San Jose State’s offense delivered an electric performance Saturday during its 38-21 win over University of New Mexico at CEFCU Stadium.
The Spartans (2-0, 2-0 MWC) started the season 2-0 for the first time since 1987 and are 2-0 in the Western Athletic Conference for the first time since 2008, according to a postgame news release.
The game was originally scheduled to be played at Dreamstyle Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but was moved to San Jose because of coronavirus restrictions in Bernalillo County.
Last week, the Spartan defensive effort against Air Force was the talk of the game, but this week, it was quarterback Nick Starkel and how he led the offense.
Starkel shredded the Lobos defense by passing for 467 yards and completing 34 out of 47 passes with 5 touchdown passes, a new personal best. One touchdown was a 69-yard pass to receiver Bailey Gaither in the third quarter, which gave the Spartans a 31-21 lead.
SJSU head coach Brent Brennan had nothing but praise for his quarterback after the game.
“[It was] one of the most beautiful passes [I’ve] ever seen,” Brennan said in the postgame news conference. “This kid is special and I feel he’s just getting started.”
This marked Starkel’s second game for SJSU after transferring from the University of Arkansas.
“When I came in, me and the team instantly clicked and got along from the start,” Starkel said in the postgame news conference. “It’s the same thing day in and day out. One of my coaches and I talk about ‘stacking bricks,’ which the bricks are good plays, and see how it looks at the end of the game.”
SJSU receiver Tre Walker also had a standout performance by catching nine passes for 107 yards and scoring two touchdowns.
It was Walker’s second game of the season which was in the back of his mind when playing.
“You know, when I first heard about it last week, it was something I was really excited about. Just coming in as a true freshman, just the goals I set,” Walker said. “I don’t really go out there and chase any stats or anything, but it was definitely in the back of my head as I was playing today.”
Walker is quickly moving up SJSU’s all-time receiving chart as he now ranks No. 5 in career receptions with 157 yards and No. 3 in pass receiving yards with 2,308.
“Tre is one of those kids who just loves to play football,” Brennan said. “He has been a joy to coach and I can’t wait to see where he ends up on the list when he is done playing.”
SJSU had a 21-7 lead early in the game, but New Mexico fought back in the second half to tie the game in the third quarter.
However, the Spartans then scored 17 points after kicker Matt Mercurio kicked a 35-yard field goal, giving the offense the boost it needed. Starkel threw two more touchdown passes to lead SJSU to a 38-21 victory.
The Spartans hope to maintain this momentum on the road when they play San Diego Friday.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re playing San Diego State or the Green Bay Packers, every game matters,” Brennan said. “We have to take advantage of this opportunity, San Diego State is a fantastic program, those guys have done a great job there.”
