San Diego State stunned previously undefeated California 34-0 Saturday night at Snapdragon Stadium, delivering the program’s first shutout against a current Power Conference team since 1975.
The Aztecs entered as 12.5-point underdogs but controlled the game from start to finish. The victory marked SDSU’s largest margin of victory over a Power Conference opponent, surpassing a 32-point win over Arizona in 1979.
Chris Johnson’s 97-yard interception return for a touchdown highlighted the defensive dominance late in the third quarter.
The play stretched San Diego State’s lead to 27-0 and capped a defensive performance that included four sacks and two defensive touchdowns. Dalesean Staley forced a fumble that Dwayne McDougal returned 35 yards for another score earlier in the game.
Staley also recorded an interception in the shutout effort.
Quarterback Jayden Denegal connected with Jordan Napier on an 80-yard strike that set up a 6-yard touchdown pass. Napier finished with nine catches for 154 yards and one touchdown, providing the offensive spark that Cal’s defense couldn’t contain.
The shutout was San Diego State’s first against a current Power Conference team since a 25-0 victory over Oregon State in 1975. The Aztecs not only denied Cal its first 4-0 start since 2019 but also evened the all-time series at 5-5.
California entered the game undefeated but couldn’t establish any rhythm against the Aztecs’ defense. The Bears managed just 187 total yards and turned the ball over three times in the loss.
San Diego State’s defense collected four sacks and forced three turnovers in the dominant performance. The unit held Cal to 2-of-13 on third down conversions and never allowed the Bears to reach the red zone.
The victory improved San Diego State to 3-1 on the season. The Aztecs return to Mountain West Conference play next week after proving they can compete with Power Conference opponents.
