Albuquerque, New Mexico, November 29, 2025
The San Diego State Aztecs faced a setback in their quest for the Mountain West Conference Championship Game following a heartbreaking 23-17 double-overtime loss to the New Mexico Lobos. Despite leading at halftime, the Aztecs were unable to secure the victory, and their chances for participating in the championship game now hinge on other conference matchups.
San Diego State Aztecs’ Double Overtime Loss to New Mexico Puts Championship Hopes in Jeopardy
Albuquerque, New Mexico – The San Diego State Aztecs’ aspirations for hosting the Mountain West Conference Championship Game were dashed following a 23-17 double-overtime defeat to the New Mexico Lobos on Friday. The loss not only ended the Aztecs’ chance to host the title game but also left their participation in the championship uncertain, pending the outcome of other conference matchups.
Game Recap
The game commenced with New Mexico taking an early lead, scoring a field goal in the first quarter. San Diego State responded in the second quarter with a touchdown run by Lucky Sutton and a 46-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jayden Denegal to wide receiver Donovan Brown, bringing the score to 14-10 in favor of the Aztecs at halftime.
In the third quarter, New Mexico regained the lead with a 54-yard touchdown run by D.J. McKinney. San Diego State equalized with a 44-yard field goal by Gabriel Plascencia, tying the game at 17-17 and sending it into overtime.
During the first overtime period, both teams turned the ball over. San Diego State’s Denegal was intercepted on the first play, but the Aztecs’ defense responded by forcing a fumble from New Mexico’s quarterback James Laubstein, allowing the game to continue.
In the second overtime, New Mexico’s quarterback Jack Layne connected with wide receiver Cade Keith for a 25-yard touchdown on the first play. The Lobos’ defense then sacked Denegal twice, forcing a fourth-and-30 situation for the Aztecs, which they failed to convert, securing the victory for New Mexico.
Implications for the Aztecs
The defeat leaves San Diego State with a 9-3 overall record and a 5-3 mark in Mountain West play. The Aztecs’ hopes of hosting the conference championship game are now contingent on the outcomes of other conference matchups, particularly the UNLV-Nevada game. If UNLV wins, the championship game scenario will be determined by computer rankings, with San Diego State needing favorable metrics to secure a spot.
Looking Ahead
As the Aztecs await the results of other conference games, their focus will shift to preparing for the potential championship game, regardless of the venue. The team will need to regroup and address the challenges faced in the double-overtime loss to New Mexico to enhance their prospects in the postseason.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the final score of the San Diego State vs. New Mexico game?
- The final score was 23-17 in favor of New Mexico after double overtime.
- How did the game impact San Diego State’s championship prospects?
- The loss eliminated San Diego State’s chance to host the Mountain West Conference Championship Game and left their participation in the championship uncertain, pending the outcome of other conference matchups.
- What were the key moments in the overtime periods?
- In the first overtime, San Diego State’s quarterback Jayden Denegal was intercepted on the first play, but the Aztecs’ defense forced a fumble from New Mexico’s quarterback James Laubstein, allowing the game to continue. In the second overtime, New Mexico’s quarterback Jack Layne connected with wide receiver Cade Keith for a 25-yard touchdown on the first play, and the Lobos’ defense sacked Denegal twice, forcing a fourth-and-30 situation for the Aztecs, which they failed to convert.
- What is San Diego State’s current record after the game?
- San Diego State now has a 9-3 overall record and a 5-3 mark in Mountain West play.
- What does San Diego State need to do to secure a spot in the championship game?
- San Diego State’s participation in the championship game depends on the outcomes of other conference matchups, particularly the UNLV-Nevada game. If UNLV wins, the championship game scenario will be determined by computer rankings, with San Diego State needing favorable metrics to secure a spot.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | New Mexico 23, San Diego State 17 (Double Overtime) |
| San Diego State’s Record | 9-3 Overall, 5-3 Mountain West |
| Key Play in Second Overtime | New Mexico’s Jack Layne to Cade Keith 25-yard touchdown pass |
| San Diego State’s Key Player | Lucky Sutton with 110 rushing yards and a touchdown |
| Impact on Championship Hopes | Loss eliminates hosting the Mountain West Championship Game; participation depends on other conference matchups |
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