SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego State found a way to finish when it mattered most, as Cooper DiLeva drilled a career-long 53-yard field goal with 57 seconds remaining to lift the Aztecs to a 26-23 victory over Fresno State on Saturday night at Snapdragon Stadium.
The win kept the Old Oil Can trophy in San Diego and gave the Aztecs a much-needed Pac-12 victory after a difficult loss the previous week. San Diego State improved to 3-4 overall and 2-1 in conference play, overcoming a second-half rally by the Bulldogs and an injury to starting quarterback Jayden Denegal.
“It’s a tremendous job. The adversity, the character of the club, the way that we responded to each and every single opportunity that presented itself tonight and throughout the course of the week, and I couldn’t be prouder of everyone involved in this.” said head coach Sean Lewis.
DiLeva’s fourth field goal of the night capped a late drive directed by backup quarterback Stone Saunders. The freshman entered after Denegal left with an ankle injury in the second quarter and helped move the Aztecs into range for the decisive kick.
San Diego State controlled the opening quarter, taking advantage of a Fresno State fumble to set up DiLeva’s 32-yard field goal. Denegal then connected with Jaylon Hawkins on a 52-yard touchdown pass, and another DiLeva field goal extended the lead to 13-0.
Fresno State responded with 10 consecutive points, trimming the deficit to 13-10 before DiLeva added a 40-yard field goal on the final play of the first half to give SDSU a 16-10 advantage.
The Bulldogs seized momentum after halftime. Julius Gillick scored on a 7-yard run in the third quarter to put Fresno State ahead 17-16, its first lead of the game. San Diego State answered early in the fourth when Bert Emanuel Jr. connected with Jordan Napier for a 7-yard touchdown, restoring the Aztecs’ lead at 23-17.
Fresno State refused to go away. Gillick scored his second touchdown on a 2-yard run with just over five minutes remaining, but the Bulldogs missed the extra point, leaving the game tied at 23.
That miss proved costly. Saunders guided San Diego State downfield, completing a critical 26-yard pass to Napier on third-and-10. Four plays later, DiLeva split the uprights from 53 yards to put the Aztecs ahead for good.
“The rivalry makes things different. It was exactly what we needed, exactly the right time to be able to refocus from a really bad moment,” said coach Lewis.
San Diego State’s defense then closed the door. The Bulldogs failed to gain a first down on their final possession, allowing the Aztecs to secure the rivalry win.
Lucky Sutton made an immediate impact in his return from a two-game absence, rushing for 110 yards on 18 carries. His 67-yard run on the first play of the fourth quarter helped set up Emanuel’s touchdown pass. Hawkins finished with six catches for 84 yards and a touchdown.
The Aztecs outgained Fresno State 384-276 and held the Bulldogs to 141 passing yards. Fresno State fell to 4-3 overall and 1-2 in Pac-12 play.
San Diego State travels to Colorado State next Saturday, looking to build on a victory that showed its ability to withstand adversity and finish a close game.
