SJSU looks to bounce back against Rainbow Warriors

By Benny Garcia — Editor/Reporter

San Jose State (1-1) looks to defend the Dick Tomey Legacy Trophy as they head into Mānoa Valley to take on the University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (1-2).

The last time these two teams faced off, the Spartans flew into Aloha Stadium and took care of business, by rolling to a 35-24 victory

In that game, SJSU jumped out to a 21-0 lead within the first ten minutes, but UH managed to storm back and cut the deficit 21-17.

Nonetheless, the Spartans managed to put the game on ice thanks to a 50-yard touchdown reception by former wide receiver Tre Walker.

While Walker and others have moved on from SJSU football, running backs senior Tyler Nevens and junior Kairee Robinson have not.

The two provided monumental contributions to the Spartans in their prior meeting with the Rainbow Warriors, as they combined for 265 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

Now, looking ahead to this matchup both teams are coming off blowout losses.

SJSUwas defeated by USC two weeks ago, 30-7.

The final score would lead many to presume it as a laugher, but the game was rather close.

At halftime, USC was up 13-0, but in the third quarter, Nevens punched in a two-yard touchdown run which brought the game closer 13-7.

With less than twelve minutes to go in regulation, the Trojans opened it up on a 37-yard pick-six by redshirt senior safety Greg Johnson and a twenty-yard pass by junior quarterback Kedon Slovis pushing the score to 30.

UH was outclassed in their last game against the Oregon State Beavers, 45-27.

In that game, the Rainbow Warriors allowed a whopping 256 rushing yards, which could be something for the Spartans offense to key on.

Junior quarterback Chevan Cordeiro had a completion rate of 48% but threw for 366 yards with two touchdowns.

However, Cordeiro also threw two interceptions and was sacked four times.

While they have allowed almost 200 rushing yards per game, SJSU head coach Brent Brennan understands the task at hand.

“We have an incredible challenge this weekend,” said Brennan. “We know that.”

Kickoff is at 9:30 p.m. PT and will be aired on FS1.

Follow Benny on Twitter:@TheJetTalk

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