Stanford Cardinal cornerback Collin Wright (6) leaps for a catch against the San Jose State Spartans at Spartan Stadium in San Jose on Fri Nov 29, 2024 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Friday, November 29, 2024

San Jose State quarterback Walker Eget enjoyed a career day that included the go-ahead touchdown pass to Trey Murray with under two minutes to play, leading the Spartans to a 34-31 non-conference football victory over visiting Stanford in the regular season finale for both schools.

Eget connected with Murray on an 18-yard touchdown pass with 1:55 remaining in the fourth quarter. Eget completed 33 of 49 passes for 385 yards, four touchdowns and was intercepted once in the first meeting between the schools since 2013.

It was a banner day for two other SJSU receivers – Nick Nash, who went into the game leading the FBS in pass receptions and touchdown catches, caught nine passes for 91 yards and two TD’s (20 and 2 yards), setting a Spartans single-season mark with 16.

With the win, San Jose State (7-5) awaits a possible bowl invitation, The Spartans have played in the postseason the last two years and three of the previous four.

Stanford (3-9) played from behind most of the afternoon, plagued by 10 penalties for 115 yards. Cardinal quarterback Ashton Daniels scored on a 1-yard run midway through the fourth quarter, giving Stanford a 31-27 lead with 7:30 to play.

On the ensuing drive, SJSU turned the ball over on downs when Eget overthrew Nash in the end zone. Stanford then came out throwing, but Daniels was picked off by Isiah Revis with 2:29 to play, setting up the game-winning drive.

Stanford opened the scoring with a Kenney Emmet 24-yard field goal at 5;51 of the first quarter. The Spartans took a 7-3 lead at 9:07 of the second quarter on a 20-yard TD pass from Eget to Nash.

Less than four minutes later, the Spartans extended their lead to 14-3 2-yard scoring pass, again from Eget to Nash. The Cardinal battled back and pulled to within 14-10 on a 12-yard TD pass from Daniels to Emmett Moseley V. San Jose State took a 17-10 lead into the locker room on Kyler Halvorsen’s 45-yard field goal as time expired in the first half.

Eget tossed his third scoring pass of the day at 12;51 of the third quarter, completing a 19-yard strike to Justin Lockhart, giving the Spartans a 24-10 lead.

Stanford closed its deficit to 24-17 on Justin Lamson’s 1-yard plunge at 9:17 of the third quarter. Halvorsen booted a 24-yard field goal and San Jose State led 27-17 after three quarters.

Five seconds into the fourth quarter, the Cardinal pulled to within 27-24 on a wild play that started with Eget getting sacked and fumbling at the Spartan nine yard line. Gaethan Bernadel forced a fumble that was recovered and ran into the end zone by Jahsiah Galvan. A review upheld the call on the field.

With 7:42 remaining, Daniels scored on a 1-yard keeper, and Stanford held a 31-27 lead before his interception set up SJSU’s game-winning drive.

San Jose State had the edge in total offense 443 yards to 369. Stanford had a slight edge in time of possession, 31:18 to 28:37, while the Spartans led in first downs 30 to 21.