By Matt Weiner (@mattweiner20) – Spear Reporter| Photo via Christian Vieyra of The Spear
Following SJSU football’s 42-21 win over Utah State, walk-on Charlie Rogers strolled up to the podium, clad in overalls, boots and a black cowboy hat. Spartans head coach Brent Brennan called him “the best dressed guy in all of college football” while dapping him up.
In his first game at fullback, Rogers was a galvanizing force for SJSU. He bulldozed Aggies in the red zone and caught a touchdown on a play action boot. “Charlie Rogers might be the most well-liked [player] on our football team,” Brennan said. “That’s why you saw that sideline ignite when he scored that touchdown.”
Rogers performance was a window into SJSU outscoring USU 28-7 in the second half and the Spartans overpowering rushing attack. The Spartans can complete their ascension from 1-5 to bowl eligible by winning three of their next four games.
With 251 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns and Nick Nash leading all pass-catchers with 29 yards, SJSU’s offense has found success going from pass heavy to run heavy.
“Every time the run game is going it opens up the pass,” said SJSU quarterback Chevan Cordeiro, who finished with 119 passing yards and three passing touchdowns.
SJSU running back Kairee Robinson ran for 102 yards and broke a program-record by rushing for a touchdown in his seventh-straight game. “Everybody on the team loves him [Robinson],” said SJSU running back Quali Conley, who finished with 74 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
It’s impossible to mention SJSU’s transitioning offensive philosophy without mentioning Rogers emergence.
After San Diego State moved away from the fullback position in 2020, Rogers hit the transfer portal in search of a new home. When the former Aztec got in contact with Brennan, he kept telling him “all I want is an opportunity.” So Brennan, who’s father played with Rogers’ grandpa at SJSU, gave him that opportunity.
What followed was a dogged work ethic in practice, but little playing time. Then came Saturday.
In the third quarter, after SJSU gave up its initial 14-0 lead, Rogers served as the lead block for Conley’s touchdown to put the Spartans up 21-14. One drive later, his receiving touchdown essentially sealed the win. His versatility at the position may be a testament to his time spent idolizing seven-time Pro Bowl 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk.
“My parents, some family friends, my girl friend, my sister were all here which was awesome,” Rogers said. And if it’s up to him, they’ll celebrate his big day by going line dancing.
On the defensive side, SJSU forced two turnovers and shut the Aggies out in the first quarter. Though solid, a performance to that degree is to be expected. USU has the worst first quarter point differential (-81) in all of the FBS.
Right on cue, the Aggies gained momentum and scored touchdowns on back-to-back drives in the second quarter to knot the score up 14-14. After running back Rahsul Faison’s rushing touchdown, USU’s mascot “Big Blue” danced and taunted SJSU’s student section the way a squirrel taunts a dog cooped up in a living room.
But then SJSU put a silencer on the Aggies offense in the second half. The Spartans allowed 88 total yards of offense as SJSU outscored USU 28-7 in the second half. USU quarterback McCae Hillstead finished with 160 yards, two touchdowns — one in the waning moment of the game — and two interceptions.
Such a performance is impressive considering SJSU’s not far removed from being outscored 56-7 in the second half during a prior three-game losing streak.
Much to be celebrated, but SJSU’s defense will have to stop Hawaii quarterback Brayden Schager next week who’s thrown for the most yards (2,088) and touchdowns (17) in the Mountain West.
However, the quarterback fans are most eager to see is Cordeiro.
“I know it’s going to be a little weird. First time playing at Hawaii since leaving,” said Cordeiro, who played at UH for four years before transferring to SJSU in the winter of 2022. His decision to transfer was a result of former UH head coach Todd Graham resigning after he reportedly fostered a toxic environment.
But Cordeiro’s personal connections must take a back seat. Because if SJSU can fly back over the Pacific Ocean a winner, then it’s hopes of going from 1-5 to bowl eligible are no longer a pipe dream.