San Diego State defeats Hawaii 16-14 with the aid of Mayden
San Diego State’s #18 Jalen Mayden (QB) breaks away from a Hawaii defender to help lead his team to victory. Photo by Jared Dubose/TGSportstv1.
San Diego, CA - As a result of Saturday's 16-14 victory against Hawaii at Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego State's record improved to 3-3. The Aztecs achieved their first conference victory of the year with the victory.
When it came down to a matter of seconds, San Diego State almost lost the game. It was a victory that preserved San Diego State's chances of capturing the Mountain West title in 2022.
Going into this game, there was a lot of uncertainty about San Diego State's offense. As things turned out, San Diego State defender Jalen Mayden switched from the defensive safety to the offensive and began the game as quarterback for the Aztecs. Mayden began the game because the Aztecs were playing without a reliable quarterback.
For the most of the first half, there weren't many goals scored. Kicker Jack Browning of San Diego State scored the first goal for his club with a 45-yard field goal. At halftime, San Diego State led 3-0 thanks to the field goal.
Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors #6 Zion Bowens (WR) avoiding being tackle and running downfield for a 66-yard touchdown. Photo by Jared Dubose/TGSportstv1.
Mayden connected with Jordan Byrd on a 15-yard touchdown throw with 10:53 still to play in the third quarter. The Aztecs now lead 10-0, a margin of 10 points. The Aztecs were in charge, but Hawaii came roaring back on the next play with a 66-yard score from wide receiver Zion Bowens. At 10-7, San Diego State's advantage was down to three points.
Within the opening minute of the fourth quarter, Browning increased the advantage by three more points. For the most of the fourth quarter, the 13-7 advantage was maintained. When Hawaii put together an 80-yard drive in the game's closing moments, San Diego State's hopes of winning the game were on the verge of failing. Dedrick Parson scored from 22 yards out to give Hawaii their first lead of the game. At the 1:19 mark of the fourth quarter, the Rainbow Warriors had a 14-13 advantage.
San Diego State Aztecs #11 Brionne Penny (WR) making a big catch downfield to keep their drive going. Photo by Jared Dubose/TGSportstv1.
In the last minute, Mayden and the Aztec offense once again pushed the ball down the field. San Diego State finally prevailed 16-14 after a clutch drive culminated with a game-winning field goal from 26 yards.
The Aztecs avoided a potentially fatal collapse thanks to the field goal. San Diego State managed to hold on for a crucial victory despite a rough fourth-quarter finish. San Diego State was in a strong position to win the game thanks in large part to Mayden's performance at quarterback. He completed passes for 322 yards and a score after he just played safety last week against Boise State.
Following a week off, the Aztecs will play Nevada in Reno two weeks from now. In the next contest, San Diego State will strive for a more orderly conclusion.