NashNash
Terrell Lloyd

Balanced Offensive Attack Carries Spartans To 37-31 Win

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. 
 


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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
 

Gallery: (10-2-2021) Football vs. New Mexico State

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