Give USD’s football program credit. They took on an almost impossible challenge and, although the final score might not indicate it, the Toreros represented themselves well.
San Diego lost to San Diego State 37-3 on Saturday night at Qualcomm Stadium. Since USD is a non-scholarship, Football Championship Subdivision school the Aztecs can’t count it towards their bowl eligibility.
The Toreros showed off a pretty darn good defense, though. Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey carried 20 times for 65 yards and a 5-yard touchdown. Pumphrey ran for 1867 yards a year ago, averaging nearly seven yards a rush, so credit to USD for keeping him hemmed in. San Diego State’s offense only scored 16 points in the game (Donny Hageman kicked a trio of field goals).
SDSU starting quarterback Maxwell Smith completed 9 of 21 passes for 100 yards and an interception. The Aztecs leading scorer turned out to be a linebacker.
Calvin Munson picked off a pair of passes and returned them both for touchdowns. Dating back to last season, Munson has now had three pick-sixes in his last four games. Overall USD tried out three different quarterbacks. They combined to go 13-27 for 109 yards and five interceptions. Aztecs defensive back Damontae Kazee had a fantastic night with three interceptions.
SDSU also scored a touchdown on special teams when Rashaad Penny took the second half kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown.
USD gets back to the FCS ranks next week when they host Western New Mexico at 6:00 p.m. SDSU will face its first road test of the season when they head to the Bay Area to face the Cal Bears.
