By Chris Estrada — Staff Writer
A historic third quarter was not enough as San Jose State (0-5, 0-2 MW) lost to Colorado State (2-4, 1-1 MW) by a score of 42-30.
SJSU had a forgetful first half on both ends of the ball. Coming into the game, the Spartans had only averaged 54.5 rushing yards per game.
At half time, on 11 attempts, SJSU ran the ball for -6 yards in part due to Josh Love being sacked twice, each time for a loss of 12 yards.
From the pocket, Love was 10-22 for only 86 yards before recess. The Spartans had trouble moving the ball downfield, causing them to punt the ball in six of their seven first half possessions.
The only real opportunity to score in the first half came early in the second quarter. With the Spartans down 14-0 on the Rams’ thirteen yard line, head coach Brent Brennan decided to go for it on fourth down.
“I just thought we needed seven more than three at the moment,” Brennan said.
Love threw the ball just out of the reach of intended receiver Tre Hartley and turned the ball over.
The Rams offense was no match for SJSU in the first half as it then jumped out to a commanding 28-0 lead by halftime.
CSU quarterback K.J. Carta- Samuels threw four touchdowns. Receivers Preston Williams and Warren Jackson each had a pair of catches in the end zone.
The Rams before Saturday’s game were rushing for less than 100 yards a game. CSU drove the Spartans defense crazy, rushing for 169 yards in the first half and 219 total for the game.
SJSU went into the locker room down four possessions and looking every bit the opposite of a week ago where they battled Hawaii for 5OT.
“I was able to give a speech and just have the guys believe in each other,” senior Bryson Bridges said. “It created a whole surge of energy.”
The speech worked. SJSU scored 30 points in the third quarter to take a 30-28 lead. A 28-point deficit was the most SJSU has recovered from since coming from behind 27 against Rice on Oct. 2, 2004.
Things fell apart for Colorado State quickly. Love connected with Hartley in the end zone twice while running back Tyler Nevens, making his first appearance since the first game of the season, also ran it in for six points.
After a Spartan interception, Thai Cottrell caught a short pass from Love tying the game at 28. The Rams started the next drive at their 2-yard line and Boogie Roberts tackled running back Izzy Matthews in the end zone resulting in a safety.
Riding high on momentum as the third quarter came to a close, so did the hopes of winning the game.
In the fourth, when it mattered most, the Rams scored to retake the lead. Then their defense handled Love with care.
On their first possession of the quarter, the Rams scored a TD to retake a 35-30 lead.
In the next drive, Love was then intercepted by Rashad Ajayi and it was taken all the way back to the end zone giving the Rams a 42-30 lead. CSU had only two sacks all season and ended up with six on Saturday.
The takeaway in this one: SJSU still needs to find a way to close out football games.
The Spartans will face Army on Oct. 13 at Levi’s Stadium with kick-off scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
Follow Chris on Twitter @estradadotc