Full Breakdown
Aztecs' Championship Hopes Diminish After Double Overtime Loss to Lobos
11/29/2025, 3:56:48 PM
Heartbreaking Double Overtime Loss
The San Diego State Aztecs faced a critical challenge in their quest for the Mountain West Conference (MWC) Championship, ultimately falling to the New Mexico Lobos 23-17 in a dramatic double overtime game on November 28, 2025. This defeat jeopardizes the Aztecs' chances of hosting the championship game at Snapdragon Stadium, where they have remained undefeated throughout the season.
The game began with New Mexico taking an early 10-0 lead, thanks to a 40-yard touchdown run by James Laubstein. However, San Diego State responded with a touchdown from Lucky Sutton and a 46-yard pass from quarterback Jayden Denegal to Donovan Brown, leading to a 14-10 halftime advantage. The teams exchanged leads in the second half, with New Mexico regaining the lead at 17-14 before SDSU tied the game with a 44-yard field goal from Gabe Plascencia.
Overtime Drama and Missed Opportunities
In the first overtime, the Aztecs had a chance to take control but Denegal's pass was intercepted by Austin Brawley, putting New Mexico in a position to win. A fumble by Laubstein gave SDSU another chance, but the game extended into a second overtime tied at 17. New Mexico scored first with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Jack Layne to Cade Keith. The Lobos failed to convert a two-point attempt, leaving the door open for the Aztecs.
However, San Diego State's final possession was marred by penalties and sacks, forcing Denegal into a fourth-and-30 situation from the 30-yard line. His pass sailed out of the end zone, sealing the victory for New Mexico and igniting celebrations among the 30,575 fans at University Stadium.
Implications for Championship Game
The loss leaves San Diego State (9-3, 6-2) in a precarious position regarding the MWC Championship Game, which will be determined by computer metrics due to a three-way tie with New Mexico and Boise State, both also at 6-2 in conference play. The Aztecs now require either a loss from UNLV against Nevada or favorable computer rankings to secure a spot in the title game.
Coach Sean Lewis expressed disappointment but emphasized the need for his team to learn from the experience. “We need to do a better job of coaching up the areas of preparation there so we can be in a better position to be successful,” he stated.
New Mexico's Resurgence
The victory marks a significant achievement for New Mexico (9-3, 6-2), which has experienced a remarkable turnaround under first-year head coach Jason Eck. The Lobos have now secured their first six-win conference season since 2016 and remain in contention for their first MWC Championship title. The win also capped off a perfect 6-0 home record for New Mexico, a feat not accomplished since 2007.
Fans have rallied around the Lobos, with attendance increasing by 51% this season, reflecting the renewed enthusiasm for the program. The Lobos now await the results of other games to determine their fate in the championship picture.
What's Next
As the regular season concludes, the focus shifts to the upcoming bowl game announcements scheduled for December 7. San Diego State's future in the MWC Championship and potential bowl appearances will depend on the outcomes of the remaining games and the subsequent computer rankings.
