San Jose, Calif.------ For the second game in a row, San Jose State scored the first touchdown of the game off of big play from the special teams.
Dakari Monroe downing a Brian Papazian punt at the Nevada 1-yard line preceded Ethan Aguayo's 27-yard interception return back to the Nevada-1. From there, it was Michael Carrillo connecting with tight end Josh Oliver to give the Spartans a 6-0 lead they would hold until late in the second quarter.
A Ty Gangi 2-yard run and his 9-yard pass to wide receiver Brendan O'Leary-Orange sparked a Nevada comeback en route to a 21-12 Mountain West victory over the Spartans.
Unlike the previous week when San Jose State was significantly behind Utah State at halftime in its most one-sided conference loss, these Spartans were determined to prevent a repeat performance.
San Jose State (1-10, 1-6 Mountain West) stayed in the game with a 22-yard pass play from Carrillo to running back DeJon Packer with 3:24 to go in the third quarter. The Spartans' chance to tie the game on a two-point conversion failed when Carrillo and Oliver were unable to connect like they did in the first quarter.
Nevada (7-4, 5-2 Mountain West) added a measure of insurance early in the fourth quarter on a 9-yard run by freshman running back Toa Taua who finished the contest with 121 yards on 29 carries.
The Spartans were able to get the ball to midfield on their next two possessions, but were unable to go the distance and cut into the Wolf Pack lead again.
Carrillo, the third Spartan to start a game at quarterback this season, was 17-of-26 with an interception for 168 yards and a career-high two touchdowns. Josh Love was on the sidelines in street clothes. Montel Aaron returned to the team late in the week following the recent passing of his father.
Nevada did outgain San Jose State, 463-200, but the Spartans made the Wolf Pack earn its three scores on drives of 85, 75 and 85 yards in succession. Besides his pass interception, Aguayo led the charge with a 2018 Mountain West individual best 20 tackles and 0.5 tackles for loss.
San Jose State closes out its 2018 season Saturday, November 24, when it travels to Fresno State for the annual Valley Trophy game.
