2021 San Diego State Aztecs football team

The 2021 San Diego State Aztecs football team represented San Diego State University in the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Aztecs were led by head coach Brady Hoke in the second season of his second stint as head coach and played their home games at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. They competed as members of the West Division of the Mountain West Conference.

2021 San Diego State Aztecs football
MW West Division champion Frisco Bowl champion
MW Championship Game, L 13–46 vs. Utah State
Frisco Bowl, W 38–24 vs. UTSA
Conference	Mountain West Conference
Division	West Division
Ranking
AP	No. 25
Record	12–2 (7–1 MW)
Head coach	Brady Hoke (4th season)
Offensive coordinator	Jeff Hecklinski (2nd season)
Offensive scheme	Multiple
Defensive coordinator	Kurt Mattix (2nd season)
Base defense	4–2–5
Home stadium	Dignity Health Sports Park
Seasons ← 2020 2022 →

2021 Mountain West Conference football standings

v t e	Conf.							Overall
Team		W		L					W		L
Mountain Division
No. 24 Utah State xy$		6	–	2					11	–	3
Air Force x		6	–	2					10	–	3
Boise State		5	–	3					7	–	5
Wyoming		2	–	6					7	–	6
Colorado State		2	–	6					3	–	9
New Mexico		1	–	7					3	–	9
West Division
No. 25 San Diego State xy		7	–	1					12	–	2
Fresno State		6	–	2					10	–	3
Nevada		5	–	3					8	–	5
Hawaii		3	–	5					6	–	7
San Jose State		3	–	5					5	–	7
UNLV		2	–	6					2	–	10
Championship: Utah State 46, San Diego State 13
$ – Conference champion x – Division champion/co-champions y – Championship game participant Rankings from AP Poll

Schedule

Date	Time	Opponent	Rank	Site	TV	Result	Attendance
September 4	7:30 p.m.	New Mexico State*		Dignity Health Sports Park Carson, CA	CBSSN	W 28–10	10,116
September 11	7:00 p.m.	at Arizona*		Arizona Stadium Tucson, AZ	P12N	W 38–14	39,097
September 18	4:00 p.m.	Utah*		Dignity Health Sports Park Carson, CA	CBSSN	W 33–31 3OT	11,090
September 25	12:30 p.m.	Towson*		Dignity Health Sports Park Carson, CA	Stadium	W 48–21	7,619
October 9	6:00 p.m.	New Mexico	No. 25	Dignity Health Sports Park Carson, CA	FS1	W 31–7	8,387
October 15	7:30 p.m.	at San Jose State	No. 24	CEFCU Stadium San José, CA	CBSSN	W 19–13 2OT	17,177
October 23	4:00 p.m.	at Air Force	No. 22	Falcon Stadium Colorado Springs, CO	CBSSN	W 20–14	23,887
October 30	7:30 p.m.	Fresno State	No. 21	Dignity Health Sports Park Carson, CA (rivalry)	CBSSN	L 20–30	11,034
November 6	8:00 p.m.	at Hawaii	No. 24	Clarence T. C. Ching Athletics Complex Honolulu, HI	FS1	W 17–10	6,239
November 13	7:30 p.m.	Nevada	No. 22	Dignity Health Sports Park Carson, CA	CBSSN	W 23–21	11,821
November 19	8:30 p.m.	at UNLV	No. 19	Allegiant Stadium Paradise, NV	CBSSN	W 28–20	16,713
November 26	9:00 a.m.	Boise State	No. 21	Dignity Health Sports Park Carson, CA	CBS	W 27–16	11,886
December 4	12:00 p.m.	Utah State	No. 19	Dignity Health Sports Park Carson, CA (Mountain West Conference Championship Game)	FOX	L 13–46	13,445
December 21	4:30 p.m.	vs. UTSA*	No. 24	Toyota Stadium Frisco, TX (Frisco Bowl)	ESPN	W 38–24	15,801
*Non-conference game Rankings from AP Poll (and CFP Rankings, after November 2) - Released prior to game All times are in Pacific time

^[1][2]

Game summaries

New Mexico State

See also: 2021 New Mexico State Aggies football team

New Mexico State Aggies at San Diego State Aztecs

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
New Mexico State	3	7	0	0	10
San Diego State	0	0	21	7	28

at Dignity Health Sports Park • Carson, California

• Date: September 4, 2021
• Game time: 7:30 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: Sunny, 73 °F (23 °C)
• Game attendance: 10,116
• Referee: Baron Stephen
• TV announcers (CBSSN): Rich Waltz (play-by-play), Aaron Taylor (analysis), Lindsay Rhodes (sidelines), and Deb Boulac (producer)
• Aztec Football Tops New Mexico State, 28–10,^[3] Game Book

Game information

First quarter NMSU – Ethan Albertson 31 Yd Field Goal, 7:26. Aggies 3–0 Second quarter NMSU – Dominic Gicinto 8 Yd pass from Jonah Johnson (Ethan Albertson Kick), 10:42. Aggies 10–0 Third quarter SDSU – Greg Bell 23 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 13:43. Aggies 10–7 SDSU – Jordon Brookshire 18 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 3:01. Aztecs 14–10 SDSU – Andrew Aleki 25 Yd Interception Return (Matt Araiza Kick), 2:45. Aztecs 21–10 Fourth quarter SDSU – Jordan Byrd 43 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 14L19. Aztecs 28–10 Odds Line: SDSU –31.5 Over/Under: 50.5

Statistics	NMSU	SDSU
First downs	21	17
Plays–yards	82–374	61–339
Rushes–yards	26–48	42–263
Passing yards	326	76
Passing: comp–att–int	34–56–3	6–19–1
Time of possession	33:42	26:18

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
NMSU	Passing	Jonah Johnson	34-56, 326 YDS, 1 TD, 3 INT
	Rushing	O'Maury Samuels	6 CAR, 35 YDS
	Receiving	Terrell Warner	10 REC, 79 YDS
SDSU	Passing	Jordon Brookshire	6-19, 76 YDS, 1 INT
	Rushing	Greg Bell	21 CAR, 161 YDS, 1 TD
	Receiving	Kobe Smith	1 REC, 24 YDS

At Arizona

See also: 2021 Arizona Wildcats football team

San Diego State Aztecs at Arizona Wildcats

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
San Diego State	21	14	3	0	38
Arizona	7	0	0	7	14

at Arizona Stadium • Tucson, Arizona

• Date: September 11, 2021
• Game time: 7:00 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: Sunny
• Game attendance: 39,097
• Referee: Mike Cuttone
• TV announcers (P12N): Roxy Bernstein (play-by-play), Yogi Roth (analysis), and Michael Molinari (producer)
• Bear Down,^[4] Game Book

Game information

First quarter SDSU – Greg Bell 55 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 13:22. Aztecs 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:38. SDSU – Jordon Brookshire 3 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 9:12. Aztecs 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 96 yards, 3:08. SDSU – Tyrell Shavers 27 Yd Return of Blocked Punt (Matt Araiza Kick), 7:07. Aztecs 21–0. Drive: 3 plays, 6 yards, 2:05. ARIZ – Stanley Berryhill 43 Yd pass from Gunner Cruz (Tyler Loop Kick), 5:50. Aztecs 21–7. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:17. Second quarter SDSU – Daniel Bellinger 25 Yd pass from Jordon Brookshire (Matt Araiza Kick), 12:29. Aztecs 28–7. Drive: 7 plays, 78 yards, 3:35. SDSU – Ethan Dedeaux 40 Yd pass from Jordon Brookshire (Matt Araiza Kick), 1:52. Aztecs 35–7. Drive: 3 plays, 56 yards, 0:55. Third quarter SDSU – Matt Araiza 32 Yd Field Goal, 5:13. Aztecs 38–7. Drive: 6 plays, 6 yards, 3:22. Fourth quarter ARIZ – Tayvian Cunningham 7 Yd pass from Will Plummer (Tyler Loop Kick), 8:24. Aztecs 38–14. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 2:52. Odds Line: ARIZ –1.5 Over/Under: 46.5 ESPN FPI: SDSU 53.1%

Statistics	SDSU	ARIZ
First downs	21	9
Plays–yards	70–454	56–230
Rushes–yards	55–271	20–51
Passing yards	183	179
Passing: comp–att–int	10–15–0	18–36–1
Time of possession	37:34	22:26

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
SDSU	Passing	Jordon Brookshire	10-14, 183 YDS, 2 TD
	Rushing	Greg Bell	17 CAR, 125 YDS, 1 TD
	Receiving	Daniel Bellinger	3 REC, 113 YDS, 1 TD
ARIZ	Passing	Will Plummer	8-17, 109 YDS, 1 TD
	Rushing	Stanley Berryhill	2 CAR, 26 YDS
	Receiving	Tayvian Cunningham	5 REC, 81 YDS, 1 TD

Utah

See also: 2021 Utah Utes football team

Utah Utes at San Diego State Aztecs

Quarter	1	2	3	4	OT	2OT	3OT	Total
Utah	7	3	0	14	7	0	0	31
San Diego State	3	7	14	0	7	0	2	33

at Dignity Health Sports Park • Carson, California

• Date: September 18, 2021
• Game time: 4:00 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: Sunny, 69 °F (21 °C)
• Game attendance: 11,090
• Referee: Jim Wharrie
• TV announcers (CBSSN): Dave Ryan (play-by-play), Aaron Murray (analysis), Amanda Guerra (sidelines), and Giancarlo Gennarini (producer)
• Leading the Pac,^[5] Game Book

Game information

First quarter UTAH – Britain Covey 80 Yd Punt Return (Jadon Redding Kick), 8:02. Utes 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, -2 yards, 1:48. SDSU – Matt Araiza 51 Yd Field Goal, 1:54. Utes 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 29 yards, 3:20. Second quarter UTAH – Jadon Redding 43 Yd Field Goal, 7:51. Utes 10–3. Drive: 13 plays, 58 yards, 5:02. SDSU – Jordan Byrd 100 Yd Kickoff Return (Matt Araiza Kick), 7:38. Tie 10–10. Drive: 6 plays, 18 yards, 2:39. Third quarter SDSU – Greg Bell 7 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 11:24. Aztecs 17–10. Drive: 8 plays, 82 yards, 3:31. SDSU – Greg Bell 7 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 10:42. Aztecs 24–10. Drive: 1 play, 7 yards, 0:04. Fourth quarter UTAH – Britain Covey 2 Yd pass from Cameron Rising (Jadon Redding PAT failed), 4:17. Aztecs 24–16. Drive: 10 plays, 63 yards, 2:16. UTAH – Theo Howard 4 Yd pass from Cameron Rising (Cameron Rising Pass to Solomon Enis for Two-Point Conversion), 0:16. Tie 24–24. Drive: 13 plays, 74 yards, 2:20. First overtime SDSU – Jay Rudolph 2 Yd pass from Lucas Johnson (Matt Araiza Kick). Aztecs 31–24. UTAH – Jaylen Dixon 25 Yd pass from Cameron Rising (Jadon Redding Kick). Tie 31–31. Second overtime No scoring Third overtime SDSU – Jesse Matthews Pass to Lucas Johnson for Two-Point Conversion. Aztecs 33–31. Drive: 1 play, 0 yards. Odds Line: UTAH –8.0 Over/Under: 42.5 ESPN FPI: UTAH 59.8%

Statistics	UTAH	SDSU
First downs	21	12
Plays–yards	89–327	64–248
Rushes–yards	31–70	45–204
Passing yards	257	44
Passing: comp–att–int	33–58–1	10–19–0
Time of possession	30:19	29:41

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
UTAH	Passing	Cameron Rising	19-32, 153 YDS, 3 TD
	Rushing	Micah Bernard	17 CAR, 47 YDS
	Receiving	Brant Kuithe	7 REC, 58 YDS
SDSU	Passing	Lucas Johnson	10-19, 44 YDS, 1 TD
	Rushing	Greg Bell	33 CAR, 119 YDS, 2 TD
	Receiving	Daniel Bellinger	1 REC, 15 YDS

Towson

See also: 2021 Towson Tigers football team

Towson Tigers at San Diego State Aztecs

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Towson	7	7	0	7	21
San Diego State	7	14	24	3	48

at Dignity Health Sports Park • Carson, California

• Date: September 25, 2021
• Game time: 12:30 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: Hazy, 76 °F (24 °C)
• Game attendance: 7,619
• Referee: Christian Watson
• TV announcers (Stadium): Ari Wolfe (play-by-play), Jordan Palmer (analysis), and Andy Bock (producer)
• Aztecs Cruise Past Towson, 48–21,^[6] Game Book

Game information

First quarter TOW – Jerry Howard Jr. 19 Yd pass from Chris Ferguson (Keegan Vaughan Kick), 5:36. Tigers 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 69 yards, 1:19. SDSU – Kaegun Williams 8 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 0:14. Tie 7–7. Drive: 5 plays, 15 yards, 2:04. Second quarter SDSU – Jordan Byrd 12 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 7:56. Aztecs 14–7. Drive: 11 plays, 90 yards, 5:53. SDSU – Elijah Kothe 16 Yd pass from Lucas Johnson (Matt Araiza Kick), 4:03. Aztecs 21–7. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 2:45. TOW – Caleb Smith 4 Yd pass from Chris Ferguson (Keegan Vaughan Kick), 0:06. Aztecs 21–14. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 1:40. Third quarter SDSU – Trenton Thompson 11 Yd Return of Blocked Punt (Matt Araiza Kick), 14:02. Aztecs 28–14. Drive: 3 plays, -1 yard, 0:58. SDSU – Jordan Byrd 55 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 10:43. Aztecs 35–14. Drive: 3 plays, 64 yards, 1:06. SDSU – Matt Araiza 48 Yd Field Goal, 6:39. Aztecs 38–14. Drive: 4 plays, 0 yards, 1:02. SDSU – Chance Bell 1 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 4:25. Aztecs 45–14. Drive: 4 plays, 64 yards, 1:15. Fourth quarter SDSU – Matt Araiza 36 Yd Field Goal, 7:44. Aztecs 48–14. Drive: 17 plays, 64 yards, 10:31. TOW – Daniel Thompson IV 9 Yd pass from Chris Ferguson (Keegan Vaughan Kick), 5:59. Aztecs 48–21. Drive: 4 plays, 24 yards, 1:32. Odds Line: SDSU –23.0 Over/Under: 41.0 ESPN FPI: SDSU 94.8%

Statistics	TOW	SDSU
First downs	12	24
Plays–yards	56–228	73–450
Rushes–yards	20–15	47–281
Passing yards	213	169
Passing: comp–att–int	19–36–1	17–26–1
Time of possession	21:50	38:10

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
TOW	Passing	Chris Ferguson	19-35, 213 YDS, 3 TD, 1 INT
	Rushing	Jerry Howard Jr.	12 CAR, 19 YDS
	Receiving	Caleb Smith	9 REC, 65 YDS, 1 TD
SDSU	Passing	Lucas Johnson	16-25, 149 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
	Rushing	Chance Bell	7 CAR, 79 YDS, 1 TD
	Receiving	Brionne Penny	4 REC, 55 YDS

New Mexico

See also: 2021 New Mexico Lobos football team

New Mexico Lobos at No. 25 San Diego State Aztecs

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
New Mexico	0	0	7	0	7
No. 25 San Diego State	7	10	7	7	31

at Dignity Health Sports Park • Carson, California

• Date: October 9, 2021
• Game time: 6:00 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: Sunny, 69 °F (21 °C)
• Game attendance: 8,387
• Referee: Timothy Davis
• TV announcers (FS1): Alex Faust (play-by-play), Petros Papadakis (analysis), and Brad Weimer (producer)
• No. 25 Aztecs Roll Past New Mexico, 31–7,^[7] Game Book

Game information

First quarter SDSU – Greg Bell 1 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 11:21. Aztecs 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 63 yards, 2:01. Second quarter SDSU – Matt Araiza 40 Yd Field Goal, 14:57. Aztecs 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 48 yards, 3:11. SDSU – Jordon Brookshire 1 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 4:35. Aztecs 17–0. Drive: 10 plays, 66 yards, 5:29. Third quarter UNM – Ray Leutele 15 Yd Fumble Return (Andrew Shelley Kick), 4:41. Aztecs 17–7. Drive: 2 plays, 6 yards, 0:42. SDSU – Jordon Brookshire 11 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 2:35. Aztecs 24–7. Drive: 5 plays, 60 yards, 1:59. Fourth quarter SDSU – Chance Bell 8 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 13:05. Aztecs 31–7. Drive: 6 plays, 66 yards, 2:52. Odds Line: SDSU –19.5 Over/Under: 42.5 ESPN FPI: SDSU 96.9%

Statistics	UNM	SDSU
First downs	12	19
Plays–yards	61–193	68–336
Rushes–yards	34–66	43–203
Passing yards	127	133
Passing: comp–att–int	13–27–1	12–25–0
Time of possession	28:59	31:01

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
UNM	Passing	Terry Wilson	13-25, 127 YDS, 1 INT
	Rushing	Aaron Dumas	11 CAR, 77 YDS
	Receiving	Luke Wysong	4 REC, 51 YDS
SDSU	Passing	Jordon Brookshire	11-24, 130 YDS
	Rushing	Greg Bell	21 CAR, 111 YDS, 1 TD
	Receiving	Tyrell Shavers	2 REC, 39 YDS

At San Jose State

See also: 2021 San Jose State Spartans football team

No. 24 San Diego State Aztecs at San Jose State Spartans

Quarter	1	2	3	4	OT	2OT	Total
No. 24 San Diego State	0	6	0	0	7	6	19
San Jose State	0	3	0	3	7	0	13

at CEFCU Stadium • San Jose, California

• Date: October 15, 2021
• Game time: 7:30 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: Sunny, 72 °F (22 °C)
• Game attendance: 17,177
• Referee: Mike Cuttone
• TV announcers (CBSSN): Rich Waltz (play-by-play), Aaron Taylor (analysis), Amanda Guerra (sidelines), and Giancarlo Gennarini (producer)
• 6–0,^[8] Game Book

Game information

First quarter No scoring Second quarter SDSU – Matt Araiza 53 Yd Field Goal, 11:16. Aztecs 3–0. Drive: 5 plays, 11 yards, 1:58. SJSU – Matt Mercurio 32 Yd Field Goal, 8:17. Tie 3–3. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 2:59. SDSU – Matt Araiza 26 Yd Field Goal, 0:54. Aztecs 6–3. Drive: 11 plays, 64 yards, 3:30. Third quarter No scoring Fourth quarter SJSU – Matt Mercurio 48 Yd Field Goal, 14:49. Tie 6–6. Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 5:16. First overtime SDSU – Jesse Matthews 14 Yd pass from Lucas Johnson (Matt Araiza Kick). Aztecs 13–6. SJSU – Tyler Nevens 1 Yd Run (Matt Mercurio Kick). Tie 13–13. Second overtime SDSU – Jesse Matthews 24 Yd pass from Lucas Johnson. Aztecs 19–13. Odds Line: SDSU –9.5 Over/Under: 41.0 ESPN FPI: SDSU 78.0%

Statistics	SDSU	SJSU
First downs	17	18
Plays–yards	66–240	77–345
Rushes–yards	36–70	42–117
Passing yards	170	228
Passing: comp–att–int	15–30–0	16–35–1
Time of possession	27:39	32:21

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
SDSU	Passing	Jordon Brookshire	13-27, 132 YDS
	Rushing	Greg Bell	18 CAR, 43 YDS
	Receiving	Jesse Matthews	4 REC, 54 YDS, 2 TD
SJSU	Passing	Nick Nash	16-34, 228 YDS, 1 INT
	Rushing	Tyler Nevens	28 CAR, 74 YDS, 1 TD
	Receiving	Derrick Deese Jr.	6 REC, 113 YDS

At Air Force

See also: 2021 Air Force Falcons football team

No. 22 San Diego State Aztecs at Air Force Falcons

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 22 San Diego State	3	10	7	0	20
Air Force	0	0	7	7	14

at Falcon Stadium • Colorado Springs, Colorado

• Date: October 23, 2021
• Game time: 4:00 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: Sunny
• Game attendance: 23,887
• Referee: Derek Anderson
• TV announcers (CBSSN): Rich Waltz (play-by-play), Aaron Taylor (analysis), Jenny Dell (sidelines), and Scott Brandwein (producer)
• Aztecs Improve to 7–0,^[9] Game Book

Game information

First quarter SDSU – Matt Araiza 22 Yd Field Goal, 12:26. Aztecs 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:42. Second quarter SDSU – Kaegun Williams 1 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 8:42. Aztecs 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 42 yards, 5:45. SDSU – Matt Araiza 51 Yd Field Goal, 1:54. Aztecs 13–0. Drive: 7 plays, 12 yards, 4:27. Third quarter SDSU – Chance Bell 3 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 11:05. Aztecs 20–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:48. AFA – Dalton King 13 Yd pass from Warren Bryan (Matthew Dapore Kick), 1:07. Aztecs 20–7. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 4:57. Fourth quarter AFA – Dane Kinamon 3 Yd Run (Matthew Dapore Kick), 3:59. Aztecs 20–14. Drive: 15 plays, 89 yards, 6:33. Odds Line: AFA –3.0 Over/Under: 39.0 ESPN FPI: AFA 53.8%

Statistics	SDSU	AFA
First downs	10	15
Plays–yards	52–229	63–259
Rushes–yards	39–157	48–192
Passing yards	72	67
Passing: comp–att–int	11–13–0	5–15–1
Time of possession	31:15	28:45

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
SDSU	Passing	Lucas Johnson	11-13, 72 YDS
	Rushing	Chance Bell	8 CAR, 50 YDS, 1 TD
	Receiving	Elijah Kothe	3 REC, 25 YDS
AFA	Passing	Warren Bryan	3-7, 58 YDS, 1 TD
	Rushing	Haaziq Daniels	9 CAR, 50 YDS
	Receiving	Jake Spiewak	1 REC, 31 YDS

Fresno State

See also: 2021 Fresno State Bulldogs football team and Fresno State–San Diego State football rivalry

60th Battle for the Old Oil Can: Fresno State Bulldogs at No. 21 San Diego State Aztecs

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Fresno State	7	13	3	7	30
No. 21 San Diego State	0	7	6	7	20

at Dignity Health Sports Park • Carson, California

• Date: October 30, 2021
• Game time: 7:30 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: Cloudy, 60 °F (16 °C)
• Game attendance: 11,034
• Referee: Steve Baron
• TV announcers (CBSSN): Dave Ryan (play-by-play), Aaron Murray (analysis), Amanda Guerra (sidelines), and Carlos Gennarini (producer)
• San Diego State Suffers First Loss,^[10] Game Book

Game information

First quarter FRES – Jordan Mims 13 Yd Run (Cesar Silva Kick), 3:53. Bulldogs 7–0. Drive: 15 plays, 86 yards, 6:51. Second quarter FRES – Keric Wheatfall 16 Yd pass from Jake Haener (Cesar Silva Kick), 14:17. Bulldogs 14–0. Drive: 4 plays, 31 yards, 1:38. FRES – Cesar Silva 49 Yd Field Goal, 9:04. Bulldogs 17–0. Drive: 5 plays, 60 yards, 2:49. FRES – Cesar Silva 27 Yd Field Goal, 4:32. Bulldogs 20–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:48. SDSU – Tyrell Shavers 19 Yd pass from Lucas Johnson (Matt Araiza Kick), 2:15. Bulldogs 20–7. Drive: 6 plays, 82 yards, 2:12. Third quarter FRES – Cesar Silva 42 Yd Field Goal, 4:00. Bulldogs 23–7. Drive: 7 plays, 24 yards, 2:24. SDSU – Greg Bell 3 Yd Run (Two-Point Pass Conversion Failed), 0:13. Bulldogs 23–13. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 3:38. Fourth quarter FRES – Jordan Mims 15 Yd Run (Cesar Silva Kick), 4:28. Bulldogs 30–13. Drive: 2 plays, 31 yards, 0:46. SDSU – William Haskell 7 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 1:06. Bulldogs 30–20. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 3:22. Odds Line: FRES –2.0 Over/Under: 44.0 ESPN FPI: SDSU 55.5%

Statistics	FRES	SDSU
First downs	24	23
Plays–yards	77–485	71–412
Rushes–yards	34–179	33–165
Passing yards	306	247
Passing: comp–att–int	25–43–0	17–38–2
Time of possession	32:58	27:02

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
FRES	Passing	Jake Haener	25-42, 306 YDS, 1 TD
	Rushing	Jordan Mims	29 CAR, 186 YDS, 2 TD
	Receiving	Josh Kelly	5 REC, 107 YDS
SDSU	Passing	Lucas Johnson	14-31, 220 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INT
	Rushing	Greg Bell	15 CAR, 63 YDS, 1 TD
	Receiving	Elijah Kothe	4 REC, 105 YDS

At Hawai'i

See also: 2021 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football team

No. 24 San Diego State Aztecs at Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 24 San Diego State	7	7	0	3	17
Hawai'i	7	0	0	3	10

at Clarence T. C. Ching Athletics Complex • Honolulu

• Date: November 6, 2021
• Game time: 8:00 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: Temperature: 84 °F (29 °C) • Wind: ENE 15 miles per hour (24 km/h) • Weather: Humidity -53%
• Game attendance: 6,239
• Referee: C. Watson
• TV announcers (FS1): Dan Hellie (play-by-play), Robert Smith (analysis), and Zac Kinman (producer)
• Aztecs Win in Paradise,^[11] Game Book

Game information

First quarter SDSU – Greg Bell 5 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 6:27. Aztecs 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 47 yards, 4:59. HAW – Calvin Turner 19 Yd pass from Chevan Cordeiro (Matthew Shipley Kick), 2:21. Tie 7–7. Drive: 1 play, 19 yards, 0:06. Second quarter SDSU – Jack Browning 13 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 9:43. Aztecs 14–7. Drive: 15 plays, 82 yards, 7:33. Third quarter No scoring Fourth quarter SDSU – Matt Araiza 39 Yd Field Goal, 7:41. Aztecs 17–7. Drive: 14 plays, 57 yards, 8:26. HAW – Matthew Shipley 22 Yd Field Goal, 3:00. Aztecs 17–10. Drive: 15 plays, 70 yards, 4:41. Odds Line: SDSU –7.0 Over/Under: 45.5 ESPN FPI: SDSU 70.7%

Statistics	SDSU	HAW
First downs	15	16
Plays–yards	59–227	65–260
Rushes–yards	43–128	30–85
Passing yards	99	175
Passing: comp–att–int	12–16–0	19–35–1
Time of possession	34:07	25:53

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
SDSU	Passing	Lucas Johnson	12-16, 99 YDS
	Rushing	Greg Bell	24 CAR, 77 YDS, 1 TD
	Receiving	Daniel Bellinger	5 REC, 41 YDS
HAW	Passing	Chevan Cordeiro	19-34, 175 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
	Rushing	Dedrick Parson	11 CAR, 51 YDS
	Receiving	Dedrick Parson	5 REC, 38 YDS

Nevada

See also: 2021 Nevada Wolf Pack football team

Nevada Wolf Pack at No. 22 San Diego State Aztecs

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Nevada	0	7	7	7	21
No. 22 San Diego State	7	3	7	6	23

at Dignity Health Sports Park • Carson, California

• Date: November 13, 2021
• Game time: 7:30 p.m. PST
• Game weather: Clear, 65 °F (18 °C)
• Game attendance: 11,821
• Referee: Timothy Davis
• TV announcers (CBSSN): Rich Waltz (play-by-play), Aaron Taylor (analysis), Jenny Dell (sidelines), and Deb Boulac (producer)
• California Grit,^[12] Game Book

Game information

First quarter SDSU – Daniel Bellinger 2 Yd pass from Lucas Johnson (Matt Araiza Kick), 3:42. Aztecs 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 99 yards, 5:39. Second quarter NEV – Tory Horton 28 Yd pass from Carson Strong (Brandon Talton Kick), 14:55. Tie 7–7. Drive: 8 plays, 85 yards, 3:41. SDSU – Matt Araiza 48 Yd Field Goal, 9:35. Aztecs 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 36 yards, 5:11. Third quarter SDSU – Chance Bell 5 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 9:31. Aztecs 17–7. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:25. NEV – Romeo Doubs 5 Yd pass from Carson Strong (Brandon Talton Kick), 2:20. Aztecs 17–14. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 2:46. Fourth quarter SDSU – Matt Araiza 39 Yd Field Goal, 11:58. Aztecs 20–14. Drive: 7 plays, 15 yards, 2:48. NEV – Romeo Doubs 54 Yd pass from Carson Strong (Brandon Talton Kick), 9:57. Wolf Pack 21–20. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 2:01. SDSU – Matt Araiza 35 Yd Field Goal, 1:21. Aztecs 23–20. Drive: 12 plays, 53 yards, 3:12. Odds Line: SDSU –2.5 Over/Under: 45.0 ESPN FPI: SDSU 53.5%

Statistics	NEV	SDSU
First downs	19	20
Plays–yards	63–358	73–362
Rushes–yards	15–8	39–186
Passing yards	350	176
Passing: comp–att–int	34–48–0	21–34–0
Time of possession	26:32	33:28

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
NEV	Passing	Carson Strong	34-48, 350 YDS, 3 TD
	Rushing	Toa Taua	9 CAR, 31 YDS
	Receiving	Romeo Doubs	9 REC, 127 YDS, 2 TD
SDSU	Passing	Lucas Johnson	21-34, 176 YDS, 1 TD
	Rushing	Greg Bell	16 CAR, 104 YDS
	Receiving	Elijah Kothe	6 REC, 71 YDS

At UNLV

See also: 2021 UNLV Rebels football team

No. 19 San Diego State Aztecs at UNLV Rebels

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 19 San Diego State	7	14	0	7	28
UNLV	3	7	10	0	20

at Allegiant Stadium • Paradise, Nevada

• Date: November 19, 2021
• Game time: 8:30 p.m. PST
• Game weather: Indoor
• Game attendance: 16,713
• Referee: Michael VanderVelde
• TV announcers (CBSSN): Rich Waltz (play-by-play), Aaron Taylor (analysis), Jenny Dell (sidelines), and Scott Brandwein (producer)
• Another 10–Win Season,^[13] Game Book

Game information

First quarter UNLV – Daniel Gutierrez 21 Yd Field Goal, 9:58. Rebels 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 5:02. SDSU – Andrew Aleki 17 Yd Interception Return (Matt Araiza Kick), 5:15. Aztecs 7–3. Drive: 2 plays, -3 yards, 0:51. Second quarter UNLV – Zyell Griffin 43 Yd pass from Justin Rogers (Daniel Gutierrez Kick), 6:13. Rebels 10–7. Drive: 5 plays, 92 yards, 2:41. SDSU – Jesse Matthews 4 Yd pass from Lucas Johnson (Matt Araiza Kick), 2:31. Aztecs 14–10. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 3:38. SDSU – Jesse Matthews 24 Yd pass from Lucas Johnson (Matt Araiza Kick), 0:05. Aztecs 21–10. Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 0:44. Third quarter UNLV – Giovanni Fauolo Sr. 8 Yd pass from Justin Rogers (Daniel Gutierrez Kick), 8:24. Aztecs 21–17. Drive: 6 plays, 94 yards, 4:18. UNLV – Daniel Gutierrez 22 Yd Field Goal, 1:13. Aztecs 21–20. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 5:24. Fourth quarter SDSU – Jesse Matthews 7 Yd pass from Lucas Johnson (Matt Araiza Kick), 3:33. Aztecs 28–20. Drive: 9 plays, 50 yards, 4:55. Odds Line: SDSU –11.0 Over/Under: 41.0 ESPN FPI: SDSU 75.3%

Statistics	SDSU	UNLV
First downs	15	14
Plays–yards	57–290	60–394
Rushes–yards	32–98	26–22
Passing yards	192	372
Passing: comp–att–int	18–25–1	21–34–2
Time of possession	29:49	30:10

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
SDSU	Passing	Lucas Johnson	18-24, 192 YDS, 3 TD, 1 INT
	Rushing	Greg Bell	17 CAR, 58 YDS
	Receiving	Elijah Kothe	5 REC, 84 YDS
UNLV	Passing	Justin Rogers	15-21, 305 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT
	Rushing	Charles Williams	16 CAR, 35 YDS
	Receiving	Steve Jenkins	5 REC, 176 YDS

Boise State

See also: 2021 Boise State Broncos football team

Boise State Broncos at No. 21 San Diego State Aztecs

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Boise State	7	9	0	0	16
No. 21 San Diego State	3	10	14	0	27

at Dignity Health Sports Park • Carson, California

• Date: November 26, 2021
• Game time: 9:00 a.m. PST
• Game weather: Sunny, 65 °F (18 °C)
• Game attendance: 11,886
• Referee: Steve Baron
• TV announcers (CBS): Rich Waltz (play-by-play), Aaron Taylor (analysis), Sherree Burruss (sidelines), and Scott Brandwein (producer)
• No. 21 Football Rallies Past Boise State, 27–16,^[14] Game Book

Game information

First quarter BSU – Kurt Rafdal 20 Yd pass from Hank Bachmeier (Jonah Dalmas Kick), 6:08. Broncos 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 69 yards, 1:58. SDSU – Matt Araiza 31 Yd Field Goal, 1:10. Broncos 7–3. Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards, 4:53. Second quarter BSU – Khalil Shakir 13 Yd pass from Hank Bachmeier (Jonah Dalmas PAT failed), 11:45. Broncos 13–3. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 2:13. BSU – Jonah Dalmas 22 Yd Field Goal, 8:39. Broncos 16–3. Drive: 7 plays, 26 yards, 2:16. SDSU – Jesse Matthews 29 Yd pass from Jordon Brookshire (Matt Araiza Kick), 1:30. Broncos 16–10. Drive: 5 plays, 78 yards, 1:34. SDSU – Matt Araiza 37 Yd Field Goal, 0:03. Broncos 16–13. Drive: 5 plays, 38 yards, 0:25. Third quarter SDSU – Greg Bell 2 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 9:26. Aztecs 20–16. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:34. SDSU – Jordon Brookshire 16 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 7:46. Aztecs 27–16. Drive: 3 plays, 43 yards, 0:36. Fourth quarter No scoring Odds Line: BSU –3.0 Over/Under: 44.0 ESPN FPI: BSU 59.4%

Statistics	BSU	SDSU
First downs	20	20
Plays–yards	77–319	74–408
Rushes–yards	35–91	38–118
Passing yards	228	290
Passing: comp–att–int	22–42–3	20–36–0
Time of possession	25:43	34:17

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
BSU	Passing	Hank Bachmeier	21-40, 222 YDS, 2 TD, 3 INT
	Rushing	George Holani	20 CAR, 70 YDS
	Receiving	Khalil Shakir	6 REC, 74 YDS, 1 TD
SDSU	Passing	Jordon Brookshire	11-15, 192 YDS, 1 TD
	Rushing	Jordon Brookshire	9 CAR, 46 YDS, 1 TD
	Receiving	Jesse Matthews	9 REC, 133 YDS, 1 TD

Utah State

See also: 2021 Utah State Aggies football team and 2021 Mountain West Conference Football Championship Game

MW Championship Game: Utah State Aggies at No. 19 San Diego State Aztecs

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Utah State	0	14	15	17	46
No. 19 San Diego State	0	3	3	7	13

at Dignity Health Sports Park • Carson, California

• Date: December 4, 2021
• Game time: 12:00 p.m. PST
• Game weather: Hazy, 65 °F (18 °C)
• Game attendance: 13,445
• Referee: Michael Vandervelde
• TV announcers (FOX): Joe Davis (play-by-play), Brock Huard (analysis), Bruce Feldman (sidelines), and Bo Garrett (producer)
• Aztecs Fall to Utah State in MW Championship Game,^[15] Game Book

Game information

First quarter No scoring Second quarter USU – Derek Wright 5 Yd pass from Logan Bonner (Connor Coles Kick), 9:06. Aggies 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 53 yards, 4:29. USU – Calvin Tyler Jr. 1 Yd Run (Connor Coles Kick), 4:57. Aggies 14–0. Drive: 6 plays, 63 yards, 1:31. SDSU – Matt Araiza 23 Yd Field Goal, 1:01. Aggies 14–3. Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards, 3:56. Third quarter USU – Brandon Bowling 58 Yd pass from Logan Bonner (Connor Coles Kick), 13:09. Aggies 21–3. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 1:51. USU – Team Safety, 11:38. Aggies 23–3. Drive: 3 plays, 1 yard, 1:31. SDSU – Matt Araiza 36 Yd Field Goal, 6:58. Aggies 23–6. Drive: 8 plays, 21 yards, 2:57. USU – Brandon Bowling 18 Yd pass from Logan Bonner (Connor Coles PAT blocked), 1:54. Aggies 29–6. Drive: 6 plays, 35 yards, 3:25. Fourth quarter USU – Connor Coles 20 Yd Field Goal, 13:40. Aggies 32–6. Drive: 7 plays, 17 yards, 2:59. USU – Justin McGriff 9 Yd pass from Logan Bonner (Connor Coles Kick), 10:21. Aggies 39–6. Drive: 5 plays, 40 yards, 2:01. SDSU – Jesse Matthews 5 Yd pass from Jalen Mayden (Matt Araiza Kick), 6:22. Aggies 39–13. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:59. USU – Jordan Nathan 0 Yd Run (Connor Coles Kick), 3:58. Aggies 46–13. Drive: 4 plays, 38 yards, 2:24. Odds Line: SDSU –6.5 Over/Under: 49.5 ESPN FPI: SDSU 75.9%

Statistics	USU	SDSU
First downs	23	17
Plays–yards	71–383	68–315
Rushes–yards	28–65	39–148
Passing yards	318	167
Passing: comp–att–int	29–43–1	16–29–0
Time of possession	28:58	31:02

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
USU	Passing	Logan Bonner	29-42, 318 YDS, 4 TD, 1 INT
	Rushing	Calvin Tyler Jr.	17 CAR, 41 YDS, 1 TD
	Receiving	Brandon Bowling	8 REC, 154 YDS, 2 TD
SDSU	Passing	Jordon Brookshire	11-23, 117 YDS
	Rushing	Greg Bell	11 CAR, 50 YDS
	Receiving	Jesse Matthews	8 REC, 82 YDS, 1 TD

Vs. UTSA

See also: 2021 UTSA Roadrunners football team and 2021 Frisco Bowl

Frisco Bowl: No. 24 San Diego State Aztecs vs. UTSA Roadrunners

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 24 San Diego State	7	10	14	7	38
UTSA	14	0	10	0	24

at Toyota Stadium • Frisco, Texas

• Date: December 21, 2021
• Game time: 4:30 p.m. PST
• Game weather: Sunny, 56 °F (13 °C)
• Game attendance: 15,801
• Referee: Ron Hudson
• TV announcers (ESPN): Ted Leitner (play-by-play), Rich Ohrnberger (analysis), Jon Schaeffer (half, post), Mike Costa (pre), and J.R. Tolver (pre)
• Aztecs Claim Frisco Bowl with 12th Win of the Season,^[16] Game Book

Game information

First quarter UTSA – De'Corian Clark 12 Yd pass from Frank Harris (Hunter Duplessis Kick), 12:36. Roadrunners 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:24. SDSU – Jesse Matthews 20 Yd pass from Lucas Johnson (Matt Araiza Kick), 5:09. Tie 7–7. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 2:03. UTSA – Brenden Brady 2 Yd Run (Hunter Duplessis Kick), 2:02. Roadrunners 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:07. Second quarter SDSU – Jesse Matthews 11 Yd pass from Lucas Johnson (Matt Araiza Kick), 9:14. Tie 14–14. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 4:18. SDSU – Matt Araiza 33 Yd Field Goal, 0:00. Aztecs 17–14. Drive: 10 plays, 74 yards, 1:55. Third quarter SDSU – Greg Bell 1 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 11:59. Aztecs 24–14. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 3:01. UTSA – Hunter Duplessis 41 Yd Field Goal, 10:09. Aztecs 24–27. Drive: 6 plays, 51 yards, 1:50. SDSU – Tyrell Shavers 24 Yd pass from Lucas Johnson (Matt Araiza Kick), 2:39. Aztecs 31–17. Drive: 6 plays, 69 yards, 2:58. UTSA – Zakhari Franklin 3 Yd pass from Frank Harris (Hunter Duplessis Kick), 0:00. Aztecs 31–24. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 2:39. Fourth quarter SDSU – Lucas Johnson 2 Yd Run (Matt Araiza Kick), 9:51. Aztecs 38–24. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 5:09. Odds Line: SDSU –3.0 Over/Under: 48.0 ESPN FPI: UTSA 63.0%

Statistics	SDSU	UTSA
First downs	31	21
Plays–yards	76–489	62–388
Rushes–yards	40–156	24–117
Passing yards	333	271
Passing: comp–att–int	24–36–0	22–38–1
Time of possession	37:51	22:09

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
SDSU	Passing	Lucas Johnson	24-36, 333 YDS, 3 TD
	Rushing	Greg Bell	26 CAR, 101 YDS, 1 TD
	Receiving	Jesse Matthews	11 REC, 175 YDS, 2 TD
UTSA	Passing	Frank Harris	22-36, 271 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT
	Rushing	Brenden Brady	16 CAR, 76 YDS, 1 TD
	Receiving	Zakhari Franklin	8 REC, 89 YDS, 1 TD

Honors

Conference

• Defensive player of the year: Cameron Thomas, DL, Jr.
• Special teams player of the year: Matt Araiza, P/PK, Jr.
• Coach of the Year: Brady Hoke

All–Mountain West First Team

Name	Position	Year
Offense
William Dunkle	OL	Jr.
Zachary Thomas	OL	Sr.
Jordan Byrd	KR	Sr.
Defense
Cameron Thomas	DL	Jr.
Caden McDonald	LB	Sr.
Patrick McMorris	DB	Jr.
Trenton Thompson	DB	Sr.
Matt Araiza	P	Jr.

All–Mountain West Second Team

Name	Position	Year
Offense
Greg Bell	RB	Sr.
Matt Araiza	PK	Jr.
Defense
Keshawn Banks	DL	Sr.
Tayler Hawkins	DB	Sr.

^[17]

Rankings

Further information: 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes

	Week
Poll	Pre	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	Final
AP	—	—	—	RV	RV	25	24	22	21	RV	RV	23	22	19	RV	25
Coaches	—	—	RV	RV	RV	RV	24	21	20	RV	RV	23	22	19	RV	RV
CFP	Not released									24	22	19	21	19	24	Not released