San Diego State’s defense not only pitched its second shutout of the season last week but scored 14 points in a 34-0 win over California.
The Aztecs returned a fumble 35 yards for a touchdown and an interception 97 yards for a score in the third quarter. They held the Golden Bears to 65 rushing yards and finished with four sacks and two interceptions. San Diego State (2-1) also shutout FCS program Stony Brook 42-0 in the season opener.
The Aztecs have given up just 36 points this season – all of which were scored in a lopsided loss at Washington State. San Diego State hits the road this weekend to face future Mountain West member Northern Illinois on Saturday (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+).
Northern Illinois and UTEP will join the Mountain West in 2026. The conference has to replace Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State, Colorado State, and Utah State – all of which are joining the rebuilt Pac-12.
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The Huskies (1-2) have had it rough so far this season. They opened the year with a 19-17 win over FCS program Holy Cross and followed that with back-to-back road losses at Maryland and Mississippi State.
Things won’t get any easier this weekend. San Diego State is giving up the fewest yards (260) and points (12) a game in the Mountain West. The Aztecs are also allowing the fewest rushing yards (84.3 per game) in the conference.
Head coach Sean Lewis was complementary of the defense during his weekly press conference on Monday. He said he’s been especially pleased with the secondary, which has given up just three passing touchdowns and held opposing quarterbacks to a 97.4 efficiency rating, which is the lowest in the conference.
“Collectively, I think they put down their best game that we’ve had together,” Lewis said. “How unselfish they were to play their role and be tied into the plan was really impressive.”
Cornerback Chris Johnson, who had the pick-six against Cal, and Bryce Phillips lead the secondary. Safety Dalesean Staley earned Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors with seven tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception against the Golden Bears. He forced the fumble that teammate Dwayne McDougle returned for a touchdown.
The most impressive part of the Aztecs’ success on defense may be that it has come while Trey White, who many believe is the best pass rusher in the Mountain West, has just one sack.
San Diego State vs. Northern Illinois Betting Odds
San Diego State is a 2.5-point college football betting odds favorite at BetMGM, and the Over/Under is 42.5 points as of this writing. The moneyline is a -135 for the Aztecs and +110 for the Huskies.
San Diego State is 17-3 overall and 11-8-1 against the spread in its past 20 games as the favorite on the road. Northern Illinois is 8-12 overall and 12-6-2 ATS in its past 20 games as an underdog at home.
San Diego State vs. Northern Illinois On TV
The non-conference game between San Diego State and Northern Illinois at Huskie Stadium in Dekalb, Illinois, will be televised on ESPN+.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET.
San Diego State vs. Northern Illinois Prediction
I predict San Diego State wins 20-17 and that the game will go Under 42.5 points.
San Diego State has historically been known as a defense-first program. It looks like those days are back under Lewis. The linebackers and the secondary are firing on all cylinders. If the Aztecs can add a more consistent pass rush, this team could be dangerous.
Michigan transfer Jayden Denegal is improving each week, and the team seems comfortable leaning on running back Lucky Sutton. If they can run the ball this weekend, I think Northern Illinois is in trouble.
