SDSU blows lead, holds off Utah

CARSON, Calif. – By the time San Diego State dialed up a successful Philly Special on its final 2-point conversion attempt, it wasn’t even the craziest part of the Aztecs’ triple-overtime thriller with Utah.

And after one last video review went their way, the Aztecs could celebrate another win over a Pac-12 foe.

Quarterback Lucas Johnson caught a 2-point conversion pass from Jesse Matthews in triple overtime, and San Diego State blew a 14-point lead in the final minutes of regulation before hanging on for a 3331 victory over the Utes on Saturday night.

“It was exciting,” Aztecs coach Brady Hoke said. “I’m not going to deny that.”

Johnson scored easily on a picture-perfect Philly Special after both teams’ kickers missed field goal attempts in double overtime. Moments later, the Aztecs (3-0) collectively ran across the field in a frenzy when officials reversed their call of a 2-point conversion catch by Utah’s Connor O’Toole, ruling the ball hit the turf.

“I still can’t believe it,” Aztecs defensive lineman Cameron Thomas said. “When it was official, I was so excited. I don’t even know what was going through my mind. I’m excited to keep this season rolling.”

Greg Bell rushed for 119 yards and two touchdowns and Jordan Byrd returned a kickoff 100 yards for a TD, but the Aztecs passed for only 44 yards and nearly gave away their second straight victory over a Pac12 opponent after beating Arizona last week.

Backup quarterback Cameron Rising led the Utes’ improbable comeback, passing for 153 yards and three touchdowns while engineering three strong regulation drives after replacing ineffective Charlie Brewer late in the third quarter.

“It was an amazing feeling to fight back from the situation we were in and dig ourselves out of that hole,” said Rising, a native of nearby Ventura County. “It was a great feeling, but we’ve just got to finish.”

Britain Covey caught a short TD pass from Rising with 4:17 left, but Jadon Redding missed Utah’s extra point. Rising got the ball back with 2:36 left and led a 74-yard drive, hitting Theo Howard with a 4-yard