By Lucas Quick – Spear Reporter | SJSU receiver Nick Nash checks his alignment before the snap in a 31-10 victory over Kennesaw State Saturday at CEFCU Stadium. (Photo by Nick Orozco – Co-Executive Editor of The Spear)
Three weeks into the college football season a new dynamic quarterback-wide receiver duo has emerged in the 408.
Sophomore quarterback Emmett Brown and senior wide receiver Nick Nash have contributed to the early success of the San Jose State offense in its opening 3-0 start.
In that span, Brown has completed 34 passes, 485 yards and six touchdowns to Nash.
“He’s a playmaker. He goes up and makes plays.” Brown said after SJSU’s 31-10 win over Kennesaw State.
New offensive coordinator Craig Stutzmann has incorporated a “spread-n-shred”” scheme and deserves much credit for the successful chemistry between Brown and Nash.
Brown leads the Mountain West through the early portion of the season in passing yards (915) and yards per game (305).
Nash headlines the country in receptions, receptions per game (11.3), receiving yards, receiving yards per game (161.7), and touchdown receptions.
“He’s the best receiver I’ve been around,” SJSU head coach Ken Niumatalolo said.
Nash had his best all-around game in his collegiate career against Kennesaw State, hauling 225 yards through 17 receptions, the most ever in a regular season by a Spartan.
His performance even eclipsed his own expectations.
“It’s a surreal feeling,” Nash said after the game. “I’ve never had a game even close to this in my career.”
Being able to settle the dynamic between both guys has been one of the biggest reasons why SJSU’s offense has produced efficiently.
Brown wasn’t guaranteed the starting quarterback spot until just a few days before the season opener against Sacramento State. He’s solidified himself to be a guy Nash can trust moving forward.
“Honestly, off the field, we’re just really good friends and on the field, we’re able to communicate a lot,” Nash said in regards to Brown. “Sometimes I’ll get mad, and he’ll be the one to cool me down.”
The Spartans look to continue their resilient run with Brown and Nash next week against Washington State, Brown’s former college before transferring to SJSU.
