By Niles Hall (@n23hall) – Content Editor | Freshman quarterback Tama Amisone takes the snap against Central Michigan on Aug 30. (Photo by Alexis Corona-Aguilar-Spear Photographer)
The San Jose State Spartans went on the road to lose 25-3 in a physical battle against the San Diego State Aztecs.
On the game’s opening drive, SJSU senior starting quarterback Walker Eget threw an interception to junior linebacker Dwayne McDougle. The ball came out late, intended for junior wide receiver Kyri Shoels, running a curl. The Aztecs took that momentum and ran with it, scoring the opening touchdown on their opening drive.
Eget went down with what looked like a leg injury in the first quarter. Despite knowing the severity of the injury, Eget was shown on television with crutches. True freshman quarterback Tama Amisone came in for relief.
“It doesn’t look good,” SJSU head coach Ken Niumatalolo said. “I haven’t got anything official, but I will find out in a little bit.”
SJSU’s kicker system of sophomore Mathias Brown and senior Denis Lynch went 1/3 in the first half, with misses from both kickers. Brown made the Spartans’ only points for the day in the second quarter, making a field goal from 37 yards out.
Coming off the firing of former SJSU defensive coordinator Derrick Odum. The Spartans’ defense showed some newfound energy, holding the Aztecs to six punts, a job well done for SJSU interim defensive coordinator Bojay Filimoeatu in his first time calling plays.
“I was proud of the way our defense played. I thought our defense played well against them,” Niumatalolo said. “That’s the No.1 team in our conference and if we make those field goals and don’t turn the ball over who knows where the game is at.”
The Aztecs found separation up 11-3 in the final minutes of the first half when SDSU junior quarterback Jayden Denegal found junior wide receiver Donovan Brown up the right sideline for a 52-yard gain. With the last seconds of the half melting away, the Aztecs punched it in for a touchdown, going into the half leading 18-3.
Amisone showed his dual-threat ability in relief of Eget, passing for 104 yards and rushing for 75 yards on 13 carries.
“Just waking up and attacking the day, being grateful that I have an opportunity to play D1 ball,” Amisone said. “Especially here at San Jose with the coaches, I love the coaches.”
The Spartans’ offense stalled at multiple points when driving against the Aztecs’ Mountain West No.1-ranked defense. Showing the ability to move the ball, but struggling to string together long and consistent drives.
SJSU’s offense tried its hardest to get the nation’s leader in receiving yards, sophomore wide receiver Danny Scudero, open as he was seen in the backfield lined up as a running back to find mismatches against linebackers and safeties. Scudero finished the game with 79 receiving yards.
The Aztecs’ defense controlled the pace of the game, winning the battle in the trenches, and ended the game with four sacks. On the other side of the ball, the Aztecs’ offensive line opened up holes for their consistent run game. The Aztecs finished with a combined 167 rushing yards.
In the fourth quarter, SDSU senior cornerback Chris Johnson proved why he’s one of the nation’s top corners, out-muscling Shoels for a 50-50 ball underthrown by Amisone, coming away with the interception.
Offensively, the Spartans outgained the Aztecs in total yards and first downs, but failed to win the most important statistical battle in points scored.
The Spartans will look to bounce back in their season finale against a daunting rival in the Fresno State Bulldogs at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 29 at CEFCU Stadium.
