By Aaron Johnson (@voz_aaron1) – Spear Reporter | Junior corner back DJ Harvey prepares to line up against Wyoming (photo by Nick Orozco – Co-Executive Editor of The Spear)
Two big milestones were achieved during San Jose State’s (6-3, 3-2 MW) 24-13 win over Oregon State (4-5).
The Spartans sixth win of the season means they are now bowl eligible for the third-straight year and this was their first time winning at Oregon State since 1982.
“We did this on the road in a hostile environment against a Pac-12 team,” head coach Ken Niumatalolo said. “It just speaks volumes to our players. We’re going to enjoy this.”
The biggest momentum swing came from a pick-six from junior cornerback DJ Harvey to give the Spartans a 17-13 lead.
“I knew they were backed up and they had to throw something deep or intermediate,” Harvey said. “The quarterback and receiver weren’t on the same page. It was probably the easiest pick of my life.”
A forced fumble by senior linebacker Jordan Cobbs and a game-sealing interception by senior cornerback Michael Dansby added to the turnovers forced total for the Spartans, an area in which they are among the best in the nation.
Junior quarterback Walker Eget got the start and took every offensive snap for the first time in his career. Eget completed 18 of 35 attempts for 395 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
Eget missed some big throws early on but was able to settle in and find a rhythm in the second half.
“I love how confident he was today, you could see it and you could feel it,” senior wide receiver Nick Nash said. “He was a little juiced up on those first couple overthrows but he settled down into it and he had a game.”
Eget settled in because the offensive line kept his jersey clean as they allowed zero sacks.
“They just gave me lots of time. There was a play where I had eight seconds to throw a deep ball to Justin.” Eget said. “It shows that it was a team effort and the offensive line are the forgotten guys on the team.”
Nash added good numbers to his Biletnikoff campaign as he racked up 162 yards receiving and a 36-yard touchdown reception.
Nash could have had another touchdown but it was canceled by a controversial offensive pass interference call in the fourth quarter.
Niumatalolo spoke on the quality of the calls of the officiating.
“I almost had to pinch myself. Am I really seeing what is happening?” Niumatalolo said. “We’re not in the Pac-12 (…) I told the guys coming into this game that we are not going to get any calls. I can guarantee you that.”
Senior wide receiver Justin Lockhart had five receptions for 128 yards in the game. This was his third game on the season with over 100 receiving yards.
Lockhart has bounced back a career high 758 receiving yards after not playing at all during the 2023 season.
After a tough 33-10 loss to Fresno State (5-4, 3-2 MW), Niumatalolo took the blame on himself for not having the team fired up enough according to Nash.
“He gave an amazing speech,” Nash said. “He flipped a table, he said ‘We’re going to fight today,’ and that’s what we did. We fought through some adversity and it was awesome to see.”
SJSU will begin its final three game home stand against No. 12 Boise State (7-1, 4-0 MW) and a potential Heisman Trophy candidate in junior running back Ashton Jeanty at 4 p.m. on Nov. 16.
