Stolz Era Debut: An Aztec Win : SDSU Bounces Back to Defeat Long Beach, 27-24

The Denny Stolz era at San Diego State began Saturday night in much the same way the Doug Scovil era ended.

SDSU gained a lot of yards. It gave up a lot of yards. It turned the ball over too many times.

However, there was a critical difference from the end of one era to the beginning of another--the Aztecs won this time.

The Stolz era started with SDSU defeating Cal State Long Beach, 27-24, on a 38-yard touchdown pass from Todd Santos to Alfred Jackson with 10:08 to play.

SDSU rebounded from a 14-0 deficit early in the second quarter.

“The biggest surprise is we didn’t panic,” Stolz said. “The kids were poised on the sideline.”

Santos’ winning pass was a reminder of how the Chargers often seem to win games in San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium.

And Jackson, a converted defensive back, is somewhat of a reminder of former Charger receiver John Jefferson. Jackson, who wears goggles as Jefferson did, is even called “J. J.,” as Jefferson was.

Santos put forth his best Dan Fouts imitation. He completed 24 of 37 passes for 330 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions. Santos, a junior, has 410 career completions, second on SDSU’s all-time list.

Sophomore Jeff Graham, making his first start for Long Beach, had an inconsistent evening. Graham completed 24 of 53 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns.

Early on, Graham continually picked apart the SDSU defense. However, he did not do so well in the second half.

After a 17-17 halftime tie, Long Beach’s only second-half touchdown came on an interception return.

SDSU committed four turnovers, an all too familiar reminder of last season when it had 38 turnovers.

Despite the miscues, the offense didn’t seem to miss a beat. The Aztecs had 436 yards total offense, compared to Long Beach’s 249 yards. The 49ers gained just 52 yards in the second half.

As expected, the Aztecs spread the wealth among their receivers. All four caught passes--Jackson, Kenny Moore, Anthony Conyers and Brett Blanchard. All but Blanchard caught touchdown passes.

Long Beach dominated at the outset, taking a 14-0 lead 1:39 into the second quarter.

The 49ers scored first on a 31-yard screen pass from Graham to Michael Roberts 5:45 into the game. Long Beach was aided on the 60-yard drive’s first play when Clarence Nunn of SDSU was penalized 15 yards for a late hit after an incomplete pass.

SDSU drove to the 49er 25 its next possession, only to have Chris Hardy lose 10 yards on a fumbled pitch out. The Aztecs eventually punted.

Long Beach drove 87 yards for its second touchdown, scoring on Graham’s 18-yard pass to Charles Lockett. The 49ers converted three successive third-down plays, including a 34-yard pass from Graham to Tyrone McCulloch on a third-and-16 from the Long Beach 17.

Things appeared to get worse for SDSU when Jeryl Williams slipped on the five while fielding the onsuing kickoff. However, the Aztecs drove 95 yards in nine plays for their first touchdown, a 29-yard pass from Santos to Anthony Conyers.

The teams then traded field goals. Eric Weetman kicked a 29-yarder for Long Beach and Kevin Rahill a 39-yarder for SDSU, giving the 49ers a 17-10 lead.

With 1:15 remaining in the half, SDSU began a game-tying drive from its 46.

On a second-and-15 at Long Beach’s 46, Santos completed a 26-yard pass to Conyers. Ronald Frost was assessed a five-yard facemask penalty tackling Conyers, placing the ball at the 15.

The next play, Kenny Moore tied the game with a diving catch of Santo’s pass.

Each quarterback had a hot half. Graham was 14 of 23 for 191 yards and two touchdowns. Santos was 14 of 17 for 208 yards and two touchdowns with one interception.

On the second half’s first series, Randy Kirk of SDSU made a key interception and return. He caught the ball at Long Beach’s 43, broke three tackles at the 30 and was finally stopped at the 23.

Corey Gilmore rushed 15 yards the next play, but SDSU was stopped thereafter. The Aztecs settled for Rahill’s 26-yard field goal, taking a 20-17 lead.

SDSU’s first lead was short-lived. On the Aztecs’ next possession, Long Beach’s Ron Knight returned an interception 74 yards for a touchdown, providing the 49ers a 24-20 lead.

Williams fumbled away the ensuing kickoff to Lane McCarthy at the Aztec 29. Graham threw three consecutive incomplete passes, then Weetman was wide left on a 47-yard field goal attempt.

The Aztecs had another opportunity slip away late in the third quarter. They drove to Long Beach’s 34, only to commit turnover No. 4 when Gilmore’s fumble was recovered by Roger Beavers.

The Aztecs took a 27-24 lead 4:52 into the fourth quarter, scoring on a 38-yard pass from Santos to Alfred Jackson. It was the first career reception for Jackson, a converted defensive back.

Later in the quarter, Long Beach had a third-and-11 at its 41. Richard Brown responded with SDSU’s key defensive play, sacking Graham for a 16-yard loss.