Writer: Melissa Ramus | Photographer: Rashad Griffin Sr.
San Diego State University clinched a thrilling 27-24 victory
over the University of Hawaii at Snapdragon Stadium, snapping a
three-game losing streak in what proved to be an electric Mountain
West Conference opener for both teams.
Running back Marquez Cooper, the active FBS rushing leader, was
the engine of the Aztecs’ offense — carrying the ball 30 times
for 109 yards and two touchdowns. True freshman quarterback Danny
O’Neil complemented Cooper’s ground game with 224 passing yards
and a touchdown, showing remarkable poise and ball security for
a player in just his first collegiate start.
Hawaii quarterback Brayden Schager kept the Rainbow Warriors
competitive, throwing three touchdown passes including a pivotal
23-yard strike to Nick Cenacle in the fourth quarter that briefly
gave Hawaii the lead. SDSU responded immediately with an 87-yard
drive capped by Cooper’s decisive 2-yard touchdown run to retake
control.
O’Neil’s 48-yard connection with Nate Bennett was the play that
truly swung momentum in SDSU’s favor. Defensively, Trey White
was dominant with three sacks, anchoring a unit that held firm
when it mattered most.
“I’m proud of this team,” said Head Coach Sean Lewis. “The lessons
from our previous losses showed up tonight. This group prepared,
stayed united and executed when it counted.”
