San Diego State Overpowers North Texas 49–28 to Reach Stateline Elite Championship

Keith Groller, The Stateline Gazette

DENTON, Texas (AP) — Jayden Denegal accounted for four total touchdowns, Lucky Sutton delivered a breathtaking 101-yard kickoff return, and No. 3 San Diego State stormed into the Stateline Elite Championship Game with a statement 49–28 victory over No. 2 North Texas on Sunday night.

With the game tied 28–28 late in the third quarter and the crowd at Apogee Stadium roaring, the Aztecs (8–2) responded like champions. They ripped off 21 unanswered points, silencing the home crowd and turning a tense semifinal into a defining moment for the program.

“This is what we’ve worked for since Week 1,” SDSU head coach Chad Gruver said. “To win on the road, in this environment, against a team that explosive — that’s championship football. We’re not satisfied, but this is a big step.”

San Diego State led 21–7 at halftime behind a balanced offensive attack and two rushing touchdowns from Sutton. But North Texas (7–3) refused to fade. After stuffing SDSU on a bold fourth-and-inches attempt at its own 34-yard line, the Mean Green capitalized quickly to tie the game and seize momentum.

For a brief moment, the semifinal felt like it belonged to North Texas.

Then Denegal took it back.

Facing fourth-and-5 on the very next drive, Gruver kept the offense on the field. Denegal recognized single coverage and fired a strike to Mikey Welsh, who streaked 50 yards down the sideline to the North Texas 19-yard line.

“That was the play,” Denegal said. “Coach trusted us. I trusted my guy. In those moments, you don’t hesitate.”

Two plays later, SDSU regained the lead — and never looked back.

Denegal finished 12 of 17 for 198 yards and two touchdowns through the air, adding 65 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground. His command in high-pressure situations proved decisive.

Sutton added 78 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries, but his most electrifying contribution came on special teams. Moments after North Texas had cut into the lead, Sutton fielded a kickoff deep in the end zone, briefly stepped out, then exploded upfield for a 101-yard touchdown that swung momentum back to the Aztecs.

“I just saw daylight,” Sutton said. “When you get a chance in a game like this, you don’t waste it.”

North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker threw for 271 yards and three touchdowns, keeping the Mean Green within striking distance into the fourth quarter. But a critical interception during a potential game-tying drive proved costly. SDSU converted the turnover into another touchdown, pushing the lead to 42–28 and effectively ending the comeback bid.

“They punished every mistake,” North Texas head coach Matt Cummings said. “We fought to 28–28. But against a team that poised, the window closes fast.”

Jordan Napier caught three passes for 60 yards and two touchdowns for San Diego State, while Jacob Bostick added two receptions for 52 yards in key chain-moving situations. Caleb Hawkins led North Texas with 91 rushing yards and a touchdown, and Cameron Dorner hauled in two touchdown receptions.

But the night belonged to the Aztecs.

With the win, San Diego State advances to the Stateline Elite Championship Game — a milestone moment in program history and a validation of a season built on resilience, physicality, and fearless decision-making.

“We didn’t come this far to stop in the semifinals,” Gruver said. “We’re playing for a championship now. And that means everything.”

San Diego State will face Toledo after its dominating win over UTSA in the other side of the bracket. San Diego State 49, North Texas 28

San Diego State 7 14 7 21 — 49 North Texas 7 0 21 0 — 28

Team Statistics

Total Yards — San Diego State 369; North Texas 375 Rushing — San Diego State 27-171-4 TDs; North Texas 24-104-1 TD Passing — San Diego State 12-17-198-2 TDs; North Texas 21-33-271-3 TDs-1 INT

Individual Statistics

San Diego State Passing — Jayden Denegal 12-17-198, 2 TDs Rushing — Lucky Sutton 14-78, 2 TDs; Jayden Denegal 7-65, 2 TDs; Christian Washington 6-28 Receiving — Jordan Napier 3-60, 2 TDs; Jacob Bostick 2-52; Mikey Welsh 1-50; Donovan Brown 1-17; Jackson Ford 2-10; Lucky Sutton 3-9

North Texas Passing — Drew Mestemaker 21-33-271, 3 TDs, 1 INT Rushing — Caleb Hawkins 9-91, TD; Quardell Jackson 5-12; Drew Mestemaker 10-1 Receiving — Cameron Dorner 3-56, 2 TDs; Wyatt Young 5-39, TD; Miles Coleman 4-42; Tre Williams III 3-51; Caleb Hawkins 3-47; Quardell Jackson 3-36