News Summary
San Diego State University (SDSU) achieved a narrow victory over Northern Illinois University (NIU) with a last-minute field goal. Gabe Plascencia kicked a 25-yard field goal as time expired, marking SDSU’s first road win of the season. The Aztecs improved their record to 3-1, matching their win count from the previous season and showcasing strong defensive performance by limiting NIU to just 169 total yards. This victory marks SDSU’s continued dominance over NIU, maintaining an undefeated record in their matchups.
DeKalb, Illinois — San Diego State University (SDSU) achieved a narrow 6-3 victory over Northern Illinois University (NIU) on Saturday, marking their first road win of the 2025 football season. The pivotal moment of the game came when Gabe Plascencia kicked a 25-yard field goal as time expired, securing the victory for the Aztecs.
The gripping finale unfolded after an almost blocked punt by NIU, which allowed SDSU to start their drive from the opponent’s 44-yard line with just 1:44 remaining on the clock. The drive featured several rushes by Lucky Sutton and was aided by a facemask penalty against NIU as well as an offsides penalty. A kneel down by quarterback Jayden Dengal ultimately set up Plascencia’s game-winning kick at the Northern Illinois 6-yard line.
This field goal marked Plascencia’s 18th consecutive made field goal, tying the school record initially established by Chris O’Brien in 1984-85. The victory was significant for the Aztecs as it not only improved their record to 3-1 but also matched their total win count from the previous season under head coach Sean Lewis. Furthermore, this was SDSU’s best start since the 2021 season when they began 7-0.
Game Highlights
Both teams managed to score during the first half through methodical drives. NIU initiated the scoring with a 62-yard, 12-play drive culminating in a 31-yard field goal by Andrew Glass. SDSU responded with a drive of their own, covering 63 yards in 13 plays and finishing off with a 30-yard field goal from Plascencia.
While the first half was marked by teams’ offensive strategies, the second half saw a noticeable pause in scoring, with neither team advancing past the opponent’s 40-yard line until the fourth quarter. With this win, SDSU recorded their second consecutive game without allowing a touchdown, a feat not seen since 2016.
Defensive Performance
SDSU’s defense played a critical role in the win by limiting NIU to just 169 total yards, while the Aztecs themselves garnered 266 yards. The defensive unit managed to restrict Northern Illinois to only 10 first downs and kept them to 4-for-15 on third down conversions. The three points scored by NIU were the fewest they’ve recorded in a game since the 2010 International Bowl and their lowest home game score since being shut out in 2008.
Player Contributions
Lucky Sutton led the SDSU rushing attack, amassing 88 yards on 17 carries. Quarterback Jayden Dengal threw for 110 yards but also had two interceptions, ending SDSU’s five-game streak without a turnover. Wide receivers Jordan Napier and Donovan Brown contributed significantly, with Napier catching six passes for 52 yards and Brown securing five receptions for 42 yards.
On defense, Owen Chambliss registered 11 tackles and one sack, while Chris Johnson bolstered the secondary with seven tackles and an interception. Overall, SDSU’s defense has now allowed only 39 points over the first four games of the season, the lowest total in 50 years.
Historical Context
With this victory, San Diego State remains undefeated against Northern Illinois, boasting an impressive 7-0 record in their face-offs. They are also 17-2-1 in matchups against current teams from the Mid-American Conference.
Looking forward, SDSU will host Colorado State in their next game, which will serve as their first Mountain West Conference game of the season following this hard-fought victory.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego State Travels to Northern Illinois for Final Non-Conference Game
- Aztecs Eek Out 6-3 Win at Northern Illinois
- San Diego State vs. Northern Illinois Picks and Predictions
- San Diego State Game Preview: NIU Huskies
- ESPN College Football Game Recap
- Wikipedia: San Diego State Aztecs Football
- Google Search: San Diego State Football
- Google Scholar: San Diego State Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Diego State Football
- Google News: San Diego State Aztecs
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