November 30th 2024.
In a thrilling 68th Bill Walsh Legacy Game, San Jose State emerged victorious with a 34-31 win over Stanford. With just 1:55 left in the fourth quarter, Walker Eget made an 18-yard touchdown pass to Treyshun Hurry, securing the win for the Spartans.
But, leading up to that final drive, things were not looking good for SJSU. It seemed like turnovers would once again be their downfall. Stanford had the ball with only 2:39 left in the game and faced a third-and-2, while the Spartans only had one timeout left. It seemed like Stanford would run the ball to get the first down or at least run the clock down, but instead they threw the ball and Isiah Revis of the Spartans intercepted it.
Revis described it as a "good feeling" to give the offense the ball in such a crucial moment and make the opposing team pay for their risky move. This interception was the 20th of the season for the SJSU defense. Stanford's quarterback Ashton Daniel had been a threat throughout the game, but the Spartans' secondary did a decent job holding him to just 252 yards passing and picking him off three times, with Revis, DJ Harvey, and senior safety Robert Rahimi all making interceptions.
Stanford's offense was also successful on the ground, with Daniel and Justin Lamson combining for 114 yards and two touchdowns. This was the first time since October that the Spartans had allowed a quarterback to rush for more than 20 yards. However, they were able to keep Stanford's average yards per carry to just over four.
Eget's game-winning pass was just one of many impressive moments for him in the game. He finished with 385 passing yards, four touchdowns, and only one interception and fumble. At one point in the second quarter, he had completed 13 straight passes. He also showed his mobility by rushing for 14 yards and evading pressure from the opposing defense.
SJSU head coach Ken Niumatalolo was pleased with Eget's performance and expressed his gratitude for the quarterback's use of his legs in the game. He also acknowledged that Eget's fumble in the fourth quarter, which was the only sack allowed by the Spartans, was a result of not practicing ball security enough. The fumble was recovered by Stanford, who scored touchdowns on both of Eget's turnovers.
Despite this setback, the Spartans were able to turn the game around with the help of some key players. Revis' interception was a game-changer, and Sebastian Macaluso also had a strong performance with five receptions for 62 yards. Unfortunately, Justin Lockhart, who is normally the team's second-best receiver, was injured in the third quarter and did not return to the game.
Freshman Lamar Radcliffe, nicknamed "Young Buck," stepped up as the leading rusher for the Spartans with seven carries for 43 yards. The game started off slow for SJSU, with only seven plays in the first quarter and a blocked punt. At one point, Stanford had a significant advantage in time of possession, but the Spartans were able to turn things around in the second quarter.
Stanford had a chance to extend their lead in the second quarter, but thanks to some impressive tackles by Revis, they were unable to do so. Revis also made a crucial fourth-down stop that shifted the momentum of the game in favor of the Spartans. Emmett Mosley V of Stanford also received an unsportsmanlike penalty, which helped SJSU move away from their own goal line.
Eget then started connecting with Nick Nash, who was named a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award. Nash caught two touchdowns in the second quarter and finished the game with eight receptions for 91 yards. His 16 receiving touchdowns set a new single-season record for SJSU and also leads the nation.
Nash expressed his excitement, stating that he couldn't have asked for a better way to end the season. This win not only helps the Spartans in their push for a bowl game, but it also marks a successful first year for coach Niumatalolo.
The team will now eagerly await the announcement of their bowl game placement, which would be a historic moment for the program as it would be their third consecutive appearance in a bowl game. With a seventh win under their belt, the Spartans are ready to take on whatever challenge comes their way.
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