Breakthrough Victory for San Jose State Over the Hornets

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In a season-opening clash between the Sacramento State Hornets (0-1) of the Big Sky Conference and the San Jose State Spartans (1-0) of the Mountain West Conference, the Spartans secured a convincing 42-24 come-from-behind victory.

Game Summary

The game commenced as a seesaw battle, with the Hornets jumping out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Led by dominant play from the Hornets' offensive line, running back Elijah Tau-Tollover ran through gaping holes early on. However, the Hornets, ranked No. 10 in the FCS, did not sustain their early dominance.

In Ken Niumatalolo's debut as coach of the Spartans, San Jose State fought back to take a 21-17 lead early in the third quarter. But the Hornets reclaimed the lead later in the quarter on a touchdown pass from backup quarterback Carson Conklin to wide receiver Danny Scudero. Thereafter, the Spartans took over, led by QB Emmett Brown and WR Nick Nash. A transfer from Washington State, Brown completed 20-of-34 passes for 298 yards and 3 touchdowns. Nash had 2 receiving TDs and threw another one.

San Jose State outscored Sacramento State 21-0 in the fourth quarter.

Turning Point

Leading 14-7 late in the first quarter, the Hornets marched down the field inside the Spartans' 10-yard line. However, on a fourth-down play, SJSU linebacker John Norwood forced and recovered a fumble, turning the tide in the Spartans' favor.

Early in the fourth quarter, with the Hornets clinging to a narrow lead, the Spartans flattened Sacramento State kick returner Michael Johnson with a hard hit. In a scary scene, Johnson remained motionless on the field. All players kneeled as medical personnel attended to Johnson, who was eventually carted off the field on a stretcher to an ambulance. Fortunately, Johnson was conscious and communicative as he was taken to the ambulance.

Sacramento State coach Andy Thompson said, "He was moving his arms and legs, and they were just taking all the precautions for his neck because that was a physical hit. It was scary."

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The Hornets were not the same after Johnson's injury. The Spartans took the lead moments after his departure and never looked back.

What it Means

The win was important for the Spartans, getting the Niumatalolo era off on the right foot. The Spartans now turn their attention to their next opponent, the Air Force Falcons, an opponent with whom Niumatalolo is familiar. Indeed, before coming to San Jose State, Niumatalolo coached the Navy Midshipmen.

Before turning their attention to FCS opponents, the Hornets face another tough test on Sept. 7, when they travel to Fresno, Calif. to face the Fresno State Bulldogs.