By Kirk Kenney | kirk.kenney@sduniontribune.com | The San Diego Union-Tribune
When Jayden Denegal was named San Diego State's starting quarterback in mid-August, SDSU coaches made it clear there was still a role for backup quarterback Bert Emanuel Jr.
"He's an exciting playmaker that we've seen in a lot of different ways can impact the game with his arm and with his legs and with his skillset," SDSU coach Sean Lewis said at the time, stressing that impact players need to play, one way or another.
"I've said it before, you know," Lewis said, "if the really, really good playmakers in any three phases are standing next to me while the play's going on, we're both having the same amount of impact on the game."
SDSU offensive coordinator Matt Johnson said there would be special packages designed for Emanuel.
"We have to get creative as coaches," said Johnson, adding: "There's endless possibilities when you have a guy like that."
Emanuel never did make much impact, though. He was on the field sporadically over 12 games in which he rushed 22 times and threw nine passes.
Denegal's season-ending shoulder surgery two weeks ago provided Emanuel with an opportunity to start for the first time. And it gave the Aztecs 2-3 weeks to build a plan for him.
Emanuel proved he was a playmaker against North Texas in Saturday's New Mexico Bowl, carrying 11 times for 172 yards. He had bursts up the middle for 72 and 69 yards, the longer run for one of his two rushing touchdowns.
Emanuel suffered a game-ending shoulder injury with 6:07 remaining in the second quarter of SDSU's 49-47 loss to North Texas.
Would the outcome have been different if Emanuel played four full quarters? Maybe. Maybe not. It sure would have been fun to find out.
Emanuel suffered a rotator cuff injury to his left (non-throwing) shoulder, according to an ESPN sideline report. Moments later, the junior transfer from Houston was standing on the sideline alongside Denegal, who had a sling around his left arm after undergoing shoulder surgery two weeks ago.
Emanuel had thrilled the crowd to that point, giving the Mean Green fits with his running. He carried five times on SDSU's opening possession, capping the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run.
He completed 10- and 13-yard passes during the drive, evidence that the Aztecs were going to play it safe when they put the ball in the air (Emanuel was 4-for-7 for 37 yards when he left).
The second quarter opened with Emanuel taking the snap and hesitating for a moment before rushing up the middle and outracing the North Texas defense for a 72-yard touchdown.
The next time he touchdown the ball, Emanuel raced 69 yards upfield before he was stopped inside the Mean Green 10-yard line.
SDSU fumbled the ball away moments later, but Emanuel guided them inside the 5-yard line on their next drive. He was injured diving for the pylon on a 10-yard run.
Third-string SDSU quarterback Kyle Crum (14-for-29, 169 yards, TD/2 INT) performed admirably in place of Emanuel, passing for one touchdown and rushing for two TDs while leading SDSU on four scoring drives.
"Tremendous character," Lewis said during the postgame press conference. "It was great to see. Great fight."
SDSU's fourth-string quarterback, true freshman JP Mialovski, left the team this week with plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal. So, yes, Crum needed to stay upright against the Mean Green.
Crum, a senior from Norco, had more than a little rust to rub off. He had not played since breaking his collarbone at Boise State midway through the 2022 season.
Crum's 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jackson Ford was his first completion in 1,096 days.
That cut North Texas' lead to 28-20 heading into halftime.
Who knew the teams were just half done scoring?
Crum still has another year of eligibility remaining, though he has completed four years toward his degree. If he doesn't return, then Crum certainly went out with a memorable moment.
More intriguing will be Emanuel's situation going forward. He transferred to SDSU following three years at Central Michigan. He wanted a chance to play quarterback.
That opportunity finally arrived.
There will remain questions about his passing, but Emanuel proved with his legs that he needs to be on the field making plays in some capacity.
Denegal is expected to be healthy in time for spring football. How serious Emanuel's injury is remains to be seen. Crum showed the moxie that means something to a team. The Aztecs also can be expected to pluck another quarterback out of the transfer portal, which opens Friday.
With 2026 just around the corner, quarterback, no doubt, will be SDSU's position of interest once again.