By Jose Trujillo — Editor
Emotions ran high as 15 seniors were recognized for SJSU’s final home game of the season.
Unfortunately for the Spartans (1-10, 1-6 MW), the extra energy and momentum provided by flowers, friends and family was not enough to overcome Nevada (8-4, 5-2 MW) in a 21-12 loss Saturday afternoon.
And those senior Spartans were lucky to have an official Senior Day at home. Due to air-quality issues caused by the Camp Fire, questions circulated as to whether the game would have to be moved venue or if they would even play the game.
But when Saturday came around, everything was still a go, including the Spartans defense.
Nevada found it hard to find any success in the first quarter. After opening the game on a 9 play, 56 yard drive, the Spartans came up big on a third-down stop forcing Nevada to a field-goal attempt that sailed right.
On the next Nevada possession, Spartans’ linebacker Ethan Aguayo read quarterback Ty Gangi’s eyes and picked him off for a 27-yard return to the opposing 1-yard line.
Two-plays later, backup quarterback Michael Carrillo, who started over an injured Josh Love, connected with tight end Josh Oliver to give the Spartans an early 6-0.
“I thought our defense played lights out,” said SJSU head coach Brent Brennan. “I think that is a great credit to coach Odom, and the defensive staff and the players on that defense, because last week was a really tough week.”
In the first half alone, the Spartan defense intercepted one pass, recovered a fumble and stuffed a fourth-down attempt.
“I thought we did pretty well on defense,” said junior linebacker Ethan Aguayo. “They do have those big backs, which I think we did alright, they just got us a little bit on passes, so we just have to lock up.”
Gangi did not have a spectacular day, but he did beat SJSU deep several times. He finished 19 of 32 for 314 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
His deepest completion of 57 yards came in the opening third quarter possession when he connected with wide receiver Romeo Doubs. Nevada would capitalize on the big play and score five plays later to take a 14-6 lead.
SJSU would counter with three minutes left in the third when Carrillo found running back Dejon Packer in the flat for a quick strike 22 yard touchdown to make it 14-12.
Brennan elected to go for two and failed.
Nevada would open the fourth quarter on a 7 play, 85 yard drive resulting in a Toa Taua rushing touchdown to bring the score to 21-12.
And it would not change from there.
The problem for the Spartans all season has been a broken run game. It haunted them again Saturday afternoon.
A grand total of 30 rushing yards on 26 carries is just handicapping any chance of success. If the Spartans are not connecting deep downfield, they have trouble scoring and it is because of the running game.
“Nevada played a big umbrella coverage, so we just didn’t throw it downfield much.” said Brennan. “They weren’t gonna get deep by Tre Walker today, they thought they could hold theirs up front and they did.”
Running back Dejon Packer hauled in five passes for 35 yards and one touchdown. Josh Oliver added another touchdown on the season alongside three catches for 25 yards. Linebacker Ethan Aguayo set a new career high in total tackles in a game with 20.
Michael Carrillo finished 17 of 26 for 168 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in his final home game.
As Brennan said, “It’s back to the drawing board.”
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