News Summary
The San Diego State University football team achieved a narrow 6-3 victory against Northern Illinois University at Huskie Stadium. The match concluded with a game-winning 25-yard field goal by Gabe Plascencia. This win improves SDSU’s record to 3-1 for the season, showcasing a formidable defense that has allowed just 39 points thus far. The Aztecs head into their next match against Colorado State with momentum, marking a significant season as they compete in their final year in the Mountain West Conference.
San Diego – The San Diego State University (SDSU) football team secured a narrow 6-3 victory over Northern Illinois University (NIU) on Saturday at Huskie Stadium. The win was clinched with a game-winning field goal from Gabe Plascencia, who successfully kicked a 25-yard field goal as time expired.
This victory marks a stark contrast for the Aztecs compared to the previous season when they lost 22-21 against Central Michigan after allowing a halftime lead to slip away. The SDSU team has swiftly matched its win total from last season, boasting a current record of 3-1 just four games into the season.
SDSU’s impressive performance in this game was largely attributed to their standout defense. The Aztecs’ defense has allowed just 39 points this season, with 37 being attributed to their efforts on the field since they only recorded a safety while the defense was off the field. This includes two shutouts earlier in the season, something the team hadn’t accomplished since 2016. Their performance against NIU is especially notable as they allowed only three points, the fewest the Huskies have scored at home since 2008.
Throughout this season, SDSU’s defense has excelled, leading the Mountain West Conference in various key categories such as yards allowed per play (3.62), pass efficiency (92.71), scoring (9.75), and total yards allowed (235.00). In fact, the defense has not allowed touchdowns in consecutive games for the first time since 2016, a feat that highlights their dominance on the field.
Cornerback Chris Johnson’s performance has been particularly noteworthy, as he recorded an interception in back-to-back games. Despite the strong showing, Johnson expressed disappointment in allowing even three points, with the defense’s goal being to pitch shutouts in every game.
The Aztecs opened the season impressively, achieving home shutouts of 42-0 against Stony Brook and 34-0 against Cal, making history as the first team in Division I to accomplish such a feat in a season.
As the season progresses, SDSU now turns its attention to the next match against Colorado State, scheduled for Friday night. This game marks the opener of their final season in the Mountain West Conference, adding another layer of significance as the team aims to continue its strong defensive performance and build on its current momentum.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego State Begins Mountain West Play Against Colorado State
- Wikipedia: San Diego State Aztecs football
- San Diego State Travels to Northern Illinois
- Google Search: San Diego State Aztecs football
- 3 Thoughts on the Aztecs’ Win at Northern Illinois
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Diego State Aztecs
- What SDSU Players Said After the Win at NIU
- Google News: San Diego State football
- ESPN Game Preview for SDSU
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
