Group of Five Power Rankings 2019: Mountain West rising in Week 3
By Zach Bigalke
San Diego State’s story is a lot like Georgia State in reverse. In Week 1, the Aztecs sweated out a six-point victory over an FCS program at home. The next weekend, Rocky Long’s team headed up the I-5 to Pasadena and took care of business in a 23-14 knockdown of Power Five opponent UCLA at the Rose Bowl.
The Aztecs continued to struggle on the ground, as the team finished with only 80 rushing yards and one touchdown on 47 carries. Juwan Washington led the way with 41 yards on 20 carries. Ryan Agnew stepped up once again at quarterback, finishing 23-of 31 for 293 yards and a touchdown.
San Diego State’s defense came up big, holding the Bruins to 262 total yards of offense and recovering two of UCLA’s four fumbles. Matt Araiza proved the difference-maker on the scoreboard, kicking field goals from 43, 31, and 25 yards to secure the nine-point victory on the road.
Before commencing Mountain West play, the Aztecs head to Las Cruces to take on New Mexico State in Week 3 action. They then welcome Utah State to San Diego for the first of three straight weeks of interdivisional contests.