The last three weeks haven’t exactly gone NIU football’s way.
The Huskies haven’t won a game since Aug. 30, when they opened the season with a narrow victory over Holy Cross. Since then, they’ve visited two Power Four opponents — Maryland and Mississippi State — and been denied both opportunities to add to its collection of Boneyard victories.
Now, NIU is back in DeKalb for the first time in nearly a month, looking to rebound with its first-ever triumph over the San Diego State Aztecs on Saturday. SDSU won the first six meetings in the all-time series, the latest being a 34-28 result in 2017.
As the Huskies prepare for their long-awaited rematch, the Northern Star went Behind Enemy Bylines with Roman Aguilar, the co-sports editor for The Daily Aztec, to see what San Diego State will have to offer on Saturday.
Northern Star: San Diego State just trounced an unbeaten Cal team 34-0 at home but lost to Washington State on the road the week before. How would you assess the team’s momentum as it makes the long road trip to DeKalb?
Roman Aguilar: The Aztecs are riding a wave of confidence after their 34-0 dismantling of Cal, a Power Five opponent that entered the game undefeated and averaging 32 points a night. That win felt like a culture-defining moment under Sean Lewis — proof that the fast-paced, aggressive mentality he’s preached since his arrival can translate against top competition. The Washington State loss stung, but SDSU responded by showing its ceiling when both offense and defense click. The challenge now is proving that same level of execution travels. As Lewis himself put it, “Good teams win on the road.”
NS: The Aztecs have already shut out two opponents this season. What’s been working on defense that’s made them so hard to score against?
RA: San Diego State’s defense has been dominant because of its ability to dictate games at every level. Defensive coordinator Rob Aurich has instilled a scheme that thrives on speed and pressure, and the players have fully bought in. Against Cal, the Aztecs turned defense into offense, scoring twice themselves on Dwayne McDougle’s scoop-and-score and Chris Johnson’s 97-yard pick-six. That opportunistic mindset, hunting for the ball and making plays in space, has become their identity.
NS: How would you describe Sean Lewis’ coaching philosophy and tendencies?
RA: Sean Lewis is all about aggression, connection and culture. His philosophy blends a “play fast, play confident” approach on the field with an off-field emphasis on unity and energy. He’s also a motivator who uses humor and edge when asked about an early kickoff with the media at a press conference, he joked, “Do you want to play at midnight, do you want to go play on Mars, do you want to play at noon in Antarctica?”
NS: SDSU has a new starting quarterback this season in Michigan transfer Jayden Denegal. What’s he brought to the offense in his first three games at SDSU?
RA: Jayden Denegal has brought poise, efficiency, and big-play ability to the Aztec offense. His connection with Jordan Napier has been game-changing, especially against Cal where the two linked up for a highlight-reel 80-yard bomb and later capped drives with touchdowns. SDSU hasn’t turned the ball over all season, tying the nation’s longest active streak. That reliability has allowed Sean Lewis to trust him in high-pressure moments.
NS: Which players do you expect to be San Diego State’s biggest weapons on offense and defense?
MH: On offense, it starts with wide receiver Jordan Napier. He’s emerged as the true WR1, coming off a career-best 154 yards against Cal, and Lewis has been vocal that “if you give him targets and opportunities, generally good things are going to happen.” Pair him with Lucky Sutton in the backfield, and SDSU has a one-two punch that can punish defenses. On defense, up front, players like August Salvati and Ryan Henderson add consistent pass-rush pressure.
NS: Finally, what’s your final score prediction for this game?
RA: SDSU’s defense should have enough to bottle up NIU’s run-heavy attack and force them into a struggling passing game. While the Huskies are tough at home, the Aztecs’ momentum and balance on both sides of the ball feel like difference makers. I’ll take San Diego State to grind out its first road win of the season: SDSU 27, NIU 17.
