The San Diego State Aztecs pulled off a trick play and got big performances by their running backs to treat themselves to a 26-20 win against Washington State on a rainy Halloween evening that kept them in contention for bowl eligibility.

The Aztecs (4-5, 3-2 Pac-12) held off the Cougars (1-8, 0-5) and now need to win two of their final three games to become bowl-eligible for the second straight season.

Here are three instant takeaways from the Aztecs’ home win against Washington State.

1. San Diego State's trick play delivers the decisive touchdown

On fourth-and-goal from the 2 with 9:47 left to play, coach Sean Lewis dialed up a trick play that resulted in a touchdown pass from wide receiver Bert Emanuel Jr. — who was the backup quarterback last year — to tight end Jackson Ford.

Four skill-position players touched the ball on the play. Running back Lucky Sutton took the direct snap and handed it off to quarterback Stone Saunders, who was lined up to his right.…