By Ryan Carlson — Executive Editor
The San Jose State Spartans stormed their temporary home field after claiming the programs first Mountain West title on Saturday, defeating the Boise State Broncos 34-20.
The turf at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas looked like it never had before with “San Jose State” painted end zones and a Spartan logo in the middle of the field.
It was the Spartans’ first ever win against Boise State and SJSU was in the driver’s seat the entire game.
Tre Walker opened up the scoring on a 55-yard catch-and-run, his longest reception of the season, with 8:36 remaining in the first quarter.
Spartan kicker Matt Mercurio added four consecutive field goals in the second quarter to give the Spartans a 19-6 lead at the half. Mercurio tied an NCAA record with four field goals in a single quarter.
“I had a feeling there were going to be a lot of field goals that I was going to have to kick so I was mentally prepared.” Mercurio said.
The Broncos scored the lone touchdown of the third quarter on a punt return from Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year Avery Williams. That closed the Spartans’ lead to six points.
Isaiah Hamilton and Derrick Deese Jr. connected with quarterback Nick Starkel for touchdowns in the final quarter helping the Spartans close out the win.
Starkel won Offensive Player of the Game throwing 453 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensive end Cade Hall won the Defensive Player of the Game with two consecutive sacks and consistent pressure on Bronco quarterback Hank Bachmeier.
“We’ve been through more than any team in this conference and I think that gave us an edge tonight.” Hall said.
Tre Walker and tight end Derrick Deese Jr. combined for 14 receptions, 213 yards and two touchdowns — accounting for 12 combined targets from Starkel.
“The best moment of the night was our whole staff and team singing lean on me, it was incredible.” Head coach Brent Brennan said.
From a 1-11 record in 2017 to a 7-0 record in 2020, the Spartans have climbed the mountain faster than expected.
The 2020 season has been one that tested the Spartans with impromptu travel changes, long-term trips and canceled games.
A common theme in the Spartan locker room has been “play for each other.”
COVID-19 discipline and travel changes have forced the 2020 Spartans to spend more time together than any other team which only enhanced team chemistry. Which translated to on-the-field success.
“This whole season has been about us and it was the same with this game… our response to so many different situations was great.” Brennan said. “They love and care about each other and don’t want to let each other down.”
The Spartans have surmounted the Mountain West and will play Ball State in The Arizona Bowl on New Year’s Eve.