When Utah State quarterback McCae Hillstead threw a 25-yard touchdown dart to Micah Davis late in the second quarter to tie the game at 14, an eerily familiar feeling started to creep in.
Were the Spartans going to blow another double-digit lead? After leading 14-0 in the first quarter, San José State gave up 14-unanswered points in the second quarter, going into halftime tied with the Aggies.
But the past didn’t catch up to the Spartans as they outscored the Aggies 28-7 in the second half to rout the Aggies in a 42-21 homecoming win Saturday night.
The last two weeks have been a shift for SJSU. During its three game losing streak, the Spartans were outscored 56-7 in the second half. Over the last two games, SJSU has outscored opponents 66-14 which have resulted in back-to-back victories.
“My dad used to say there’s nothing less important than the score at halftime,” said SJSU head coach Brent Brennan after SJSU’s win over Utah State. “Whether you’re leading you’re leading or tied or behind. I just love how our team responded the last two weeks.”
A big part of why the Spartans have played well in the second half has been a pivot to become a more run-heavy offense. The running back duo of Kairee Robinson and Quali Conley has rushed for 425 yards and six rushing touchdowns in the last two games.
Against the Aggies, Robinson rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown while Conley ran for 74 yards and 2 touchdowns.
“I feel like we’re a passing offense first,” Conley said. “But we just kept running the ball cause they couldn’t stop us.”
The Spartans defense has also contributed to the improved second half performance. SJSU’s defense has forced four interceptions and three fumbles in the last three games.
Linebacker Jordan Pollard has emerged as one of the team’s best players on the defense as he totaled 10 tackles and an interception against Utah State.
“Our coaches told us playmakers need to make plays,” Pollard said. “I just feel like our playmakers have stepped up in the last two weeks.”
