San Diego State rallies from 14 down, survives Texas State 31–29

San Diego State erased a 17–3 halftime deficit and survived a frantic finish to beat Texas State 31–29 Saturday night in the first Pac-12 game for both programs. Jaylon Hawkins' 96-yard kickoff return started the comeback, and Cameron Cooper's 32-yard interception return supplied the Aztecs' final touchdown.

Freshman Josiah Lucas rushed for 111 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries in his first collegiate start. His scores came from two and seven yards during a 21-point third quarter that put San Diego State ahead 24–17. The Aztecs improved to 2–3 overall and 1–0 in conference play, ending a three-game losing streak.

They did it with a reduced roster. The Associated Press reported that 13 players were absent amid a mumps outbreak and that running backs Javion Kinnard and Lucky Sutton missed the game with injuries suffered the previous week. Lucas provided most of San Diego State's 130 rushing yards.

Texas State built its halftime lead through Brad Jackson's touchdown passes to Ty Stamey and Davian Jackson, along with Jacob Bonilla's 37-yard field goal. Cooper blocked a 35-yard field-goal attempt before halftime, keeping the deficit at fourteen points.

Hawkins immediately changed the game when play resumed. Kai Wallin then intercepted Jackson and returned the ball to the Texas State 10, setting up Lucas' first touchdown. On the Bobcats' next possession, punter Tom Flintoff mishandled the snap and recovered the ball at his own seven. Lucas scored on the following play.

Texas State kept threatening in the fourth quarter. Bonilla's 45-yard field goal made it 24–20. Josh Hunter stopped Arvis Battle Jr. short of the goal line on fourth-and-goal from the two, but two plays later the Aztecs surrendered a safety after a low snap in their own end zone.

The lead was down to 24–22 when Cooper intercepted Jackson on the first play after the free kick and took the ball 32 yards for a touchdown. It was the decisive score, even though Texas State needed only four plays to answer with Jackson's 40-yard pass to Beau Sparks.

San Diego State recovered the onside kick but could not earn a first down. Texas State got another possession with 1:26 left and reached the Aztecs' 44. Alijah Lash's sack pushed the Bobcats backward, and the final desperation pass was incomplete.

Jackson finished 27 of 43 for 372 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Sparks caught ten passes for 153 yards. Texas State outgained San Diego State 565–239 and held the ball for 40:33, but the Aztecs' return touchdowns and short-field chances overcame that advantage. Jayden Denegal completed 15 of 23 passes for 109 yards without an interception.

Texas State falls to 2–3 and 0–1 in the Pac-12. San Diego State visits Oregon State next Saturday, while the Bobcats host Colorado State on October 15.