This Saturday, the San Diego State Aztecs head to Laramie, Wyoming, for a critical Mountain West showdown against the Wyoming Cowboys. Fresh off a thrilling 27-24 victory over Hawai’i, the Aztecs (2-3, 1-0 MW) are looking to build on their momentum and secure another conference win. With standout performances from key players like running back Marquez Cooper and EDGE rusher Trey White, the Aztecs are well-positioned to make a statement.
Marquez Cooper: A Force in the Backfield
One of the brightest stars of the Aztecs’ offense this season has been senior running back Marquez Cooper. Cooper, the active leader in FBS rushing yards with 4,439, has been an unstoppable force, already amassing 583 rushing yards and five touchdowns through five games. His ability to grind out tough yards and make explosive plays has kept defenses on their heels all season.
Cooper’s dominance was on full display against Hawai’i, where he rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning score on a powerful two-yard run. This performance marked his third 100-yard game of the season and 20th of his illustrious career, further solidifying his place as one of the best running backs in the country.
With Cooper averaging 25.20 rushing attempts per game, the Aztecs have relied heavily on his contributions to control the tempo of the game. His consistency on the ground will be crucial against a Wyoming defense that has struggled to contain the run, allowing 185.20 rushing yards per game(241012sdsu_notes).
Freshman Quarterback Danny O’Neil: Rising Star
True freshman quarterback Danny O’Neil has been another revelation for San Diego State. O’Neil, who became the first true freshman to start a season-opener in the Aztecs’ Division I history, has impressed with his poise and accuracy under center. So far, O’Neil has thrown for 791 yards, five touchdowns, and, remarkably, zero interceptions.
In the victory over Hawai’i, O’Neil completed his first 10 passes en route to a career-high 24 completions for 224 yards and a touchdown. His composure during the game-winning drive, where he went 4-for-5 for 68 yards, demonstrated his ability to lead the offense in high-pressure situations.
O’Neil’s connection with wide receiver Mekhi Shaw (#83) has been particularly effective, with Shaw contributing key receptions to move the chains. The chemistry between the two will be essential as the Aztecs look to exploit a Wyoming secondary that ranks 79th in the country in passing defense.
Trey White: A Defensive Juggernaut
On the defensive side of the ball, no player has been more impactful than EDGE rusher Trey White. White has been an absolute nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, leading the nation with an average of 1.80 sacks per game. His nine sacks this season not only pace the Mountain West but put him on track to potentially set an FBS record for sacks in a season.
White’s performance against Hawai’i was nothing short of dominant, as he recorded three sacks and four tackles for loss for the second consecutive game. His relentless pressure was instrumental in stifling the Rainbow Warriors’ offense, forcing key turnovers and helping to seal the victory.
White’s ability to disrupt the backfield will be a key factor against Wyoming’s offense, which has allowed 1.80 sacks per game. With White leading the charge, the Aztecs’ defense ranks fourth in the nation in sacks per game, averaging 3.80.
The Road Ahead
Saturday’s game is a pivotal one for San Diego State. A win in Laramie would give the Aztecs a 2-0 start in Mountain West play and set them up for a strong second half of the season. Head coach Sean Lewis, in his first year at the helm, has instilled a resilient mentality in the team, which was evident in their comeback victory over Hawaii.
With Marquez Cooper leading the offense and Trey White anchoring the defense, the Aztecs have the talent and determination to make a deep run in the Mountain West this year. Their matchup against Wyoming will test their ability to execute on the road, but if they continue to play to their strengths, the Aztecs could find themselves climbing the conference standings.
Final Thoughts
As the Aztecs head into Saturday’s game against Wyoming, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With star players like Cooper, O’Neil, and White performing at an elite level, San Diego State has the potential to make a statement in the Mountain West. The team’s balanced attack on offense, combined with a ferocious defense, makes them a formidable opponent for any team in the conference.
Will the Aztecs continue their winning ways and keep their conference record unblemished? All eyes will be on Laramie this Saturday to find out.
