Fans were hoping for a good match-up in the New Mexico Bowl. Instead, San Diego State and Central Michigan gave them a result similar to year’s past.
First Half
Central Michigan received the opening kickoff but the offensive drive did not last long as a few plays later, quarterback Quinten Dormady would be picked off by Kyahva Tezino.
San Diego State needed just four plays before they were in the endzone. Ryan Agnew found Jessee Matthews for 22 yards with Matthews making a nice diving catch and just like that, it was 7-0 Aztecs.
Central Michigan opened their second possession strong as Dormady found Kalil Pimpleton for a 61-yard gain all the way down to the Aztec 14. The Chippewas however stalled after a penalty and two incompletions. That led to a Ryan Tice 33-yard field goal making it 7-3.
Later on in the second quarter, the Aztec defense made their second big stop of the day. With the Aztecs up 13-3, Dormady and the Chippewas needed a momentum booster. However, Dormady overthrew his receiver and was picked off by Traiq Thompson.
One offensive play later, Agnew threw another great pass, this one a 74-yard pass to Matthews for the second time. The score was now 20-3 and Central Michigan needed something to happen quick.
They got the ball before the half looking for at least a field goal to narrow the gap. They were moving downfield thanks to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the San Diego State defense and the offense started to drive.
Dormady threw a nice pass JaCorey Sullivan for 21-yards. But a few plays later, Dormady threw a pick to Luq Barcoo making it the Aztecs ball and now Central Michigan had to rely on their defense and second half adjustments.
Second Half
The Second half was just a sequel to the first half. The Chippewa defense originally stopped the Aztec offense, but were called for pass interference making it a new set of downs for San Diego State.
Running back Jordan Byrd rushed for a four yard gain to the Central Michigan two and pushed it in for a two yard touchdown. The score was now 27-3. After a good defensive stop and a Central Michigan Punt, the Aztecs continued to run up the score.
Agnew would drop back with pressure in his face, finding TJ Sullivan who made a spectacular left-handed grab in the endzone. The score would now be 34-3 and at this point, the game was in the hands of the Aztecs.
Central Michigan scored a touchdown for the first time once they got the ball back. After a few plays, Kobe Lewis had enough and turned on the jets, taking it 66 yards. Dormady found Pimpleton for the two point conversion making it 34-11.
After an interception by Alonzo McCoy, Central Michigan seemed to have a shot to get another touchdown to make it a three possession game. However, they turned it over on downs ending their hopes of a comeback.
The Aztecs scored two more touchdowns. The first was a Chase Jasmin two yard run, and the second happened when Kobe Lewis fumbled and Darren Hall returned it for a 20 yard touchdown.
In their first ever meeting, the Aztecs had the advantage throughout the whole game. San Diego State would beat Central Michigan 48-11.
Central Michigan Stats
The Chippewas offense struggled most of the time they had their hands on the ball.
Dormady finished 11 of 26 with 164 passing yards, no touchdowns, three interceptions and a rating of 5.5.
Kobe Lewis only had five carries in the game, and his highlight was the 66 yard run. He rushed for 97 yards and one touchdown.
Senior Jonathan Ward had nine carries for 26 yards. Senior QB Tommy Lazzaro got some playing time and had three carries for five yards.
Wide receivers Kalil Pimpleton, Tyrone Scott, Jacoby Sullivan and Mark Patritto combined for 149 yards receiving. Tight end Bernhard Raimann had one reception for nine yards.
Senior Da’Quaun Jaminson had seven total tackles on defense. In total, the defense had 72 total tackles, one sack, two pass deflections and three quarterback hurries.
The player who made the sack was linebacker George Douglas. This was the sophomores second sack of the season.
San Diego State Stats
The Aztecs were hard to stop on offense. Every time they got the ball, fans knew that they would have the best chance of scoring.
Agnew was 18/31 for 287 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Jordan Byrd rushed for 139 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown.
Junior Chase Jasmin had 51 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown. Kaegun Williams and Chance Bell combined for nine carries and 45 yards rushing.
The rushing game was a concern with Juwan Washington out because of his ankle, but the backs proved that they can run just as fast and powerful as Washington can.
Jesse Matthews had the highest receiving yards. He had 111 yards with three receptions. TJ Sullivan had two receptions for 38 yards.
The San Diego State defense had 44 total tackles on defense, three sacks, four qb hurries and a touchdown.
Conclusion
San Diego State finishes the season with a record of 10-3 and 5-3 tied with Hawaii in the Mountain West-West. Central Michigan finishes 8-6 and 6-2 in the Mid American West.
Both teams finished the season with big time accomplishments. Now, they have signing day, and the off season to prepare them for the 2020 season.
San Diego State now is back to .500 in bowl games with a record of 9-9. Central Michigan has a record of 3-9 in bowl games. This was the first meeting between the two teams, and the Aztecs will take the trophy home.
