San Diego State running back Rashaad Penny reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Stanford on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

By Daniel Dullum
Sports Radio Service
Saturday, September 16, 2017

David Wells’ 8-yard touchdown reception from Christian Chapman in the final minute of play gave unranked San Diego State a 20-17 upset win over No. 19 Stanford Saturday before 43,040 fans at San Diego Stadium.

The loss negated a big night for Cardinal running back Bryce Love, who gained 184 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. The undefeated Aztecs (3-0) countered with a 175-yard effort from Rashaad Penny – the nation’s leading rusher – on 32 attempts.

The game was delayed nearly 25 minutes before the winning touchdown when the lights went out at the 50-year-old stadium. Fans tried to help out by shining lights from their cellphones.

Stanford (1-2 overall, 0-1 Pac-12) had a final possession that ended abruptly when Kameron Kelly picked off a Keller Chryst pass on the first play of that drive.

The Cardinal took a 17-13 lead nine seconds into the fourth quarter on a 53-yard scoring run by Love. Earlier, a Jet Toner 20-yard field goal with 4:51 remaining in the third quarter pulled Stanford to within 13-10.

After Love scored on a 51-yard touchdown run with 12:39 left in the second quarter to give the Cardinal their first lead at 7-3, San Diego State responded with Rashaad Penny running four yards for a TD with :43 to go in the first half.

The Aztecs extended their lead to 13-7 on a 36-yard field goal by John Baron II at 8:33 of the third quarter, his second field goal of the game. Earlier, Baron booted a 43-yard field goal 55 seconds into the game, giving San Diego State the first lead of the game.

Chryst completed 8 of 19 passes for 56 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions for the Cardinal, and was sacked four times. Trenton Irwin caught six passes for 49 yards to lead the Stanford receivers.

Chapman was 21 of 29 passing for 187 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions, despite being sacked six times. His primary target was Mikah Holder, who snared seven throws for 85 yards.

With back-to-back wins over Pac-12 opponents (Arizona State and Stanford), the Aztecs have a chance to return to the Associated Press Top 25. The Cardinal return to conference play next Saturday night when they host UCLA.