Lucky Sutton rushes for three touchdowns; Jaylon Hawkins electrifies Snapdragon Stadium with a 100-yard kickoff return as SDSU turns special-teams takeaways into a season-opening rout
SAN DIEGO | San Diego State could hardly have scripted a more emphatic beginning to its new era.
The Aztecs opened their season — and their first campaign as members of the Pac-12 Conference — with a 53-20 victory over Portland State on Saturday at Snapdragon Stadium, combining a punishing rushing attack with explosive special teams and timely defensive plays.
San Diego State seized control after an early 6-0 deficit, scoring 29 points on four consecutive possessions over a span of just more than a quarter. By halftime, the Aztecs had transformed a competitive opening into a 29-6 advantage.
And once they took the lead, they never surrendered it.
The 53 points represented San Diego State's highest scoring output since a 55-0 victory over Hawai'i on Nov. 5, 2016, at Qualcomm Stadium. The Aztecs also won their home opener for the 11th time in their past 12 opportunities.
