SAN JOSE, Calif. - Junior quarterback Nick Nash made the most of his first career start as he passed for 195 yards and three touchdowns to carry San Jose State football to a 37-31 win over New Mexico State on Friday evening. The Spartan Offense displayed a balanced effort with 199 rushing yards and 195 yards through the air as SJSU picked up its third win of the season to improve to 3-2.
Post-Game Presser ?????
— San José State Football ?? (@SanJoseStateFB) October 3, 2021
vs. New Mexico State
?? @CoachBrennan Opening Statement#SpartanUp | #ClimbTheMountain pic.twitter.com/mzJjwIwVtE
First and 10
- Starting in place for an injured Nick Starkel, Nash was brilliant in his time under center as he finished a crisp 14-of-17 on passing attempts and added 25 yards rushing.
- Nash threw for three touchdowns, all to different receivers. He first found Malikhi Miller for a 25-yard score in the second quarter to put SJSU up 14-7. He then found Derrick Deese, Jr. for a 12-yard score inside the final minute of the opening half. Nash's final passing touchdown was a 1-yard toss to a wide open Kairee Robinson on third down that put the Spartans up 37-28 with just over five minutes to play.
Only thing that will stop him is the bleachers!
— San José State Football ?? (@SanJoseStateFB) October 3, 2021
TOUCHDOWN SPARTANS, @Nick16Nash x @malikhi24 #SpartanUp pic.twitter.com/FbDlqP1Qrc
- Senior running back Tyler Nevens once again handled the bulk of the carries, finishing with a game-high 115 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown.
- Shamar Garrett scored the Spartans' other rushing touchdown, a seven-yard rush to cap an 85-yard drive in the final minutes of the third quarter.
- Deese Jr. led all players with a game-high seven catches for 130 yards and a touchdown.
TOUCHDOWN SPARTANS
— San José State Football ?? (@SanJoseStateFB) October 3, 2021
10 points in the last 15 seconds not too shabby tbh pic.twitter.com/72ZcaqRS8g
- Nehemiah Shelton had a big night, tying for the team lead with 10 tackles (seven solo) and a crucial interception late in the first half that helped the Spartans close with a 10-point swing in a span of 15 seconds. Kyle Harmon also compiled 10 tackles (six solo) to lead the defense.
- Shelton's interception was the Spartans' first of the season.
- The defensive front finished the night with six tackles for loss. Noah Wright led the way with a pair of stops behind the line.
The Spartans return to action next weekend against Colorado State in Fort Collins, Colo. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. PT and will be carried live by FS1.
Saturday Night Live ??
— San José State Football ?? (@SanJoseStateFB) October 3, 2021
Spartans Win.#SpartanUp | #ClimbTheMountain pic.twitter.com/cdQUGQ7OZH
Gallery: (10-2-2021) Football vs. New Mexico State
#SpartanUp