By Aaron Johnson (@voz_aaron1)- Spear Reporter
Isaac Jernagin getting additional yards after the catch. | Christian Vieyra – The Spear.
Coming into SJSU football homecoming game, Utah State boasted having two of its wide receivers in the top five for receiving yards in the Mountain West. But SJSU’s secondary limited its production and were a huge factor in San Jose State’s 42-21 victory.
Utah State wide receivers Jalen Royals and Terell Vaughn ranked second and fifth in the Mountain West respectfully. SJSU held Vaughn to 30 yards receiving and Royals to 60 yards receiving and a touchdown. Most of Royals production came in garbage time once SJSU already held a firm grasp on the lead.
Graduate student Tre Jenkins lined up in the area of Vaughn for most of the game. Head coach Brent Brennan had Jenkins line up in the nickel allowing for more space to be covered by defensive backs.
“We’re asking a lot of a lot of people,” Brennan said. “But that’s what happens when you get deep into the season, more people need to step up.”
SJSU’s secondary played a fantastic game not allowing much separation for the receivers and forced Utah State’s offensive focus to the run game.
Sophomore cornerback Jay’vion Cole spent most of the game locking down Royals and snagged a pick in the second half.
SJSU forced two interceptions on the game which adds to their hot defensive streak over the last two games. Sophomore linebacker Jordan Pollard says the defense has put an emphasis on trying to create those game changing plays.
“Our coordinator has been telling us playmakers make big plays,” Pollard said. “Our playmakers have been stepping up these past two weeks.”
While the secondary play was a huge factor into giving SJSU the win, Brennan made sure to spread the credit to everyone.
“It was a collective effort, we got a really good push from our d-line,” Brennan said. “The hard part about playing (Utah State) is they make you fit a really good run game with less people because they spread you so wide.”
SJSU football is now on a two-game winning streak and will try to carry this strong defensive momentum into Honolulu as it play Hawaii Oct. 28 at 9:00 p.m.
