San Diego State trailed 14-0 in the first quarter against San Jose State on Saturday night at Snapdragon Stadium, but the Aztecs rallied for 38 unanswered points en route to a 43-27 win over the Spartans.
The Aztecs improved to 6-4 overall, and 4-2 in Mountain West Conference play. With the victory, San Diego State achieved bowl eligibility for the 13th consecutive season.
San Jose State opened the game with an 11-play, 73-yard scoring drive. It was capped with a 4-yard touchdown pass from QB Chevan Cordeiro to WR Elijah Cooks. San Diego State QB Jalen Mayden threw an interception to San Jose State's Michael Dansby on the Aztecs' opening drive. The Spartans responded with another drive resulting in a touchdown, as Cordeiro rushed into the end zone on a 3-yard carry. San Jose State led 14-0 with 4:58 remaining in the first quarter.
The Aztecs responded immediately, as Jordan Byrd returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown. San Diego State made it a 14-10 deficit on Jack Browning's 22-yard field goal early in the second quarter.
San Diego State surged ahead in the second quarter, as Mayden completed a 66-yard touchdown pass to Tyrell Shavers with 12:15 left in the half. The Aztecs led 17-14.
The Aztecs scored again later in the second quarter, finishing a drive with Mayden's 17-yard touchdown toss to WR Mekhi Shaw. Browning's extra point gave the Aztecs a 24-14 lead.
San Diego State's offense continued to roll in the second half. The unit completed a 9-play, 74-yard drive with Mayden's third touchdown pass of the evening. Mayden connected with WR Jesse Matthews for a 20-yard strike, as the Aztecs took a 31-14 lead following the extra point. Later in the quarter, San Diego State RB Jaylon Armstead finished a drive with a two-yard touchdown run. The Aztecs jumped ahead 38-14.
The Spartans scored a touchdown late in the third quarter to make it 38-20, while the Aztecs responded with Browning's second field goal in the fourth quarter. San Jose State then scored a touchdown in the on Cordeiro's 3rd scoring pass of the night, while the Aztecs collected a safety in the final minute to pull ahead 43-27.
Mayden finished with 268 yards of passing and three touchdown throws. He also rushed for 61 yards. Shavers led all Aztec receivers with 111 yards. San Diego State's defense shined after the Spartans' opening two drives, limiting San Jose State to just 28 yards on the ground. Cordeiro threw for 195 yards and was intercepted by San Diego State cornerback Dallas Branch in the final quarter.
The Aztecs return to action next Saturday at New Mexico. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. PT.
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