By Max Garcia (@Maxgarci09) – Spear Reporter | SJSU cornerback Jalen Bainer goes up for a 50/50 ball during San Jose State’s game against New Mexico on Oct. 4. (Photo by Alexis Corona-Aguilar – Spear Photographer)
After a shaky start to the season, San Jose State collected multiple Mountain West weekly awards following its 35-28 victory over New Mexico. The honors marked the program’s first major recognition of the year.
Senior cornerback Jalen Bainer was named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week after recording nine tackles, including eight solo stops, one sack, and two interceptions. It was the first time a Spartan had two interceptions in a game since Brandon Eell did it on Oct. 4, 2014, against New Mexico.
Senior quarterback Walker Eget earned Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week honors. He completed 26 of 30 passes for 334 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Eget’s 70-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Danny Scudero in the second quarter was the longest of his career and a career-long reception for Scudero.
“He’s operating at a level with his receivers, offensive line, tight ends, and running backs where everyone is starting to see the game the same way,” SJSU head coach Ken Niumatalolo said.
Niumatalolo was named Mountain West Coach of the Week. Offensive coordinator Craig Stutzmann earned Mountain West Coordinator of the Week honors after leading the Spartans to 491 yards of total offense. Their adjustments and play calling helped SJSU overcome early-season struggles.
“You’re humbled and grateful for those that voted for you, and however that award came about,” Niumatalolo said. “I really don’t know how it comes about, but I’ve been doing this a long time. I’m grateful, but we’re just trying to get Win’s.”
The recognition followed SJSU’s upset win over New Mexico, which entered the game as the favorite. The Spartans improved to 2-3 after a sluggish 1-3 start, signaling a potential turning point as they head into the heart of Mountain West play.
SJSU will look to build on its success when it faces Wyoming at 4 p.m. on Oct. 11 at War Memorial Stadium.
