Army West Point Athletics
Army West Point
San Diego State
San Diego State Edges Army, 23-20
September 10, 2011 | Football
Sept. 10, 2011
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WEST POINT, N.Y. - San Diego State's Abelardo Perez kicked a 42-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to overshadow a career-best rushing performance from Army junior quarterback Trent Steelmanas the Aztecs squeaked out a 23-20 victory on a beautiful Saturday afternoon at Michie Stadium.
Army was playing its home-opener and hosted a bevy of special activities around its "Salute To Heroes Day," but could not secure its first win of the season despite out-gaining San Diego State 446-292.
Steelman rushed 21 times for a career-high 157 yards to go with three touchdowns, despite missing some plays due to injury in the fourth quarter. He completed 2-of-4 passes for 43 yards and scored on runs of one, 11 and 17 yards.
The Black Knights fell behind 14-0 before getting their offense on track. They held a 403-146 advantage in rushing yards and dominated time of possession, 42:11-17:49. Malcolm Brown rushed for 77 yards, Jared Hassin for 59, Jon Crucitti for 39 and Raymond Maplesfor 37.
San Diego State improved to 2-0 by forcing eight fumbles and recovering three. Ryan Lindley completed 8-of-18 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown, while Ronnie Hillman carried 17 times for 117 yards and two touchdowns.
A crowd of nearly 27,000 was on hand as Army handed out mini American flags during pre-game, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani addressed the crowd and a field-length flag was unfurled at halftime on an emotional day at West Point.
San Diego State wasted little time in opening the scoring as Lindley hit Colin Lockett for a 68-yard touchdown on the second play of the opening drive. Perez kicked the first of two extra points just 33 seconds into the contest.
Army fumbled on its next two possessions, and the Aztecs took advantage of the second for a 14-0 lead. Hillman carried twice for 11 yards on the first two plays and then scored from 16 yards deep for a two-touchdown cushion midway through the first quarter.
The Black Knights cut the deficit in half on the ensuing kickoff, after it was mishandled but recovered by the home team.
Crucitti carried for four yards, Hassin for seven and Maples for three before Army called a timeout. Steelman then broke off a 28-yard run to move the ball into San Diego State territory. Maples, Brown, Steelman and freshman Trenton Turrentine all registered carries, and Steelman capped the 11-play, 71-yard drive with a one-yard plunge. Senior Alex Carltonkicked the PAT to close a possession that took 4:50.
Army tied the game in the second quarter following a 59-yard punt by Brian Stahovich. Taking over at its 18-yard line, Army used 15 plays to march 82 yards while chewing up 7:29 off the clock. Hassin and Maples picked up yards and Steelman scooted for 22 more. Brown collected 19 yards on two rushes to keep the chains moving. Steelman then closed the drive with an 11-yard scoring run with 6:53 remaining in the first half.
The Black Knights turned the ball over on downs to open the second half and then forced a San Diego State punt.
Army punted on the ensuing possession and the Aztecs went back on top. An eight-play drive covered 80 yards and ended when Hillman rushed for a 20-yard touchdown. Perez missed the conversion kick.
Army again answered early in the fourth quarter. Brown rushed for 31 yards, Steelman and Hassin posted nine-yard runs and then Steelman sprinted for a 17-yard score after an Army false start penalty. Carlton's kick was wide right and the game was knotted at 20-all with 12:37 left to play.
San Diego State went back on top on its next possession. Lindley connected on a 13-yard passes, and Army was whistled for a 15-yard penalty for illegal helmet contact to move the ball to the Army 41. San Diego State picked up another first down but the drive stalled with two incomplete passes. Perez then made a 42-yard field goal for a 23-20 lead with 9:29 left to play.
Army had a chance to at the least tie the game, using two quarterbacks when Steelman was injured and senior Max Jenkinswent under center. Jenkins carried twice for five yards for a first down, Hassin picked up seven and Maples six before Steelman returned to the game. Maples rushed for five yards, Dixon four and Steelman six to keep the drive alive. Steelman was again injured and Jenkins returned. A false start penalty, sack and pair of incomplete passes turned the ball over on downs as San Diego State escaped with the win.
Army will return to Michie Stadium next week against Northwestern. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.
