By Candace Farmer — Reporter
San Jose State football (5-0) hit hard today to defend its winning streak against Hawai’i (3-4) at Aloha Stadium in a 35-24 win.
For the first time since 1939, the Spartans are now 5-0 and remain No.1 in the Mountain West, continuing to make history this season. The last time the Spartans started out with this record they ended with a perfect 13-0 season.
After having their past two games against Fresno State and Boise State canceled due to coronavirus cases from the opponents’ teams, quarterback Nick Starkel emphasized how exciting it was to get back on the field.
“I was talking to the guys and I said ‘how good does this feel? We are playing football again.’” Starkel said.
They came in hot, scoring 21 points in the first quarter.
SJSU running back Tyler Nevens was the star of the game, finishing with 152 rushing yards and two touchdowns, his longest a 72-yard score.
Nevens credited his and his teams’ success to the supportive culture that has been instilled in the team.
“Once you have that support group at times it feels like you can do anything, so for me just being out there and being able to put on for my team brings me joy and is something to be grateful for because not all that type of culture is within a team,” Nevens said.
Nevens and fellow running back Kairee Robinson were the keys to today’s game with 263 of the team’s 288 rushing yards.
Robinson was thankful for the opportunity to share the field with his fellow running back and that the pressure put on him and Nevens was almost nonexistent.
“We’re just thankful for the opportunity so there’s not really any pressure, but we decided to have a good game rushing,” said Robinson.
Placekicker Matt Shipley finally got the Rainbow Warriors on the scoreboard in the second quarter with a 25-yard field goal. The Warriors gave up an opportunity to score when Spartan safety Jay Lenard intercepted a catch in the Warriors’ end zone shifting the momentum back to the Spartans.
The Warriors were able to climb their way back on the scoreboard, scoring 17 points consecutively to close the lead to just four points at the beginning of the third quarter.
Starkel (167 yards) continued to apply pressure, leading the team on an 18-play touchdown drive to restore its double-digit lead.
Wide receiver Tre Walker scored a 50-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to secure the Spartans’ victory.
The Spartans’ next game will most likely be played in Reno, but the team will practice in Las Vegas for the week due to Santa Clara’s COVID-19 restrictions and should make the trip up to Reno the night before.
The Spartans continue to make history for the program while battling uncertain times. The team will take on Nevada on Dec. 11.
Follow Candace on Twitter @candizzle__