By Matthew Gonzalez — Reporter
It’s official.
We’re at the halfway point of the season and with Saturday’s game against Fresno State being canceled the Spartans maintain their unblemished 4-0 record.
Here’s a look into each game and overall grade for how the Spartans have performed this season.
Game 1 vs. Air Force (W, 17-6): A
The victory over Air Force was the undisputed tone setter for the 2020 season.
A heavy-hitting run game tested the Spartans defense, they answered with flying colors and have continued to perform at a high level.
This game also established the SJSU aerial attack as the primary weapon in its arsenal.
Tight end Derrick Deese Jr. (two touchdowns) and wide receivers Bailey Gaither and Tre Walker (148 combined yards) embodied the heart and soul of the offense with graduate student quarterback Nick Starkel at the helm.
Game 2 vs. New Mexico (W, 38-21): A-
Nick Starkel threw for 467 yards and a career-high five touchdown passes.
New Mexico quarterback Tevaka Tuioti had a solid game as well, throwing for 294 yards and two touchdowns.
I still have the overall grade as an A- because the defense let Tuioti have a little too much fun on the field.
There were too many moments where it looked like the Lobos could take control of the game, but a solid double-digit win nonetheless.
Game 3 @ San Diego State (W, 28-17): A+
This was the biggest upset so far as the Spartans picked up their first win over the Aztecs since 2012 to push them to a 3-0 record, the first time since 1982.
This game also saw the untimely injury of Nick Starkel on the first Spartan possession and backup quarterback Nick Nash taking the reins and driving the Spartans past the Aztecs.
This game tested the Spartans physically and mentally as they not only had to contain an explosive SDSU running game, but also had to manage to generate points with their backup quarterback.
SJSU capitalized off three fourth quarter turnovers by the Aztecs and was able to pull off a signature win that will be a hallmark victory for the program’s future.
Game 4 vs. UNLV (W, 34-17): A
This one was all SJSU all the way as the Nick Starkel to Bailey Gaither connection linked for two touchdowns.
This was also a strong game for both quarterbacks, with Starkel throwing for 274 yards and Nash using his legs to net 94 yards on just eight carries.
This was SJSU’s most dominant game from start to finish and sent the Spartans to their first 4-0 start since 1955.
Overall Grade: A+
Did you really expect anything less? This season is historic in so many ways and has broken numerous records.
While already historic, this season is not yet completely successful, as there is still a second half of the season to play.
With the first hiccup in terms of schedule coming in the form of a canceled game against rival Fresno State, the Spartans will focus on a Boise State team that has dominated the Mountain West in years past.
Follow Matthew on Twitter @Matthewmgonz01