By: Jasmina Lara (@lara_jasmina06) – Spear Reporter | SJSU senior running back Floyd Chalk IV finds the gap between Idaho defenders, adding his second touchdown, further cementing his impact on the gridiron. (Photo by Taylor Cowhey – Spear Photographer)
The run game proved to be a vital device for San Jose State’s (1-2) offense on Saturday afternoon, helping the Spartans secure a 31-28 win over the Idaho Vandals (2-2).
Although the Spartans are often thought of as a pass first team, the work on the ground was a defining factor in this matchup.
What provided balance and momentum for SJSU were their explosive plays and steady short yardages.
Even though it was a slow start for the Spartans offense, what sparked them back to life was when redshirt junior running back Jabari Bates broke free for an 87 yard touchdown.
“That run was a big turning point as someone who came to work every single game, he started as a walk-on. He has an incredible fall camp and spring ball.” redshirt senior quarterback Walker Eget said.
The run did not just put SJSU on the board, it provided that push for their momentum.
Throughout the game the Vandals had all the momentum, dictating much of the tempo, before Bates’ touchdown run.
“It was a big emphasis to try to run the football and get more physical with that but it’s just the way they’re playing us.” SJSU head coach Ken Niumatalolo said.
Bates’ run game was a definite game changer and the Spartans rode that through the rest of the game in leaning towards their run game.
Bates finished the day with 131 yards on 11 carries, averaging nearly 12 yards a touch.
In the time Nimuatalolo has been with the Spartans, Bates became the first running back to receive 100 yards rushing.
Complementing him was senior running back Floyd Chalk IV, who supplied the tough, physical yards in short yardage and red zone situations.
Chalk tallied 45 yards on 11 carries but, more importantly, punched in two touchdowns.
Together, the duo created a one-two punch Idaho struggled to contain.
For an offense that often leans on the passing attack, this performance underscored how valuable the ground game can be.
“Having that run game is a big part of this offense because people only expect us to pass,” Eget said. “Just shows that we could do both.”
The result was 198 rushing yards at an average of 7.6 yards per carry.
The Spartans head into their next game against Stanford on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in Stanford Stadium.
