San Diego State Shuts Out California 34-0,Records Historic Victory
SAN DIEGO,CA – September 20,2025 – San Diego State delivered a dominant performance,blanking the California Golden Bears 34-0 at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday. The victory marks SDSU’s largest margin of victory against a Power Five conference opponent and their first shutout against a current team from a power conference since 1975.
The Aztecs‘ decisive win halted California’s bid for a 4-0 start and underscored SDSU’s emergence as a force in the Mountain West Conference.This result is particularly significant as it demonstrates the program’s ability to compete at a high level against traditionally strong opponents, possibly impacting future recruiting and conference standing. Both teams will return to action next Saturday, with California opening ACC play at Boston College and San Diego State traveling to Northern Illinois.
SDSU quarterback Denegal connected with wide receiver napier for a significant 50-yard gain early in the second quarter,setting up a subsequent 3-yard touchdown run by Lucky Sutton,aided by a key block from 338-pound lineman Joe Borjon. Gabe Plascencia added to the lead with field goals of 34 and 41 yards. Napier finished the game with nine receptions for 154 yards.
Defensively, the Aztecs entirely stifled the California offense, fueled by a focused effort to contain highly-touted freshman quarterback Sagapolutele. “Everybody was talking about, oh, he’s the best freshman, All-American, the best QB in the nation, it was like OK, we’re going to see about that,” said SDSU free safety McDougle.
the shutout is part of a historic run for the Aztecs, who have recorded consecutive home shutouts to start the season for the first time in their Division I history, dating back to 1969. This followed a 42-0 season-opening win against Stony Brook.The 34-point margin of victory surpasses SDSU’s previous best against a Power Five team – a 32-point win against Arizona in 1979.
“Lot of great emotional toughness they’ve showed in the past 14 days to respond to coaching,to respond to situations and to respond to an incredible opportunity that they had tonight that they really capitalized on against a really good football team. We’re a good team,” the coach stated after the game.
