San Diego State Football: 3 takeaways from win over UNLV

3. Rashaad Penny too strong for Rebels defense to stop

The Rebels thought they had solved the riddle of Rashaad Penny, who entered Saturday’s game among the top rushers in the country. In his first five games, Penny averaged over 160 yards per game. He has kept his name in the Doak Walker discussion among other tailbacks like Bryce Love and Saquon Barkley as the Aztecs continue to play undefeated football midway point of the calendar.

Though he coughed up the early fumble on the opening drive, Penny was not going to be denied on Saturday night. The Rebels held the standout back under his season average, but Penny still posted another ridiculous stat line after finishing with 170 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

At this point, Penny is close to a 2,000-yard pace during the regular season and seems a lock to pass that mark should San Diego State reach the Mountain West championship game. He added another eight yards on two catches, as he has slowly been integrated further into the passing game as well.

After replacing all-time FBS rushing leader Donnel Pumphrey this season, Penny has emerged as a star in his own right. If the Aztecs are going to complete the three-peat in the Mountain West, they will need Penny to continue providing a catalyst. There is little that opposing Mountain West defenses will be able to do to stop him.