Nov 8, 2025; Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; San Diego State Aztecs quarterback Jayden Denegal (4) makes a pass against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-Imagn Images
San Diego, California – Behind a bruising ground game and a defense that refused to budge, San Diego State edged Boise State 17–7 on Saturday night, tightening its grip on first place in the Mountain West with two games left to play.
The win pushes the Aztecs to 8–2 overall and 5–1 in league play, while Boise State drops to 6–4 and 4–2. The matchup also served as a preview of future Pac-12 conference battles, with both programs set to join the revamped league next season.
Quarterback Jayden Denegal powered the Aztecs early, running for two second-quarter touchdowns as SDSU built a lead it never surrendered. His 1-yard keeper just 1:45 into the second quarter capped a methodical drive and put the Aztecs up 7–0.
Boise State responded with its best series of the night, a 14-play, 75-yard march highlighted by strong runs from Dylan Riley, who finished it off with a 9-yard touchdown to even the score. But San Diego State answered right back. Denegal scored again with 1:10 left in the half, breaking free on an 8-yard keeper to send the Aztecs into halftime leading 14–7.
From there, the Aztecs’ defense tightened the screws. SDSU held the Broncos scoreless over the final two quarters, with disciplined tackling and timely stops that consistently stalled Boise State’s momentum. The only points of the second half came from Gabriel Plascencia, who drilled a 47-yard field goal with 10:51 to play.
San Diego State leaned heavily on its running backs throughout the night, and the ground game delivered. Lucky Sutton churned out 150 yards on 25 carries, pacing an offense that racked up first downs and controlled the clock. Christian Washington added 98 yards on just nine attempts, helping the Aztecs amass a punishing rushing total.
Denegal wasn’t asked to do much through the air, finishing 6 of 10 passing for 17 yards, but his legs—and his two touchdowns—were the difference.
Boise State’s offense never found sustained rhythm beyond its long scoring drive. Quarterback Max Cutforth threw for 104 yards on 12-of-18 passing, while Riley led the Broncos on the ground with 79 yards on 21 carries. Sire Gaines also chipped in 78 yards on 13 rushes.
With the win, San Diego State moves a step closer to closing out the conference slate on top. And with bigger league changes looming next year, the Aztecs continue to show they’re surging at the right time.
