San Diego State stuns Cal with historic shutout win

Aztecs’ defense dominates in statement victory at Snapdragon Stadium

When San Diego State took the field Saturday night, few outside the locker room expected what came next. As 12.5-point underdogs, the Aztecs delivered one of the most dominant wins in program history, blanking previously undefeated California 34-0 in front of a raucous Snapdragon Stadium crowd.

The victory was more than a win. It was history. SDSU’s defense fueled the shutout, its first against a current Power Conference team since a 25-0 win over Oregon State in 1975.

Chris Johnson’s 97-yard interception return electrified the stadium and stretched the lead to 27-0 late in the third quarter. Moments earlier, Dalesean Staley forced a fumble that Dwayne McDougal scooped and returned 35 yards for another score. The defense also collected four sacks and an additional interception from Staley.

Quarterback Jayden Denegal connected with Jordan Napier on an 80-yard strike that set up a 6-yard touchdown toss. Napier finished with nine catches for 154 yards and a score, becoming the offensive spark that Cal never contained.

This was SDSU’s largest margin of victory over a Power Conference opponent, surpassing a 32-point win over Arizona in 1979. The Aztecs not only denied Cal its first 4-0 start since 2019 but also evened the all-time series at 5-5.

San Diego State didn’t just beat Cal, it sent a message. The Aztecs’ blend of defensive grit and explosive playmaking showed they’re capable of much more than being underestimated.

MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS: 

• Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
• Mike Gundy's buyout reduced by $10 million favors Oklahoma State
• Oregon to debut Phil Knight 'Shoe Duck' tribute uniforms
• Bill Belichick's girlfriend Jordon Hudson turns heads with outfit choice on sideline
• Miami makes $1.8 million decision to honor two football legends