DiLeva’s 53-yard field goal gives San Diego State 26-23 win over Fresno State
Cooper DiLeva made a career-long kick with 57 seconds left in San Diego, securing the Old Oil Can rivalry trophy for the Aztecs.
San Diego State beat Fresno State 26-23 in San Diego on Saturday night, October 17, after Cooper DiLeva kicked a career-long 53-yard field goal with 57 seconds remaining, the Associated Press reported. The late kick kept the Old Oil Can rivalry trophy with the Aztecs, who had held it for three consecutive seasons entering the game, according to the school’s pregame preview.
How San Diego State set up DiLeva’s winning kick
Freshman quarterback Stone Saunders found Jordan Napier for 26 yards on third-and-10 during the decisive drive. Four plays later, DiLeva made the winning field goal, AP reported. It was his fourth successful field goal of the night: he had also converted from 32, 30 and 40 yards.
Saunders had entered after starting quarterback Jayden Denegal left in the second quarter with an ankle injury and did not return. AP reported that Denegal’s X-rays were negative. Before leaving, Denegal completed seven of 10 passes for 112 yards, including a 52-yard touchdown to Jaylon Hawkins. Saunders finished six of 11 for 61 yards.
San Diego State also got a touchdown pass from wide receiver Bert Emanuel Jr., while Lucky Sutton rushed for 110 yards on 18 carries in his return from a two-game absence caused by an ankle injury. Their contributions helped the Aztecs stay in position for DiLeva’s late kick despite the change at quarterback.
Fresno State’s second-half scores and the Old Oil Can
For Fresno State, Julius Gillick scored two rushing touchdowns in the second half. Bryson Donelson added another rushing touchdown and gained 62 yards on the ground, according to AP. The result left San Diego State at 3-4 overall and 2-1 in Pac-12 play, while Fresno State stood at 4-3 and 1-2 in the conference.
San Diego State calls the rivalry the Battle for the Old Oil Can. In its pregame preview, the school said the teams had not played in 2024 and that their previous meeting, in Fresno in 2025, ended in a 23-0 Aztecs win. Saturday’s victory extended San Diego State’s hold on the trophy in a much closer game.
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Sources and context
- DiLeva kicks career-long 53-yard FG in closing seconds, San Diego St. beats Fresno St. 26-23Associated Press (republished by Yahoo Sports)
- San Diego State Welcomes The Team Up North in the Battle of the Old Oil CanSan Diego State Aztecs
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.