San Diego State Aztecs Look for Conference Win Against Struggling Nevada Wolf Pack
The crisp autumn air signals the heart of college football season as the San Diego State Aztecs prepare for a crucial Mountain West Conference matchup. With momentum on their side after three consecutive victories, the Aztecs (4-1) travel to Mackay Stadium to face the Nevada Wolf Pack (1-4) on Saturday night. This matchup represents more than just another conference game—it’s an opportunity for San Diego State to establish themselves as serious contenders in the Mountain West, while Nevada desperately searches for a way to turn their season around before it’s too late.
San Diego State enters the contest riding high after an impressive conference opener against Colorado State, where they dominated in a 45-24 victory. The Aztecs’ offense, which had struggled just a week earlier in a low-scoring win at Northern Illinois, exploded for 540 total yards against the Rams. The ground game proved particularly potent, with Byron Cardwell rushing for 129 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries, while Lucky Sutton contributed 113 yards and two scores on 21 attempts. Quarterback Jayden Denegal showed remarkable efficiency, completing 13 of 16 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Jordan Napier emerged as Denegal’s favorite target, hauling in seven receptions for 153 yards and a touchdown. This balanced offensive attack—combining a punishing ground game with an efficient passing attack—suggests the Aztecs have found their rhythm at the perfect time as conference play intensifies.
The Nevada Wolf Pack, meanwhile, enter Saturday’s contest searching for answers after a heartbreaking 20-17 loss to Fresno State in their Mountain West opener. The defeat was particularly painful as Nevada watched helplessly while the Bulldogs methodically drained the final 8:42 off the clock on their final possession. Quarterback Carter Jones provided a spark off the bench, completing 11 of 15 passes for 121 yards and two touchdowns after starter Chubba Purdy was pulled following two early interceptions. Running back Caleb Ramseur contributed 77 yards on 16 carries and added a touchdown reception, as did receiver Dakota Thomas. Despite their 1-4 record, Nevada has shown flashes of potential and might be encouraged by memories of their 6-0 victory over the Aztecs in San Diego during their last meeting in 2023—a defensive struggle that proved Nevada can compete with San Diego State under the right circumstances.
The contrasting trajectories of these programs adds intrigue to Saturday’s matchup. San Diego State’s recent success underscores the program’s commitment to physical football on both sides of the ball, a trademark that has helped them become one of the more respected Group of Five programs in recent years. Coach Sean Lewis has continued the Aztecs’ tradition of developing NFL-caliber talent while maintaining competitive teams that consistently contend for bowl eligibility. The defense, though somewhat overshadowed by the offensive explosion against Colorado State, remains a strength and will look to stifle a Nevada offense that has struggled with consistency throughout the season. For the Aztecs, this game represents another opportunity to demonstrate their growth and potentially position themselves for a run at the conference championship.
Nevada’s struggles this season belie the program’s proud football tradition. Once a consistent winner under legendary coach Chris Ault (inventor of the “Pistol” offense), the Wolf Pack have fallen on harder times recently. However, home field advantage at Mackay Stadium—where the elevation of 4,610 feet presents challenges for visiting teams—could prove significant. First-year head coach Jeff Choate is working to rebuild the program’s culture and identity, and a victory over a strong San Diego State team would represent a signature win that could potentially jumpstart that process. The quarterback situation bears watching, as Jones’ performance last week may have earned him the starting role over Purdy, potentially giving the offense a new dimension. Additionally, Nevada’s defense showed promise against Fresno State and will need another strong performance to contain San Diego State’s multi-faceted attack.
As the teams prepare to clash under the lights at Mackay Stadium, both programs understand the implications extend beyond just this season. For San Diego State, continuing their winning streak would reinforce their status as a program on the rise in the Mountain West. For Nevada, pulling off the upset would not only provide a much-needed boost for this season but could serve as a building block for Choate’s reconstruction project. When these teams met in 2023, points were at a premium in a defensive 6-0 Nevada victory. Saturday’s contest may offer more offensive fireworks, particularly from the visiting Aztecs, but in conference play, expectations often give way to the unpredictable reality of college football—where determination, momentum, and a few key plays can transform underdogs into victors and favorites into disappointed visitors. Regardless of the outcome, fans tuning in to CBS Sports Network at 10:30 PM ET are likely to witness another compelling chapter in this Mountain West rivalry.
