NDL: S30W1 - Stanford (37) at San Diego State (52)
Aztecs Use Strong 1h to top Stanford
Article By: In a thrilling showdown at Snapdragon Stadium, the San Diego State Aztecs triumphed over the Stanford Cardinal with a commanding 52-37 victory. The Aztecs showcased their dominance early on, racing out to a stunning 24-point lead in the first quarter, leaving Stanford reeling from the outset.
From the kickoff, San Diego State's defense set the tone, smothering Stanford's offense and holding them to a meager 50 yards in the first half while keeping them off the scoreboard entirely. The Aztecs’ relentless pressure and disciplined coverage made it clear that they were not only looking to win but to dominate.
Offensively, the Aztecs displayed a balanced attack that kept Stanford's defense guessing. Freshman quarterback Danny O'Neil was a revelation, completing 19 of 23 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns. His poise in the pocket and ability to find open receivers helped maintain the Aztecs' momentum throughout the game.
The star of the offensive show, however, was the San Diego State backfield. Marquez Cooper had a phenomenal day, rushing for 220 yards and scoring one touchdown, while Kenan Christon complemented him with 107 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The duo's ability to find quick holes and create big plays made it impossible for Stanford to contain the Aztecs’ offensive explosion.
Despite the early deficit, the Cardinal showed resilience in the second half. Quarterback Ashton Daniels, who finished the game with an impressive 21 of 33 passes for 319 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, attempted to rally his team. However, the Aztecs’ early lead proved insurmountable. Stanford’s offense began to find its rhythm, but their second-half surge came too late to alter the outcome.
As they look ahead, San Diego State fans can be optimistic about the potential of this young team, especially with emerging stars like O'Neil and their formidable running back duo.
Stanford Falls to San Diego St in opener
Article By: In a high-octane season opener, Stanford's hopes for a winning start were dashed by the relentless ground attack of San Diego State, as the Aztecs ran their way to a commanding 52-37 victory. Despite a valiant effort from Stanford quarterback Ashton Daniels, whose 319 passing yards and three touchdowns kept the Cardinal competitive, the team was unable to slow down San Diego State’s rushing onslaught.
First Half: Aztecs Set the Tone
San Diego State wasted no time asserting their dominance. Running back Kenan Christon electrified the first quarter with an 85-yard touchdown sprint, setting the tone for a game in which Stanford’s defense struggled to contain big plays. While Daniels answered with a 67-yard touchdown pass to Bryce Farrell, it wasn’t enough to stem the tide as the Aztecs pushed their lead to 14-7.
By halftime, San Diego State had built a sizable cushion, leading 35-14, thanks in part to the pinpoint accuracy of quarterback Danny O'Neil, who tossed three touchdowns in the half. An untimely interception thrown by Daniels late in the second quarter further hurt Stanford’s chances, and the Cardinal went into the locker room facing a steep uphill battle.
Second Half: Stanford's Comeback Falls Short
Stanford showed fight in the third quarter, with Daniels leading two scoring drives, including a touchdown pass to Tiger Bachmeier and a quick strike to Mudia Reuben. Sedrick Irvin Jr. also added a rushing score as the Cardinal tried to claw their way back. However, the Aztecs continued to pound the ball on the ground, with Marquez Cooper racking up a stunning 220 rushing yards, breaking tackles and keeping the chains moving.
Despite narrowing the deficit to 49-28 by the end of the third quarter, the Cardinal defense had no answer for the Aztecs’ powerful run game, which accumulated over 300 rushing yards on the day.
Fourth Quarter: Special Teams Spark, But Defense Struggles
Stanford showed signs of life in the final quarter, as Cole Tabb electrified the crowd with a 102-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, narrowing the gap to 49-37. However, the Aztecs responded with a late field goal from Gabriel Plascencia, and Stanford couldn’t mount another meaningful offensive drive.
Though the offense showed flashes of explosiveness, it wasn’t enough to overcome San Diego State’s relentless ground game and a defense that bent but didn’t break. The Aztecs’ rushing attack, led by Cooper and Christon, consistently found gaps in Stanford’s defensive front, leaving the Cardinal searching for answers.
Looking Ahead:
While Stanford’s offense, led by Daniels, showed potential, the defense will need to regroup quickly if they hope to compete in the weeks ahead. San Diego State's ability to exploit the Cardinal’s run defense was the deciding factor in a game that highlighted both Stanford’s promise and its weaknesses.
Stanford will look to bounce back next week, as they search for answers to shore up their defensive front and cut down on mistakes. For San Diego State, the win sends a clear message to the rest of the league: their ground game is a force to be reckoned with.
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