here are some key takeaways from the win:
Held On To The Lead
In Week 9, San Diego State had a double-digit lead on Fresno State in the final minutes and blew that lead. Brady Hoke’s squad responded to that loss over the last two weeks with wins over UNLV and San Jose State.
In Week 11, it was actually San Diego State that had to generate a comeback. After trailing 14-0 in the first quarter, San Diego State rallied and scored 24 answered points before halftime. Even with a late surge from San Jose State, it was a comfortable enough lead to end with a win.
Jalen Mayden Looked Comfortable
After throwing an interception in the first quarter, Mayden finished the game with three touchdown passes and 268 passing yards. He connected with Jesse Matthews, Mekhi Shaw, and Tyrell Shavers on touchdowns. Shavers accounted for 111 receiving yards and 4 receptions. Mayden has performed at a high level since replacing Braxton Burmeister in October. He was a consistent presence under center that San Diego State was missing.
Jordan Byrd Can Be Explosive
Byrd gave his team momentum with a 95-yard punt return touchdown in the first quarter. That was the energy San Diego State needed to cut into San Jose State’s 14-point lead. Byrd can be a versatile option for San Diego State and he can be a factor on offense and special teams. Byrd could be more aggressive moving forward on kick returns.
Bowl Eligibility
The win secured bowl eligibility. San Diego State needed a win to avoid going 5-5 on the season and slipping behind San Jose State and Fresno State in the division. At times, this season appeared to be slipping away from San Diego State, but Saturday’s win was important for securing bowl eligibility.
