(By Niles Hall (@n23hall) – Content Editor | Freshman quarterback Daniel Rolovich in team huddle before Cal Poly game on Sept. 13. (Photo by Cesar Maya – Spear Photographer)
San Jose State football (4-3, 2-1 MW) bounced back on the road, defeating the University of Texas at El Paso (1-6, 0-3 MW) 24-11 on Saturday night at Sun Bowl Stadium
SJSU pulled away on its first drive of the second half when true freshman quarterback Daniel Rolovich connected with true freshman wide receiver Carson Clark on a 63-yard reception.
Rolovich and Clark showcased their freshman connection. Clark recorded over 100 receiving yards for the first time in his career, finishing with 104 yards. Rolovich threw for 193 yards and one touchdown in his debut performance.
“Proud of Daniel; his first start on the road as a midyear freshman and came in and played well,” SJSU head coach Ken Niumatalolo said. “There are some things he could have done better, but he found a way to get us a W.”
Junior running back Viliami Teu completed the drive with a 2-yard rushing touchdown, giving SJSU a 14-point lead.
Senior quarterback Luke Weaver, who started SJSU’s first six games of the season, was sidelined by an injury he dealt with throughout the week of practice. After the game, Niumatalolo suggested that Rolovich could continue as the starter.
“Yeah, right now I mean we’re probably going to stick with Daniel,” Niumatalolo said. “I haven’t talked to Craig (Stutzmann, SJSU offensive coordinator), but that’s probably my initial gut feeling.”
The Spartans found offensive rhythm when Teu rushed for a 66-yard touchdown with 5:25 left in the third quarter. Teu, playing in place of Mountain West leading rusher senior running back Jabari Bates, finished with a career-high 156 rushing yards.
Rolovich made his first career start and led SJSU to its first first-quarter touchdown of the season on the opening drive.
Rolovich used his legs on the opening drive, rushing for 34 yards, and finished the nine-play, 80-yard drive finding Clark for an 11-yard receiving touchdown.
“Me having all those weapons out there on either side of you, it makes your job really easy,” Rolovich said. “Especially Carson, I came here with him and I kind of built that relationship with him throughout that time.”
UTEP Sophomore quarterback EJ Colson, who entered the game questionable, was eventually ruled out after taking a sack in the second quarter. Sophomore Raymond Moore III took over under center for the Miners, while the Spartans finished with a season-high 11 sacks.
“I love what everybody’s about. I mean, our guys are going to come every game,” SJSU senior defensive lineman Justin Stearns said. “We’re going to play fast and physical … I love our guys. I believe in our guys, and someone had to pay the price today.”
UTEP failed to score in the first half. Its closest opportunity came on the first play when Colson found senior wide receiver Kam Thomas for a 64-yard reception. The drive stalled, and senior kicker Carlos Arreola missed a 37-yard field goal. Arreola finished 1-for-3 on field goals.
UTEP didn’t convert on third-down on six attempts in the first half, while SJSU went 3-for-7.
The Miners scored their first touchdown after an 11-play, 75-yard drive to begin the fourth quarter. The drive capped off with a perfectly executed end-around touchdown to sophomore wide receiver Nik Henry. UTEP added to its comeback attempt with a successful two-point conversion.
SJSU will aim to keep its momentum going against the University of Nevada, Reno, at 2 p.m. on Oct. 24, looking to get its first win at Mackay Stadium since 2000.
