By Max Miller – Editor
The San Jose State football team fell to No. 15 University of Southern California 30-7 at the L.A. Coliseum on Saturday afternoon. The final score tells a different story about how close this game really was.
Although the SJSU offense would not score a point in the first half, the defense allowed just 13 points. USC was able to break into the red zone three times during the first half and all three times the Spartans were able to hold the Trojan offense to a field goal.
The Spartan offense was finally able to get moving after a few halftime adjustments. They finally got on the board with senior running back Tyler Nevens punching in a two-yard touchdown run. This touchdown came off an 11 play 74-yard drive.
Starting quarterback Nick Starkel shined on the scoring drive by utilizing junior wide receiver Isaiah Hamilton three times for 53 yards. Hamilton finished the game as the top target with six catches for 74 yards.
The main turning point of the game was with 11:42 left in the fourth quarter. Redshirt senior safety Greg Johnson intercepted Starkel and took it to the house which allowed the Trojans to extend their lead to 23-7.
USC from that point on just commanded the game. USC’s junior quarterback and Heisman Trophy hopeful Kedon Slovis had a strong game overall by finding his main target junior wideout Drake London repeatedly. London finished the game with 12 catches and 137 yards.
Slovis finished the game with 263 passing yards along with two touchdowns thrown.
At first glance, this game is a blowout but just looking at the drive summaries however a different story is told. The Spartans defense forced USC to punt five times and created one turnover off a forced fumble.
The Spartans need to hold their heads high because playing a National Championship hopeful that close proves that this team is for real.
The Spartans will get next weekend off before they head to Hawaii on Saturday, September 18 to face off against the Rainbow Warriors of Hawaii University. Kickoff will be at 9:30 p.m PT.