photo from sacbee.com: Kings guard Buddy Hield (24) attempts to steal the ball from Utah Jazz guard Emmanuel Mudiay, left, in the first half of a preseason game Monday in Salt Lake City.
By Morris Phillips
The Sacramento Kings have won just 21 regular season games in Salt Lake City… in 34 seasons.
Not good, but an impressive 128-115 exhibition win Monday at Vivint Smart Arena has the Kings feeling less apprehensive about their second regular season road game October 26 at Utah.
Buddy Hield led the Kings with 23 points, Marvin Bagley contributed 22 in 30 minutes of floor time. De’Aaron Fox departed early with a lower back injury.
The Kings played their fourth exhibition contest and both teams used the occasion to play their normal starters and top reserves. The Kings’ 78-point, first half came against defensive stalwarts Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley. The Kings played their trademark, fast pace and backed that with 14 made 3-pointers.
Sacramento’s defense was far more effective than it was in India, where the Kings dropped a pair of exhibitions allowing 130 points each time last week Against the Jazz, the Kings allowed 48 percent shooting from the field.
But they benefitted from 20 turnovers and Utah’s poor shooting from the distance where they missed 26 of 35 attempts. The Kings battled the Jazz to a standstill on the glass (55 rebounds each) and put six players in double figures in scoring.
The Kings played without Corey Joseph, Trevor Ariza and Harry Giles.
The Kings conclude pre-season on Wednesday against Melbourne United at the Golden 1 Center.
They became acquainted in 2007, when Kelly became offensive coordinator at Oregon and Shaw was Stanford’s offensive coordinator. Even then, Shaw was filing away plays.
Kelly installed a no-huddle, spread offense and the Ducks took flight, recording single-season school records for points per game (38.15) and yards per game (467.54).
In 2009, Kelly was named head coach and led Oregon to four consecutive BCS bowl game appearances, reaching the 2011 National Championship Game. Shaw, the Bradford M. Freeman Director of Football, was the Cardinal offensive coordinator for Jim Harbaugh from 2007-10, then ascended to head coach in 2011.
Kelly got the best of him in the first meeting, but in 2012, Shaw guided Stanford to a stunning 17-14 overtime upset against the No. 1-ranked Ducks in Eugene.
Photo credit: gostanford.com
Oregon won the 2011 Pac-12 title, while Stanford prevailed in 2012 and 2013.
In the 2013 game, the No. 6 Cardinal surprised the No. 2 Ducks during an epic Thursday night game at Stanford Stadium. Tyler Gaffney, who ran for 155 yards, helped stake Stanford to a seemingly comfortable fourth quarter lead, but the Ducks outscored the Cardinal, 20-3 in the fourth quarter and made it close. Stanford recovered the second of two onside kicks to preserve the win.
Later that year, Kelly was named head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, where he spent three seasons (2013-15). In 2016, he took a head coaching gig with the San Francisco 49ers.
Shaw invited him to a Cardinal practice and Kelly reciprocated.
“I think most coaches will say the best coaches on the planet are great thieves,” said Shaw. “We’ve stolen ideas from everybody. I’ve stolen more from Chip Kelly than anybody else because I think Chip is brilliant.”
Kelly returned to college football in 2018 at UCLA. Stanford beat UCLA in a 49-42 shootout last year at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., staving off a final-minute drive, as junior quarterback K.J. Costello fired five touchdown passes.
Photo credit: gostanford.com
While the Bruins have only one win this season, it was a Chip Kelly special as UCLA rallied from a 49-17 deficit by scoring 29 straight points to win, 67-63, at No. 19 Washington State. Sophomore quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson passed for five scores and a school record 507 yards.
“Chip will morph into whatever he needs to morph into based on the guys he has,” Shaw said. “Last year, he was under center more than he ever was before because that’s the quarterback he had and that’s just the team he had. He’ll do whatever he thinks he needs to do to help the team win.”
Kelly’s calling card creates mismatches and keeps defenses off-balance, while Shaw likes to pound the ball when possible.
However, the two head coaches agree on how time of possession is overrated.
“The only thing that matters is scoring touchdowns,” said Shaw.
Shaw expects another memorable contest on Thursday night.
“You see a smart football coach that knows how to put defenses in conflict,” Shaw said. “We’re going to get their best game. They always play us tough.”
Photo credit: gostanford.com
NO DECISION
Shaw hasn’t announced his starting quarterback for UCLA. He did rule out Costello following Monday’s practice and called Davis Mills somewhere between “questionable and doubtful.” Jack West has taken all of the first team reps this week in team periods.
“I don’t want to put a quarterback out there who’s not healthy,” said Shaw. “I don’t want to put a quarterback out there who can’t protect himself or can’t physically do all the things he needs to do to help us win a game. That’s all I use to make the decision.”
West’s backups would be Jack Richardson and Dylan Plautz.
WEST FILE
West received his first playing time this season with six minutes remaining against Washington. He handed off nine consecutive times to Cameron Scarlett, who helped seal Stanford’s 23-13 upset victory against the No. 15 Huskies.
“He’s been great,” said Shaw of West. “He knows what to do and how to do it. He’s got a strong arm, throws the ball accurately and threw to our guys all summer. Because of our quarterback situation, he’s gotten more reps than most ‘third’ quarterbacks have this entire year. He’s just jumped in and operated the offense.”
The 6-foot-4, 212-pound West hails from Saraland, Alabama, and was a four-star recruit by ESPN and PrepStar. Rated the No. 2 recruit in the state by several publications, West passed for 4,879 yards and 56 touchdowns in high school and was rated Alabama’s second-best overall recruit by ESPN.
West appeared in two games last season for the Cardinal and was a combined 1-for-5 passing and rushed twice.
SCHEDULE TILT
With a rare Thursday night tilt, Stanford adjusted its practice schedule following the Washington game to help simulate a regular week.
“It was a little strange practicing on Sunday and convincing yourself it was Tuesday,” said Shaw. “We had a couple days off and got some rest.”
Photo credit: gostanford.com
THEME GAME
Former quarterback Jim Plunkett, who won Stanford’s only Heisman Trophy in 1970 after orchestrating an upset against Ohio State in the Rose Bowl, will be recognized as part of the program’s 125-year celebration of football. He will sign autographs on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. on the outside concourse at Stanford Stadium between sections 103 and 104. One item per person and photos will be available to have signed.
MARVELOUS MCCAFFREY
Shaw isn’t surprised by the success former Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey, who’s enjoying his stint with the Carolina Panthers.
“For the first time in my career, multiple times this year, I have felt the unbelievable urge to say I told you so,” Shaw said. “He can do everything at a high level. He left here barely 21-years old and most guys reach their peak at 24 and 25. He’s reaching his peak right now. Wherever you draw the line with the most dynamic performers, he’s in that group.”
Photo credit: gostanford.com
NOTES
Stanford has won 11 consecutive outings against UCLA, the longest streak against any conference opponent (not counting rugby from 1906-1917). “We’re such a young team, I don’t think it has any relevance,” Kelly said … Shaw is 9-0 against the Bruins and 22-5 (.815) versus Cal, USC and UCLA …Scarlett leads the Pac-12 in rushing with 564 yards and has 13 receptions for 138 yards … The Cardinal is expected to start three true freshmen on its offensive line: Walter Rouse at left tackle, Barrett Miller at left guard and Jake Hornibrook at right guard. “They’re big inside and we’re young inside, so that’s going to be a battle for position, run and pass,” said Shaw. “We have to play really well up front to make up for lack of experience.” … Including punter Ryan Sanborn, the Cardinal starts six true freshmen, the third-most of any team in the country … In all, 14 true freshmen have played for Stanford this season … Senior outside linebacker Jordan Fox and sophomore outside linebacker Tobe Umerah are sidelined indefinitely.
QUOTE
“He hasn’t batted an eyelash.” — Shaw on Hornibrook, who made his college debut against Washington and earns his first start against UCLA
The Golden State Warriors met the Los Angeles Lakers for the second time in the preseason. The Lakers did not use any of their key players. Neither did the Warriors except for Steph Curry. Draymond Green and D’Angelo Russell had the night off. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr started Marquese Chriss at center, Eric Pascall and Glenn Robinson at forward, and Jordan Poole and Steph Curry started at guard, The Lakers countered with Jared Dudley at strong forward, Dwight Howard at center, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope at the other forward position, and Alex Caruso and Zach Norvell at guard. The Warriors did not play well all evening long. The Lakers won easily 104-98.
It must be noted that this was a game that both coaches, the Warriors’ Steve Kerr and the Lakers’ Frank Vogel gave playing time to guys that are fighting for spots on the 15-man roster. Some players are hoping for a two-way contract. The Warriors have to make decisions on Chriss and McKinnie. The Warriors have salary cap limitations, and one or both may be either cut or traded. The Warriors are hoping that Pascall and Poole make the team and will be playing on the second unit. The Warriors are hoping that Cauley-Stein and Kevon Looney get a chance to work with Curry, Russell, and Green before the season starts. That may be problematical as Cauley-Stein may not be healed by the time the season begins.
The Lakers led from start to finish. Both teams shot poorly for the first six minutes of the game. The Lakers played better and finished the first quarter with a 28-17 lead. The Warriors shot a miserable 18% from the floor. No one could hit a bucket. In contrast, the Lakers shot 42%. Were the Lakers playing great defense? Maybe. Were the Warriors out of sync? Definitely.
The Warriors improved in the second quarter. It was not enough to catch the Lakers, but they kept on shooting. The Warriors outscored LA by four to finish the first half trailing by seven 55-48. Steph Curry led the team with 14. Damian Lee and Alfonzo McKinnie each had 7. Marquese Chriss was a bright spot with six points and six boards. Zach Norvell led the Lakers with 12. Former Warrior JaVale McGee tormented his old mates with 9 points, and he had a couple of blocked shots as well.
The Lakers increased the lead to 17 in the third period 79-62. The Warriors Jacob Evans and Damian led the Warriors in scoring. Things changed in the fourth quarter. The Warriors led by Chriss and Poole cut the lead to three 97-94 after Poole hit a three. The Lakers regrouped and went on a 7-4 run to finish the game with a final score of 104-98.
Game Notes: The Lakers rested LeBron James and Kyle Kuzma. Anthony Davis was out with a sprained right thumb. Rajon Rondo, Danny Green, Quinn Cook, Troy Daniels, and Talen Horton-Tucker. The Warriors rested Draymond Green and D’Angelo Russell. Willie Cauley-Stein, Alec Burks, Kevon Looney, and Alen Smailagic were not available due to injury.
Up Next: The Warriors meet the Lakers again Wednesday night in Los Angeles. They return home to face the Lakers at the Chase Center Friday night for the final preseason game.
San Jose State has had its ups and downs so far this season, but if there’s something for them to look forward to, it’s Homecoming versus the San Diego State Aztecs this Saturday night.
Here’s what you need to know:
GAME #7
San Jose State vs. San Diego State
CEFCU Stadium, San Jose, Calif.
Saturday, October 19, 2019, 4:00 p.m. PT
Facebook Live
SJSU RECORD
3-3, 1-2 Mountain West. The Spartans lost at Nevada, 41-38, on October 12.
SDSU RECORD
5-1, 2-1 Mountain West. The Aztecs have a two-game winning streak after defeating Wyoming, 26-22, on October 12.
PLAY-BY-PLAY COVERAGE
KKSF (910 AM, Oakland), RealTalk 910, is the new flagship radio station for San Jose State football. Justin Allegri calls the play-by-play. Kevin Richardson provides commentary. The San Diego State broadcast begins at 3:30 p.m. PT with a pregame show.
The San Jose State-San Diego State broadcast with Justin Allegri and Kevin Richardson calling the action also will be carried on www.siriusxm.com Channel 976.
KSJS (90.5 FM, San Jose) also will broadcast the San Jose State-San Diego State game starting at 3:45 p.m. PT.
TELEVISION
Facebook Live will provide broadcast coverage beginning at 1:00 p.m. PT. Ari Wolfe calls the play-by-play. Jordan Palmer provides commentary. Dani Klupenger is the sideline reporter. The Facebook Live presentation begins at 4:00 p.m.
Ticket prices range from $10.00 for a general admission seat to $58.00 for a reserved seat.
For home games at CEFCU Stadium:
• Modern family plan
• Group ticket pricing starting at $12.00 per ticket
• Three-game mini plans starting at $59.00
SERIES HISTORY
San Diego State leads the series, 21-19-2. The Aztecs have won the last six games, all of them Mountain West contests, between these teams including last year’s 16-13 decision in San Diego. The three-point differential was the closest game these teams have played as Mountain West members.
San Jose State’s last win in the series was a 38-34 comeback win in San Diego on September 22, 2012. The last time the Spartans defeated the Aztecs in San Jose was a 35-10 decision on September 13, 2008.
HOMECOMING HISTORY
San Jose State plays its 83rd Homecoming game on October 19 against San Diego State. The Spartans’ most recent Homecoming win was a 33-10 triumph over UNLV in 2014. This year’s Homecoming marks the fifth time San Diego State served as the opposition. San Jose State has a 47-33-2 win-loss record in Homecoming games.
1942: San Diego State 26, San Jose State 0
1973: San Jose State 27, San Diego State 27
1996: San Diego State 49, San Jose State 20
2005: San Diego State 30, San Jose State 7
ANOTHER CHANCE TO BE ABOVE .500
For the fourth time this season, San Jose State has the opportunity to be one-game above the .500 mark with a victory over San Diego State. The Spartans have win-loss records this season of 1-0, 2-1, and 3-2.
The last time San Jose State had a 4-3 win-loss record after seven games was in the 2013 season after defeating Wyoming, 51-44, at Homecoming.
RING OF HONOR
At the halftime of the San Diego State game, linebacker David Chaney, (1969-71), will be enshrined into the CEFCU Stadium Ring of Honor. The two-time All-American was the first Spartan to have his jersey retired, was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in the 1980’s and was named one of the top-100 football players in San Jose State history during the Spartans’ centennial celebration of the sport in 1995. Chaney still holds the school record for career tackles at 527.
NATIONAL LEADER IN TURNOVER MARGIN
For the second consecutive week, San Jose State is the national leader in turnover margin.
The Spartans’ turnover margin at +12 or 2.0 per game in games played through October 12. The Spartans have 13 interceptions, which leads the country, and five fumble recoveries.
For its first six games, San Jose State lost the ball six times, tied for eighth best in the country, on four fumbles and two pass interceptions.
POINTS OFF OF TURNOVERS
After six games, San Jose State has scored 51 points off of opponent turnovers. The first opponent points off a Spartan turnover came in the October 12 Nevada victory on an interception return for a touchdown.
30-POINT GAMES
The October 12 game at Nevada is the fourth time this season San Jose State scored 30 or more points. The Spartans are 3-1 in games scoring 30 or more points this season.
Last year, San Jose State scored 30 or more points four times and was 1-3 in those games. The 2016 season was the last time the Spartans scored 30 or more points in five games.
400-PLUS YARD PASSING GAMES
For the first time since the end of the 2013 season, San Jose State produced consecutive games with at least 400 passing yards. The Spartans passed for 412 yards in the October 4 win over New Mexico and 405 yards in the October 12 loss at Nevada.
photo from calbears.com: The Cal Bears Deandae Johnson sacks Oregon QB Justin Herbert in the October 5th
On the Cal Bears (4-2) Football podcast with Morris:
#1 Morris, Cal head coach Justin Wilcox reflected on the tough loss in their last game October 5th at Oregon (4-1) saying “It’s not one person, the way we meet, the extra work they do” referring to the work ethic of the team was that element lacking referring to the loss to the Ducks on the 5th?
#2 Morris, talk about Cal’s defensive backfield: Ashtyn Davis, Jaylinn Hawkins, Trey Turner III, Treyvon Beck, Josh Drayden, Camryn Bynum, and Elijah Hicks. How much of a percentage you would put on the game in Oregon that defense was there or not there?
#3 How much pressure will be on David Modster to get it done this coming Saturday. He just wasn’t able to get some of the passes he wanted in Oregon last game.
#4 Modster will get a chance to throw against Oregon State (2-4). Oregon State had their heads handed to them in their last game by the Utah Utes (5-1) 52-7 nearly getting shutout. Could Modster have a game like that throwing for scores all day?
#5 Lastly, talk about coach Wilcox’s game plan the Bears need a lot more offense than they got in Oregon and how sore is the wounded Golden Bear that wants to come out with a vengeance on Saturday?
SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Barracuda have a flair for the dramatic. Down by two goals late in the second period, they went on to score three unanswered goals to storm back in a 4-3 comeback victory over the Bakersfield Condors on Sunday afternoon at SAP Center.
The second consecutive victory for San Jose (2-1-0-0) over the defending Pacific Division champions was also a sweep of the weekend games at home after dropping the season opener nine days ago in Ontario.
After a scoreless first period where neither team generated many scoring chances, Bakersfield (1-1-1-0) drew first blood early in the middle frame. Cooper Marody won a battle along the right boards. He then fed Sam Gagner near the slot and Gagner found a wide open Kailer Yamamoto back door on the left side, who skated in and blasted a one-timer past Cuda goalie Andrew Shortridge for his third goal of the season at the 2:00 mark.
The Cuda scored the equalizer when Joel Kellman led a three-on-two odd man rush from center ice. He fed Jonny Brodzinki along the right side. Brodzinki returned the favor back to Kellman, who beat Condor defenseman Evan Bouchard up the ice, and the rookie forward sneaked in a point-blank shot to the left side of Condor goalie Shane Starrett for his first career AHL goal at the 4:24 mark. Noah Gregor received the secondary assist.
“We won the puck low in their end,” said the Swedish forward Kellman. “I just chipped it out to Brodzi (Brodzinski), tried to drive to the net and it was a great pass (from Brodzinski).”
The Condors regained the lead when a shot from Keegan Lowe took a tricky hop from behind the net and ended up out in front of the crease where a scrum of players ensued. After a couple of attempts from Bakersfield, Joe Gambardella poked home the loose puck for his first goal of the season at the 9:10 mark.
Bakersfield gained a two-goal lead two and half minutes later when after a failed clearing attempt by San Jose led to Tyler Bensen feeding out a puck from behind the net over to the left slot where Ryan McLeod skated in and wired a wrist shot over the shoulder of Shortridge for his first goal of the season at the 11:37 mark.
Alex True made it a one-goal game later in the second period when he camped out in front of the crease and tipped the puck through the five-hole of Starrett thanks to a wrist shot from Jayden Halbgewachs just beyond the face off circles. True’s second goal of the season came at the 16:53 mark.
San Jose took the momentum from True’s goal and carried it into the third period where they would do all the scoring. A turnover up high in the Cuda zone led to a three-on-one odd man rush for San Jose. Gregor skated in and beat Starrett top-shelf with a quick wrist shot for his first career AHL goal to tie the game at 3-3 at the 6:51 mark.
“Going back to junior and having a strong a year really helped with my confidence,” said Gregor. “Coming into this year, I knew I could play at the American League level and play pro. I think I carried that into this season.”
With just under three and half minutes remaining in the game, a weak passing attempt into the middle of the ice by Condors defenseman Caleb Jones, hit off the skate of Kellman and went right to the stick of Ivan Chekovich, who brought the puck back before firing a wrist shot over the head of Starrett into the back of the net for the game-winning goal at the 16:40 mark. Chekovich’s first goal of the season earned him the first star of the match.
Shortridge earned his first win of his AHL career making 26 saves on 29 shots. Starrett made 16 saves on 20 shots in the losing effort.
GAME NOTES: San Jose was 0/2 on the power play. Bakerfield was 0/4.
UP NEXT: San Jose closes out their three-game homestand on Saturday 10/19 when they take on the Ontario Reign at 1:15 pm at SAP Center.
sfgate.com photo: San Jose Sharks center Dylan Gambrell, top, reaches for the puck behind Calgary Flames left wing Andrew Mangiapane during the third period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019.
By Mary Walsh
SAN JOSE — The San Jose Sharks defeated the Calgary Flames 3-1 at the SAP Center Sunday. It was San Jose’s first home win of the season. Sharks goals came from Timo Meier, Kevin Labanc, and Tomas Hertl. Martin Jones made 30 saves for the win. Elias Lindholm scored the lone goal for Calgary. Cam Talbot made 17 saves for the Flames.
The final score drew an eerie parallel to Patrick Marleau’s last regulation home game as a Shark in 2017, which was also against Calgary and was also a 3-1 Sharks victory. Though Marleau did not score Sunday, it is hard to ignore the impact his return has had on the team. After the game, Sharks head coach Pete DeBoer said:
I don’t think it’s an accident that we’ve won the last two and he’s been in the lineup. I think that’s a piece for sure. He just plays the right way, he does the right thing when he’s out on the ice, you know, all the time. It’s really helped solidify our lineup a little bit.
That solidification is evident to the players as well. Team captain Logan Couture said:
I thought Dylan Gambrell has played two really really good games now in a row. That’s something that we need. He’s been given an opportunity and I think these last few games he’s shown what he’s capable of. So, when we have that line playing well and the other three rolling over, we’re a tough team to beat.
The Sharks took an early 1-0 lead with a goal from Timo Meier at 3:04. Logan Couture carried the puck in around the Calgary defense and then paused at the red line before finding Meier right in front of the net. Assists went to Couture and Patrick Marleau.
San Jose added to their lead at 10:13 when Kevin Labanc skated through the neutral zone, handed the puck off to Tomas Hertl at the blue line, then got it back as he went flying into the zone. His wrist shot beat Cam Talbot glove side. Assists went to Hertl and Erik Karlsson.
Each team took one penalty and killed one in the first period. Calgary outshot San Jose by 11-6.
Calgary got one back at 6:43 of the second period. Calgary won an offensive zone draw and got the puck right to TJ Brodie at the blue line. He gave the ice a quick look and then took a shot right up the middle. Elias Lindholm tipped it mid-slot and past Jones glove side. Austin Czarnik was screening Jones until the lest second. An assist went to Brodie.
The Sharks reclaimed their two-goal lead at the end of the second period with a short-handed goal from Tomas Hertl. Brent Burns was in the box for tripping Michael Frolik. Logan Couture cut off a Calgary pass in the defensive zone, carried the puck all the way to the Calgary zone, then found Hertl just as he came into the zone. Hertl took a quick shot past Talbot for his first of the season.
Each team took a penalty in the second period, but neither scored on the power play. The teams were tied with 11 shots each in the second.
Calgary pulled their goaltender with almost three minutes to go in the game but could not alter the score. The final shot count was 33-20 Calgary.
The Sharks next play on Wednesday in San Jose against the visiting Carolina Hurricanes at 7:30 PM PT.
On Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers answered their biggest test yet, defeating their division foe, the LA Rams 20-7. With only two undefeated teams remaining in the NFL and a victory over the defending NFC Champions, it’s finally time to say this team is for real.
Leading that statement is the defense, who once again balled out in the win. Starting off shaky, allowing a seven-play 56-yard opening drive with all rushing plays for a touchdown, they buckled down as the game went on and started dominating. The Rams were held to just 165 total yards while Jarred Goff contributed 78 yards on 13-of-24. At one point in the third quarter, Goff was 7-of-9 for 29 yards.
The pass rush was distributive once the Rams started throwing the ball, sacking Goff four times with Dee Ford picking up a strip-sack. The Niners were especially impressive when it mattered most, forcing the Rams to go 0-for-9 on third down and 0-for-2 on fourth down.
One of the big stops came late in the second quarter when the Niners stuffed Malcolm Brown on fourth down on the goal line, forcing a turnover on downs.
As good as the defense was, the offense was mediocre, finishing with 331 total yards. Jimmy Garoppolo finished with 243 passing yards on 24-of-33 with an interception. He also ran in San Francisco’s second touchdown of the game, that was set up by Arik Armstead, picking up a fumble at the 17 yard-line on the Rams’ first play of the second half.
Garoppolo continues to throw at least one terrible pass per game that leaves you scratching your head. Sunday was no different as he floated up a ball in the end zone to Marcus Peters, all alone, taking away points from San Francisco.
Tevin Coleman scored the first touchdown of the game, as the offense was able to get settled into the game halfway through the first quarter. He finished with 45 yards on 18 carries. Matt Breida finished with 13 carries for 36 yards. With just 99 rushing yards, it shows that missing both Mike McGlinchey and Kyle Juszczyk has stagnated the run game.
George Kittle was Garoppolo’s favorite target, catching all eight passes targeted to him for 103 yards. Dante Pettis had his best game as a Niner, catching three balls for 45 yards, picking up two third-down conversions.
Even with a lackluster performance from the offense, this team continues to roll through the NFL. The defense is leading the way and is beginning to look like a team that Harbaugh led to the NFC Championship Game just a few years ago.
The Niners look to continue to roll, at they travel to Washington next week in a game that they should dominate. Washington picked up their first win of the season with a one-point victory over the Dolphins on Sunday.
photo from wsj.com: Tyler Skaggs in file photo was found to have used oxycodone, fentanyl and alcohol which led to his death, an Angels employee furnished Skaggs with opioids
On the MLB The Show 2019 Postseason podcast with Daniel Dullum:
1 Report: Angels PR employee was supplying Tyler Skaggs with opioids
2 Nationals pitching keeps Cardinals bats quiet in NLCS
3 Yankees pick up where they left off in first game of ALCS against the Astros
4 Giants reportedly talking to ex-Phils skipper Gabe Kapler about managerial opening
5 Nationals’ Sean Doolittle stands up for teammate Daniel Hudson’s paternity leave during playoff
San Jose State had hoped to string together two wins in a row on Saturday afternoon against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Mackay Stadium. Did the Spartans do that? Unfortunately, no.
Nevada opened the scoring with a two-yard touchdown by Devonte Lee at 10:17 of the first quarter. The Wolf Pack made it 14-0 after Austin Arnold returned an interception for a 40-yard score with 9:34 left. Brandon Talton hit both extra points.
SJSU got on the board when Matt Mercurio made a 44-yard field goal to pull within 11 with 7:10 left. The Spartans trailed 14-3 at the end of the first.
Nevada made it 21-3 at 14:00 of the second quarter as Devonte Lee ran for a 1-yard touchdown. Brandon Talton made a 25-yard field goal to put the Wolf Pack ahead 24-3 with 5:12 left.
Josh Love threw a 37-yard pass to Isaiah Hamilton, who scored the touchdown, and the Spartans pulled within 14 with just 27 seconds left. SJSU continued to trail, 24-10, at the halftime break.
Malik Henry threw a 75-yard pass to Romeo Doubs, who scored the touchdown, and the Wolf Pack made it 31-10 at 14:52 of the third quarter.
Just seconds later, SJSU pulled within 14, again, as Josh Love threw a 60-yard pass to Bailey Gaither, who scored the touchdown at 14:17. The Spartans tacked on a 1-yard DeJon Packer touchdown to pull within 7 with 6:09 left. The Spartans trailed 31-24 at the end of the third.
Thanks to Josh Love’s 20-yard pass to Tre Walker, SJSU tied the game 31-31 with 8:20 left in the fourth quarter. Nevada, however, rained on SJSU’s parade with a 1-yard Toa Taua touchdown to lead 38-31. Sure, SJSU tied the game, 38-38, once again, courtesy of a 2-yard DeJon Packer touchdown — his second of the game — with 2:36 left. But the Wolf Pack capped off the scoring with a 40-yard field goal by Brandon Talton on the final play.
SJSU (3-3, 1-2 Mountain West) lost to Nevada (4-2, 1-1 Mountain West) by a final score of 41-38.
NOTES: SJSU’s game captains were Sailosi Latu, Jesse Osuna, Josh Love and Troy Kowalski … For the third time this season, SJSU was unable to win back-to-back games. SJSU arrived into Nevada after defeating New Mexico, 32-21 … The loss to Nevada marked the first time this season SJSU scored at least 30 points in a game and lost. The 38 points scored against Nevada were a season-high … SJSU was 2-of-12 for the game and 0-of-7 on third-down conversions in the first half. Each third-down conversion in the second half led to a Spartan touchdown … Nevada became the first team to score on a Spartan turnover this season when Austin Arnold returned a Josh Love interception 38 yards to give the Wolf Pack a 14-0 first quarter lead. Nevada got a second takeaway when Brandon Ezell fumbled a possible punt return after a punt hit Zamore Zigler in the helmet, but was unable to score on the possession … SJSU came up with interceptions by Ezell, his third of the season, and Rico Tolefree, his second in as many games, and forced a turnover when Nehemiah Shelton forced a Toa Taua fumble at the Spartan goal line resulting in a touchback … The Spartans now have 18 takeaways for the season on 13 interceptions and five fumble recoveries … Isaiah Holiness made his first start of the season at a running back position. He didn’t have any carries or pass receptions … Matt Mercurio has made his last five field goal tries after converting a 44-yard kick for SJSU’s only first-quarter score. He’s now 8-for-11 on the season … E.J. Ane was credited with SJSU’s first quarterback sack since the opening game of the season versus Northern Colorado … Isaiah Hamilton’s 37-yard touchdown reception was a season long pass reception for him. In the season-opening win over Northern Colorado, Hamilton caught a 32-yard pass … Bailey Gather notched his fourth 100-plus yard receiving game as a Spartan with a season-high 131 pass receiving yards and a touchdown on five receptions … Romeo Doubs’ 75-yard touchdown catch for Nevada to open the second half was the longest pass play given up by SJSU this season … Jay Lenard was the game’s leading tackler with 13 stops. Kyle Harmon was next with a single-game, career-high 12 tackles.
UP NEXT: The Spartans return home to welcome the San Diego State Aztecs on Saturday, October 19 at 4:00 p.m.
