The San Jose State football team suffered a crushing 48-17 defeat to Utah State University Saturday night at CEFCU Stadium.
The Spartans (5-6, 3-4 MWC) looked to take advantage of being at home after taking an early lead, but it all went downhill in a hurry.
SJSU had all the momentum late in the first quarter as it held a potent USU (8-2, 5-1 MWC) offense, who are ranked No. 13 nationally, scoreless.
The Spartans created that momentum through an interception by cornerback Kenyon Reed that turned into a 58-yard pick six that gave the team a 7-0 lead.
The stadium erupted and Reed pumped up the Spartans defense as he was awarded the team’s turn over belt.
This is the first pick six for SJSU since cornerback Dakari Monroe had one in a win against UNLV in 2018.
With momentum on their side, the Spartans’ defense got a sack courtesy of defensive lineman Fehoko Viliami that set an opportunity to add to the lead.
Running back Tyler Nevens wouldn’t be denied at the goaline and ran it in for a one-yard touchdown that gave the Spartans a 14-0 lead.
However, the Aggies offense came to life quickly by scoring a touchdown to silence the stadium.
Soon after, USU tied the game after SJSU quarterback Nick Nash fumbled the ball away on a sack.
The Aggies would score a monsterous 24 consecutive points against the Spartans heading into halftime and would lead 24-14.
After the quick start, the Spartans’ offense struggled to get anything going as they only converted 1 of 7 third down conversions and only mustered 81 yards of total offense.
Penalties were another issue for the Spartans as they were penalized eight times for a total of 101 yards.
SJSU head coach Brent Brennan said he felt the constant switch between Nash and Nick Starkel, who was returning from an injury, at QB would be beneficial to the team.
Starkel and Nash split time at QB because of Nash’s running ability and Starkel’s throwing accuracy.
“[Nick Nash] is a dynamic football player and we have to put him in good situations where he can use his talent and his skill set to make those plays,” Brennan said.
Nash, Starkel and the Spartans’ offense was held in check, only totaling 15 net yards rushing on 6 carries in the first half.
“They did a good job of switching up what they do,” Starkel said. “Going into the game, we planned that they were gonna play us a certain way and it looked like they had a good plan for us.”
The Spartans started the second half by holding the Aggie offense to a three and out.
SJSU kicker Matt Mercurio kicked a 43-yard field goal to put the game at 24-17.
The Aggies then struck with a quick 5-yard touchdown strike giving thema 31-17 lead late in the third quarter.
The Aggies dominated the Spartans on both sides of the ball and put up 48 points while forcing turnovers all game.
USU had a total of three turnovers and outscored SJSU 48-3 after its string 14-0 start.
The Spartans’ offensive struggles in the second half showed in their third down conversions as they went 1 for 12.
“You know, it speaks a lot to our team's resiliency, you know, we got a 14-0 and then as they started to get up, we let it affect us and they did a much better job of running the deficit so it's very clear that's something we'll work,” SJSU defensive lineman Cade Hall said during a post game press conference.
The Spartans will face Fresno State on Thanksgiving at CEFCU stadium at 12:30 P.M.
