Aztecs-Bulldogs to vie for the Old Oil Can trophy

By Josh Frojelin

San Diego State University’s football team has no time to dwell on its second-worst defensive performance in program history — last Saturday’s 66-14 drubbing at Oregon State University. The Aztecs have the battle for the “Old Oil Can” trophy this Saturday.

SDSU first started facing Fresno State University in 1923, and holds a 32-27-4 record over the Bulldogs. The Aztecs have won the last two meetings in this long-standing rivalry.

SDSU (2-4) and Fresno State (4-2) are both 1-1 in Pac-12 play.

The Aztecs gutted out their Pac-12 opener with a 14-point comeback win over Texas State University, but lost by 52 points to Oregon State last week. SDSU is also managing significant injuries and health concerns related to a mumps outbreak.

“As I mentioned after the game, that’s embarrassing, and that falls on me,” Aztec head coach Sean Lewis said Monday. “It is 100 percent on me, and as the leader of this program, and as the guy who’s driving it, we need to be better across the board. We will be better across the board. We got exactly what we earned … So, we have to learn from it.”

Fresno State is coming off a 38-31 loss to Pac-12 co-leader-Boise State University (2-0 in conference, 5-1 overall) in the teams’ battle for the Milk Can trophy. Among Pac-12 offenses, the Bulldogs are second in passing yards and touchdowns.

“Their quarterback is a good player and doesn’t have a lot of turnovers; we definitely have to affect him and his quick throws,” SDSU senior linebacker Sione Hala said. “The running back is also good; I played with him in high school; he’s a good player. Overall, they’re a good outfit.”

Lewis shared that starting running back Lucky Sutton “continues to progress and (we’re) hopeful that he’ll be able to contribute this week.” Backup Javion Kinnard returned from injury against Oregon State, but only had 11 rushing attempts. The head coach wants the team to deliver, regardless of its health.

“We got what we earned last week, and we have exactly what we need this week with a huge rivalry opportunity against the team up north,” the head coach said. “Obviously, been playing this game for a really long time. It means a lot to us, and this week is different, and we need to approach it as such as we go forward to keep the Old Oil Can here home with us.”

SDSU allowed touchdowns on Oregon State’s first five drives. Offensively, the Aztecs didn’t score until late in the second quarter. Quarterback Jayden Denegal was replaced late in the game for the second time in three weeks.

“Everything’s going to be on the table as we go forward so that we get the right guys on the field that are going to care to execute, care to prepare, and do it at a much higher level than what we did today,” Lewis said.

The only bright spot in last Saturday’s otherwise forgettable game: redshirt freshman Jaylon Hawkins was named Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week after returning a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. He’s had three kick return touchdowns this season already.

On the season, Hawkins has returned 14 kickoffs for 543 yards (38.8 average).

Kickoff on Saturday is slated for 7:30 pm at Snapdragon Stadium.

Gridiron notes

SDSU’s 66-14 loss at Oregon State was the second-most points the Aztecs has allowed in a game, and the most since 2008.

“It was embarrassing,” Lewis said postgame. “I apologize to our fan base and I take full responsibility for it. Obviously, the performances that we put out there, the way that we execute, are my responsibility, and that was not it.”

Backup Draiden Trudeau struggled in relief, going four-of-eight on passing attempts for 13 yards and an interception.