October 27th 2024.
San Jose State's football team had been on a roll, boasting one of the most dominant offenses in the country with their strong run-pass option strategy. They were averaging over 330 passing yards per game and seemed to have a clear direction. However, their recent 33-10 loss to Fresno State has left them longing for their previous success as they enter their second bye week of the season.
Head coach Ken Niumatalolo expressed his disappointment in their performance against their rivals, stating that it was their worst game of the season and that the team was currently out of sync. The quarterback position was also a point of concern, with Walker Eget, Emmett Brown, and Xavier Ward all taking snaps during the game. Niumatalolo said he had a hand in the quarterback decisions this time, as opposed to previous games where offensive coordinator Craig Stutzmann made the calls.
Unfortunately, the three quarterbacks combined for just 21 completions out of 51 attempts, with only one touchdown and four interceptions. The constant rotation of quarterbacks made it difficult for the offense to find a rhythm, as noted by wide receiver Nick Nash. Despite the initial success of Eget, who connected with Nash for a touchdown on the opening drive, the team struggled to maintain consistency throughout the game. Eget finished with 202 passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, while Brown and Ward also saw some playing time.
Niumatalolo stressed the importance of finding a solution to their quarterback situation, as constantly switching between them has proven to be a challenge for the offense. Another obstacle they faced was the lack of a consistent running game, with only four run plays called in the first half. Running backs Floyd Chalk IV and Jabari Bates managed to combine for 119 yards, but it was not enough to offset the struggles of the quarterbacks.
One of the strengths of the San Jose State team this season has been their ability to force turnovers, with 20 takeaways prior to their game against Fresno State. While they were able to add to that total with an interception by Robert Rahimi, it came too late in the game to have a significant impact. The Bulldogs' quarterback Mikey Keene had an impressive performance, completing 30 out of 41 passes for 275 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Linebacker Jordan Cobbs acknowledged that the team's lack of discipline on defense contributed to their loss, as they struggled to contain Keene and allowed him to make several big plays.
The offensive line also faced challenges against Fresno State, giving up two sacks and four quarterback hits. Backup center Joseph Harbert was brought in to replace Hudson Mesa, who was struggling with snapping the ball. Harbert became the third center to be used this season, as the team continues to search for the right fit. Niumatalolo admitted that they were looking for a spark and made the change in hopes of improving their performance.
The team also seemed underprepared for the intensity of their rivalry game against Fresno State. Quarterback Walker Eget acknowledged that they were not as prepared as they thought they were, and emotions were running high before kickoff as both teams engaged in some trash-talking. However, once the game started, it was clear that Fresno State was the more disciplined team. The Bulldogs' defense held San Jose State to just three points for the rest of the game and forced four turnovers. This was a similar pattern to their previous game, where the Spartans also scored on their opening drive but struggled to execute afterwards.
Niumatalolo took responsibility for the team's lackluster performance, stating that he did not have them prepared enough for the game. He acknowledged that they had lost focus and become complacent, and that they needed to regroup during their bye week before their next game against Oregon State on November 9. A win in that game would secure bowl eligibility for San Jose State, and they will need to work hard to bounce back from their disappointing loss to Fresno State.
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