By Abel Tariku (AA_Tariku)- Managing Editor | Redshirt senior quarterback Xaiver Ward throwing the ball against Fresno State on Nov 29. (Photo by Jupiter Decker- Spear Photographer)
San Jose State’s explosive offense ended the season on a whimper rather than a bang with a 41-14 loss to the Fresno State Bulldogs on Saturday.
The Spartans’ offense struggled in the last four games of the season averaging only 11 points per game, compared to the previous eight games of the season, where they averaged 27.
They have averaged around four turnovers a game for the past four games and turnovers a key offseason priority for SJSU head coach Ken Niumatalolo.
“When you have that many turnovers, it’s hard to keep playing,” Niumatalolo said. “You can’t beat anybody when you turn the ball over that many times.”
Injuries to redshirt senior starting quarterback Walker Eget has caused a quarterback carousel where freshmen quarterbacks Tama Amisone, Robert McDaniel and redshirt senior Xavier Ward were attempting to take on the role of a true QB1 but none of them could quite execute the ‘spread and shred’ offense that offensive coordinator Craig Stutzmann utilizes.
None of them would log a single passing touchdown in the entire season but they would combine to throw for eight interceptions.
Sophomore sensation wide receiver Danny Scudero also struggled during this last stretch of games after having an incredible 215 yard performance against Hawaii on Nov 1, he would only average 52 yards a game after that.
“Not everything goes the way you expect it,” Scudero said. “But no matter what you just keep fighting.”
Despite taking the national crown for receiving yards, there was a lot left to be desired, as his numbers could have been greater than what Nick Nash did last year.
True freshman running back Steve Chavez-Soto would try to anchor the running game as much as he could by averaging 50 yards per game in these last four games, but he would only contribute to one touchdown.
With the departure of 24 seniors and possibly many more due to the transfer portal, Niumatalolo has his eyes on his two freshman quarterbacks in hopes that their development will continue to improve and their spark can reignite.
“We’re already talking to our younger guys that we got to go back to work,” Niumatalolo said. “It starts with them.”
