Tag: San Jose State

Larry and Elaine Spalding donate $500K to Spartan Athletics Center

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: sjsuspartans.com

By Ana Kieu

SAN JOSE–San Jose State University recently announced that it has received a $500,000 gift commitment from Larry and Elaine Sparling. This gift will support the Spartan Athletics Center, the future home of San Jose State football and men’s and women’s soccer.

“Larry and Elaine Sparling believe in the direction of this Athletics program and understand the importance of the Spartan Athletics Center,” said Marie Tuite, San Jose State’s Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “I spend quite a bit of time with this wonderful couple and I can tell you they support the efforts of our coaches and student-athletes. They are so positive and encouraging when it comes to the important work our coaches are doing. They are terrific Spartans and we are so thankful and appreciative of their generous gift.”

The Spartan Athletics Center will include new locker rooms, an auditorium, coaches’ offices, position-specific classrooms, stadium game day suites, and a state-of-the-art athletic training room that will be accessible to all student-athletes.

ABOUT THE SPARLINGS
Though the Sparlings didn’t graduate from San Jose State, they’re longtime supporters of Spartan football. Over the years, they’ve driven their RV all over the U.S. to watch the football team compete. The Sparlings are leadership donors to the Spartan Athletics Fund and attend many Spartan sporting events. They believe that by supporting San Jose State, they’re investing in their community and helping their neighbors and friends succeed.

“I love the fact that at San Jose State we can be so connected to everybody, from the coaching staff to the athletic director and the university president,” said Larry. “We know how crucial the Spartan Athletics Center is for all the athletes at San Jose State. I like donating to student-athletes because we can tell how much it means to them to play their sport and get a degree from a great college.”

In 1966, the Sparling family took over Tiny Tots, a cotton diaper home pick-up and delivery service based in Campbell, California. At that time, they had only 80 customers, two Kenmore washer-dryers, and a delivery vehicle. However, the couple helped grow the business before Larry’s sister and brother-in-law took the reins. Over the past 50 years, Tiny Tots has laundered more than 680 million diapers. Tiny Tots has offered free Diapering 101 classes to members of the community since 1980, as well as monthly support groups, workshops, and CPR trainings. Larry went on to found Healthcare Laundry Services.

“This gift from Larry and Elaine Sparling is a tremendous support to the university and our athletics program,” said Interim Vice President of University Advancement and CEO of the Tower Foundation Peter Smits. “By investing in the Spartan Athletics Center, they are establishing a legacy that will help countless generations of Spartan student-athletes. We thank them for their contribution to San Jose State.”

“The Sparlings have always been very dedicated supporters of SJSU Athletics,” said SJSU Football Head Coach Brent Brennan. “This gift will make a huge difference to our football program, as well as Spartan soccer and all of athletics. Thank you, Larry and Elaine!”

To learn how you can support Spartan Athletics, please contact Joshua Thiel, Deputy Athletics Director for Advancement, at 408-924-1697 or joshua.thiel@sjsu.edu.

ABOUT SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY
The founding campus of the 23-campus California State University system, San Jose State provides a comprehensive university education, granting bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in 250 areas of study — offered through its eight colleges.

With more than 35,000 students and nearly 4,370 employees, San Jose State continues to be an essential partner in the economic, cultural and social development of Silicon Valley and the state, annually contributing 10,000 graduates to the workforce.

San Jose State is proud of the accomplishments of its more than 270,000 alumni, 60 percent of whom live and work in the Bay Area.

ABOUT SAN JOSE STATE ATHLETICS
San Jose State sponsors 22 (nine men’s and 13 women’s) NCAA Division I intercollegiate sports programs for approximately 470 student-athletes annually. In football, the Spartans are a member of Division I’s Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the NCAA’s highest level of competition.

The Spartans’ primary conference affiliation is with the Mountain West. Selected teams belong to the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF), the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), and the Golden Coast Conference (GCC).

San Jose State has 10 NCAA team championships and 52 NCAA individual titles. Sixty-two Spartans have competed in one or more Olympic Games. San Jose State athletes have won seven gold, six silver, and seven bronze medals at the Olympics.

San Jose State looks forward to Homecoming

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: sjsuspartans.com

By Ana Kieu

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.

Network affiliates are KION (1460 AM/101.1 FM, Salinas), KFIV (1360 AM, Modesto), KWSX (1280 AM, Stockton).

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.

Tickets: • sjsuspartans.com/tickets • ticketmaster.com.

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.

San Jose State falls short in 41-38 loss to Nevada

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @SanJoseStateFB

By Ana Kieu

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.

Manumaleuga is a finalist for the Polynesian Football Hall Of Fame

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: sjsuspartans.com

By Ana Kieu

Frank Manumaleuga, the one of the finest linebackers to play for the San Jose State football team in the 1970’s, is one of 10 finalists for induction into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Class of 2020.

Manumaleuna played for the Spartans during the 1977 and 1978 seasons and was coached by Lynn Stiles. The two-time All-America was an honorable mention choice in 1977 and a third-team Associated Press honoree in 1978.

The three-sport, 245-pound athlete also was a member of the Spartan basketball and track and field teams.

Manumaleuga began his college career at UCLA. According to then head coach and San Jose State legend Dick Vermeil, “… (he) had more instinctive ability than any linebacker I’ve ever evaluated.”

Manumaleuga still holds the San Jose State single-game record for most tackles in a game with 27 against Colorado in 1978.

Manumaleuga was the Kansas City Chiefs’ fourth-round draft choice in 1979, the 85th overall selection in that year’s draft. Manumaleuga played three seasons for the Chiefs, and three seasons in the United States Football League (USFL) for the Oakland Invaders and Portland Breakers.

“Special thanks to our outstanding Selection Committee, who has once again put forward an outstanding group of Finalists for the Class of 2020,” said Jack Thompson, Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee Chairman. More than 100 players were nominated for Hall of Fame consideration. “This is quite a challenge because there are so many great Polynesian football players, coaches and contributors.”

“On behalf of our Board of Directors, we congratulate the Class of 2020 Finalists,” said Jesse Sapolu, Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Chairman, Co-Founder and Inductee. “Each of the finalists has made a significant impact on our community and the game of football.”

Four inductees will be announced on October 23, 2019. They will be honored during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend and during the Polynesian Bowl on January 17 & 18, 2020.

CLASS OF 2020 FINALISTS
1. Tony Banks (QB) Michigan State; Pro: NFL (STL, BAL, DAL, WAS, HOU) 11 years, Samoan ancestry
2. David Dixon (G) Arizona State; Pro: (MIN) 13 years, Maori ancestry
3. Malcom Floyd (WR) Wyoming; Pro (SAN) 10 years, Samoan ancestry
4. Chris Kemoeatu (G) Utah; Pro (PIT) 7 years, Tongan ancestry
5. Frank Manumaleuga (LB) San Jose State; Pro (KC) 3 years, Samoan ancestry
6. Haloti Ngata (DT) Oregon; Pro (BAL, DET, PHI) 13 years, Tongan ancestry
7. Alapati “Al” Noga (DL) Hawai’i; Pro: NFL (MIN, WAS, IND) 7 years, Samoan ancestry
8. Falaniko “Niko” Noga (LB) Hawai’i; Pro: NFL (AZ, DET) 8 years, Samoan ancestry
9. Dominic Raiola (C) Nebraska; Pro: NFL (DET) 14 years, Hawaiian ancestry
10. Charlie Wedemeyer; Former Head Football Coach, Los Gatos High School (CA), Hawaiian ancestry

ABOUT THE POLYNESIAN FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame honors Polynesia’s greatest players, coaches and contributors. Its permanent home is located at the Polynesian Cultural Center (O`ahu) and was established in 2013.

Mercurio named to Lou Groza Award “Star of the Week” list

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: sjsuspartans.com

By Ana Kieu

The awards continue for San Jose State placekicker Matt Mercurio.

After being named the Mountain West “Special Teams Player of the Week” on Monday, October 7, the redshirt freshman from Salinas, Calif., was named one of the three Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award “Stars of the Week” for his contribution in San Jose State’s 32-21 victory over New Mexico on Friday, October 4.

The graduate of Palma High tied a San Jose State single-game school record with four field goals and accounted for the Spartans’ last 12 points in the game after taking a 20-0 second-quarter lead.

Mercurio connected on field goals of 24, 33, a career-long 49, and a second of 24 yards as San Jose State improved its season record to 3-2, 1-1 in the Mountain West.

For the season, Mercurio is 7-of-10 kicking field goals and is San Jose State’s leading scorer with 36 points.

SJSU football: Spartans look for win streak with win over Nevada; Love and Mercurio exceed expectations

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: sjsuspartans.com

By Ana Kieu

SAN JOSE, Calif. — San Jose State football earned its first Mountain West win of the season by downing the New Mexico Lobos 32-21. Now, San Jose State heads out on the road to look for a two-game win streak with another MW win over the Nevada Wolf Pack.

Here’s the lowdown on the San Jose State-Nevada game:

GAME #6
San Jose State at Nevada
Saturday, October 12, 2019
Mackay Stadium, Reno, Nev.
1:00 p.m. PT
AT&T SportsNet/Mountain West Network

SAN JOSE STATE RECORD
3-2, 1-1 Mountain West.

NEVADA RECORD
3-2, 0-1 Mountain West. The Wolf Pack lost to Hawaii, 54-3, on September 29. Nevada had a bye the week of October 5.

RADIO 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 Nevada broadcast begins at 12:30 p.m. PT with a pregame show.

Network affiliates are KION (1460 AM/101.1 FM, Salinas), KFIV (1360 AM, Modesto), KWSX (1280 AM, Stockton).

The San Jose State-Nevada broadcast with Justin Allegri and Kevin Richardson calling the action also will be carried on www.siriusxm.com Channel 981.

KSJS (90.5 FM, San Jose) also will broadcast the San Jose State-Nevada game starting with Ryan Carlson handling all duties starting at 12:45 p.m. PT.

TELEVISION
AT&T Sports Network will provide broadcast coverage beginning at 1:00 p.m. PT. Drew Goodman calls the play-by-play. Sed Bonner provides commentary. AT&T Sports Network is available on DirecTV Channel 684, and DISH Network Channel 414.

SERIES HISTORY
Nevada leads the series, 21-9-2. The Wolf Pack have won the last two games and nine of the last 11 in a series that dates back to 1899. A year ago, Nevada posted a 21-12 triumph over San Jose State.

San Jose State’s last win in the series was a 14-10 win in CEFCU Stadium on October 15, 2016.

The Spartans are winless in their last eight trips to Mackay Stadium in Reno. San Jose State’s last win there was a 49-30 decision on October 21, 2000.

ON THE MINDS
San Jose State can finish the weekend of October 12 with a 4-2 overall win-loss record for the first time since 2012 with a win at Nevada. Since then, the Spartans’ best win-loss record after six games was 3-3 in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

STAKES ARE HIGH
This game gives San Jose State its first opportunity since the 2015 season to be 2-1 in Mountain West action after three games and to win a conference road game since the November 26, 2016 triumph at Fresno State, 16-14. Since the win in Fresno, the Spartans returned to San Jose with a conference loss in nine consecutive contests — four in 2017, four in 2018 and earlier this season at Air Force.

SEEKING A WIN STREAK
The Nevada game marks the third time this season San Jose State can notch its first two-game winning streak since defeating UNLV, 33-10, on October 4, and winning at Wyoming, 27-20 in overtime, on October 18, 2014.

NATIONAL LEADER IN TURNOVER MARGIN
A point of emphasis for this year’s San Jose State team is finishing in the top-25 in turnover margin.

After six games, San Jose State is the national in turnover margin at +11 or 2.2 per game in games played through October 5. The Spartans have 11 interceptions, which is second nationally, and four fumble recoveries. Florida, which has played six games, is the national leader with 12 interceptions.

For its first five games, San Jose State lost the ball four times on three fumbles and one pass interception. Through games of October 5, the Spartans are tied for eighth nationally in fewest times losing the ball.

POINTS OFF OF TURNOVERS
After five games, San Jose State has scored 37 points off of opponent turnovers compared to none by the opposition. The 37 points have come in the three Spartan wins this season — 14 vs. Northern Colorado, seven at Arkansas, and a season-high 16 against New Mexico.

The 16 points came in handy in the 11-point win over New Mexico and seven points was the difference in a 31-24 victory at Arkansas. San Jose State defeated Northern Colorado, 35-18.

BACK-TO-BACK WEEKS BLOCKING A KICK
If it’s a Friday, it must mean the San Jose State will execute a blocked kick. In the Friday, September 27 game at Air Force, linebacker Hadari Darden was credited with deflecting an Air Force extra-point attempt after a Falcons’ third-quarter touchdown.

On Friday, October 4 against New Mexico, wide receiver Bailey Gaither blocked a first-quarter punt for the second time in his career.

The Spartans enter the week tied for eighth nationally in blocked kicks with two.

While you’re on the site, check out the recent press releases on Josh Love and Matt Mercurio:

JOSH LOVE & MATT MERCURIO NAMED MOUNTAIN WEST PLAYERS OF THE WEEK 
For the second time in three weeks, two San Jose State players received Mountain West football’s Player of the Week honors.

Quarterback Josh Love was named the Mountain West “Offensive Player of the Week” for the second time this season and kicker Matt Mercurio was named the Mountain West “Special Teams Player of the Week.”

Love, a senior, completed 24-of-36 passes without an interception for a season-high 405 yards and two touchdowns in the Spartans’ 32-21 conference win over New Mexico on October 4. The signal caller received the same Mountain West honor after San Jose State defeated Arkansas, 31-24, on September 21.

Mercurio, a freshman, tied a San Jose State single game school record kicking four field goals in five attempts and converted two extra point tries in the win. He accounted for the team’s last 13 points with a PAT and field goals of 24, 33, a career-long 49, and a second 24-yard field goal.

JOSH LOVE NAMED TO DAVEY O’BRIEN AWARD GREAT 8
San Jose State’s Josh Love is one of eight FBS quarterbacks named to the Davey O’Brien Award’s Great 8 list for games played the week ending October 5.

Love completed 24-of-36 passes without an interception for a season-high 405 yards and two touchdowns in the Spartans’ 32-21 conference win over New Mexico on October 4.

The fifth-year senior is the first San Jose State quarterback recognized by the Davey O’Brien Award for weekly excellence at the position since David Fales during the 2013 season.

For the year, Love has completed 61.9 percent of his passes with only one interception for 1,418 yards and seven touchdowns.

The other seven quarterbacks recognized as the Davey O’Brien Award’s Great 8 for Week 6 include Ian Book, Notre Dame; Joe Burrow, LSU; Jett Duffey, Texas Tech; Sam Howell, North Carolina; Jake Luton, Oregon State; Brock Purdy, Iowa State; and Khalil Tate, Arizona.

The Davey O’Brien Award’s Quarterback of the Week from the Great 8 honorees will be announced on Tuesday, October 8.

San Jose State defeats New Mexico 32-21 for first conference win of the season

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: @SanJoseStateFB

By Ana Kieu

SAN JOSE, Calif. — This Friday night looked very similar to last Friday night. San Jose State was looking for their first conference win of the season. The only difference? They defeated conference foe New Mexico at CEFCU Stadium.

The Spartans, who were battle ready, had the ball to start the game versus the Lobos.

The Spartans opened the scoring, thanks to Nick Nash. Nash ran for a 9-yard rushing touchdown — his third of the season — to put San Jose State up 6-0 with 6:50 left in the first quarter. Matt Mercurio attempted the extra point, but it was blocked by De’John Rogers.

The Spartans led 6-0 at the end of the first quarter. San Jose State football was greeted by the San Jose State men’s basketball team, who made a brief appearance on the home field.

The Spartans took a 13-0 lead when Josh Love threw a pass to Billy Humphreys for the 5-yard passing touchdown at 12:56 of the second quarter. Mercurio kicked in the extra point.

Love threw another pass to Bailey Gaither for the 80-yard passing touchdown with 8:42 left in the second quarter. Mercurio kicked in the extra point. The Spartans took a 20-0 lead.

Mercurio kicked in a 24-yard field goal to extend the Spartans’ lead to 23-0 with 6:57 left in the second quarter.

Mercurio continued to shine with back-to-back field goals of 24 yards and 33 yards, respectively, in a span of 2:35 late in the fourth quarter. But Mercurio’s field goals were overshadowed by the Lobos’ first touchdown of the game. Sheriron Jones threw a pass to Jordan Kress for the 34-yard passing touchdown and Andrew Shelley kicked in the extra point to help New Mexico pull within 19 with 1:12 left in the second quarter.

The Spartans brought a 26-7 lead to the locker room at the halftime break.

The Spartan defense forced a red zone fumble to stop a Lobos drive and that was a notable third quarter play. However, New Mexico cut the Spartans’ lead to 26-14 with 3:11 left in the third quarter. Jones ran for a 4-yard rushing touchdown and Shelley kicked in the extra point.

The Spartans continued to lead 26-14 after the third quarter.

Mercurio kicked a 49-yard field goal to extend the Spartans’ lead to 29-14 at 12:47 of the fourth quarter. The field goal was Mercurio’s longest career field goal.

Mercurio added a 24-yard field goal to make it 32-14 Spartans with 6:16 left in the fourth quarter. With the field goal, Mercurio tied the single-game school record as the fourth player in Spartan history to do so.

But the Lobos made it an 11-point game with 4:52 left in the fourth quarter. Jones threw a pass to Cedric Patterson III for the 38-yard passing touchdown and Shelley kicked in the extra point.

The Spartans defeated the Lobos by a final score of 32-21. With the win, San Jose State picked up its first conference win of the season.

The Spartans (3-2, 1-1 Mountain West) take on the Nevada Wolf Pack (3-2, 0-1 Mountain West) on Saturday, October 12 at 1:00 p.m. Game will be broadcasted on ATSN.

World’s Largest Mobile Kitchen has new home in CEFCU Stadium

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: sjsuspartans.com

By Ana Kieu

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Resting in Silicon Valley, one of the America’s centers of innovation is the world’s largest mobile kitchen.

At 70 feet in length — much longer than the world record in the triple jump — nearly three-quarters of the length of a basketball court, and a greater distance than throwing a baseball from the rubber of a baseball pitching mound — The Powerhouse Kitchen is located at San Jose State University, north of CEFCU Stadium, the football home of the Spartans.

Also known as the “World’s Largest Mobile Kitchen,” The Powerhouse Kitchen is equipped with a massive commercial kitchen that chefs, barbecue pit masters, and cooks of all skill levels can produce high-end elegant meals or simple, traditional ball park food side-by-side or grill station to grill station.

The Powerhouse Kitchen is a self-contained entertainment center perfect in its current home of the Spartan Village Fan Zone, where people of all ages, interests and backgrounds can enjoy food, fun, and frolic for as long as three hours before every San Jose State home football game and through the first half.

The 16-foot retractable Jumbotron screen can show live footage of food being prepared inside The Powerhouse Kitchen, highlights of San Jose State Spartans’ Athletics events or feature-length movies like the Spartans did while hosting their annual “Evening with the Spartans.”

“We are thrilled The Powerhouse Kitchen will be an integral component of the San Jose State football tailgate scene,” said Marie Tuite, San Jose State University’s Director of Athletics. “It has a commanding presence in our Spartan Village Fan Zone. Our graphic design students created a standout visual that captures the essence of San Jose State University, school spirit, a zest for life, and the fun of eating and drinking responsibly at outdoor events.”

A creation of Cruising Kitchens, LLC, out of San Antonio, Texas, The Powerhouse Kitchen was purchased by Spartan Eats, the university’s food service concessionaire and a member of Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services. Thinking creatively, the Spartan Eats team enlisted San Jose State graphic design students to create the colorful, eye-catching and striking exterior that stands out from the upper deck of CEFCU Stadium and beyond.

Menus and price points are still being developed and tested. Fan favorites are certain to be on the menu. Don’t be surprised at the breadth of offerings that would reflect of the diverse cultures in Silicon Valley.

Regardless of your taste buds, interest in sports and outdoor activities, The Powerhouse Kitchen inside San Jose State’s Spartan Village Fan Zone at CEFCU Stadium will be your destination for some of the best food and entertainment in the city and throughout the greater Bay Area of six million residents.

San Jose State hosts New Mexico Friday night

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: sjsuspartans.com

By Ana Kieu

San Jose State stunned the masses with a win over Arkansas, but was unable to finish the brief, two-game road trip with a win at Air Force. The Spartans recently returned home, where they’ll host New Mexico on Friday night.

Here are the much-needed details, folks. Mark your calendars.

Game #5
San Jose State vs. New Mexico
Friday, October 4, 2019,
CEFCU Stadium, San Jose, Calif.
7:02 p.m. PT, CBS Sports Network

SJSU record
2-2, 0-1 Mountain West. Most recently, the Spartans lost their conference opener at Air Force, 41-24, on September 27.

New Mexico record
2-2, 0-0 Mountain West. The Lobos lost a non-conference game at Liberty, 17-10, on September 28.

Series history
San Jose State leads the series, 12-5-1. The teams are beginning their second two-season cycle of Mountain West home-and-home conference games this weekend.

The Lobos won the most recent meeting between these schools, 48-41, in Albuquerque, on October 11, 2016.

San Jose State’s last win in the series was a 31-21 victory at home on October 24, 2015. The Spartans have won the last four times these teams played in San Jose dating back to 1975. The last time New Mexico won in San Jose was a 27-24 decision on November 1, 1969. The 1971 game between these teams ended in a 21-21 tie.

San Jose State also has a bowl win over New Mexico winning the inaugural 2006 New Mexico Bowl, 20-12. San Jose State currently has a four-game postseason bowl winning streak dating back to 1990.

Play-by-play radio coverage
KKSF (910 AM, Oakland), RealTalk 910, is the new flagship radio station for San Jose State University football. Justin Allegri calls the play-by-play. Kevin Richardson provides commentary. The New Mexico broadcast begins at 6:30 p.m. (PT) before game time with a pregame show.

Network affiliates are KION (1460 AM/101.1 FM, Salinas), KFIV (1360 AM, Modesto), KWSX (1280 AM, Stockton).

The San Jose State vs. New Mexico broadcast with Justin Allegri and Kevin Richardson calling the action also will be carried on http://www.siriusxm.com Channel 965.

KSJS (90.5 FM, San Jose) also will broadcast the San Jose State-New Mexico game starting at 6:45 p.m. PT.

Television
The CBS Sports Network will provide broadcast coverage beginning at 7:00 p.m. PT. Jason Horowitz calls the play-by-play. Malik Zaire provides commentary. The CBS Sports Network is available Comcast Channel 643, DirecTV Channel 221, and DISH Network Channel 158.

Tickets

• sjsuspartans.com/tickets

• ticketmaster.com

Athletics Ticket Office, 1393 S. 7th Street, San José, CA 95112, weekdays, 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.

Ticket prices range from $10.00 for a general admission seat to $58.00 for a reserved seat.

Tickers 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

Game promotions

• Brew & Vine — Greatest Tailgate Party You’ve Never Been To — $35.00/per person beginning at 5:00 p.m. includes tasting for two hours, meal voucher & game ticket • Parent & Family Weekend

A 2-2 record at the end of September: For the first time since the 2015 season, San Jose State enters an October with a 2-2 overall win-loss record. The 2019 Spartans had an opportunity to finish September with at least 3-1 overall mark for the first time since 2012, but lost at Air Force, 41-24.

Back-to-back Friday games
For the first time since 1950, San Jose State is playing football games on consecutive Fridays. This week’s game vs. New Mexico follows the Friday, September 27 conference contest at Air Force.

In 1950, San Jose State hosted Loyola (Calif.), now LMU, on Friday, October 13, losing 14-7, and traveled to the University of San Francisco on Friday, October 20, suffering a 27-0 shutout loss. After losing to USF, the Spartans, coached by first-year head coach Bob Bronzan, went 4-0-1 to finish the season with a 6-3-1 win-loss record, the program’s fifth consecutive winning season in the post World War II period.

Emphasis on a positive turnover margin paying off
A point of emphasis for this year’s San Jose State team is finishing in the top-25 in turnover margin.

After the first month of the season, San Jose State ranks tied for sixth nationally in turnover margin at +6 or 1.5 per game. The Spartans have seven interceptions, which is tied for fourth nationally, and came up with their first two fumble recoveries of the season in the Air Force contest.

For their first four games, San Jose State lost the ball only three times on two fumbles and one pass interception. Through games of September 28, the Spartans are tied for eighth nationally in fewest times losing the ball.

A year ago, San Jose State finished at +1, a significant improvement from the 2017 season when the team had a minus-26 turnover margin figure.

First blocked kick of the season
San Jose State notched its first blocked kick of the season when linebacker Hadari Darden was credited with deflecting an Air Force extra-point attempt following a Falcons’ third-quarter touchdown.

The Spartans are one of 59 FBS schools to block a punt or a kick-scoring try in games played through September 28.

A San Jose State first since 2007
In the Air Force game, freshman Nick Nash became the first San Jose State quarterback since Adam Tafralis in 2007 to have rushing and passing attempts and catch a pass thrown by a teammate in the same game.

Nash was San Jose State’s leading rusher against Air Force with 62 yards on 11 carries and had the Spartans’ longest run of the game at 19 yards. He completed 5-of-7 passes without an interception for 82 yards and two touchdowns. In the first quarter, he caught a Josh Love pass for 4 yards.

Nash joins former San Jose State quarterbacks Tafralis, Scott Rislov in a 2002 win over UTEP and current University of Oregon offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo in a 2001 NCAA record-setting victory against Nevada as Spartan signal callers to display their offensive versatility rushing, passing and receiving in the same game since the 1976 season.

Since 1976, the feat now has been accomplished 16 times. Former San Jose State running back and current Arizona Cardinals running backs coach James Saxon did it four times, three times in 1987 and once in 1986.

Sharing the wealth
Twice this season in the Northern Colorado and Air Force games, at least 10 Spartans caught had a pass reception. In the Northern Colorado victory, 10 Spartans had a pass reception. At Air Force, 11 San Jose State players were credited with a catch.

San Jose State quarterback Josh Love named Campbell Trophy semifinalist

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo credit: sjsuspartans.com

By Ana Kieu

San Jose State quarterback Josh Love led the Spartans to a 31-24 comeback road win over Arkansas on September 21 and is now one of 185 national semifinalists for the 2019 William V. Campbell Trophy presented by Mazda.

Now in its 30th year, the award recognizes college football’s top scholar-athlete for combined academic success, football performance and leadership on the field and in the community. The National Football Foundation and the College Football Hall of Fame oversee the prestigious awards program.

Love, a senior from Mission Viejo, Calif., is in his third season as a starting quarterback for the Spartans. After three games, Love is realizing his best season at the major college level. He has completed 62.7 percent of his passes with only one interception for 815 yards and five touchdowns. More significantly, he led San Jose State on a fourth-quarter game-winning 75-yard touchdown drive at Arkansas after the Razorbacks tied the score at 24-24 with less than 3:00 remaining in regulation play.

Love, a business management information systems major, is a three-time Academic All-Mountain award recipient.

During his college career, Love has been very active in the team’s Beyond Football program. Most recently, he organized a presentation to the team by MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). He is one of the many Spartans to participate in the Silicon Valley YWCA’s annual Walk A Mile In Her Shoes fundraiser to raise awareness that any form of violence directed towards women must end.

To be eligible for consideration, a football student-athlete must be a senior or graduate student, in one’s final year of athletics eligibility, possess a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale, be a significant contributor on the team, and demonstrate strong leadership and citizenship traits.

“These 185 impressive candidates truly represent the scholar-athlete ideal,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning, whose sons Peyton (Campbell Trophy winner) and Eli were named NFF National Scholar-Athletes in 1997 and 2003, respectively.

“For more than 60 years, the NFF National Scholar-Athlete program has showcased more than 800 college football players who have been successful on the football field, in the classroom and in the community. And we are excited to celebrate the 30th year of the William V. Campbell Trophy® Presented by Mazda, which honors the best of the best. This year’s semifinalists further illustrate the power of our great sport in developing the next generation of influential leaders.”

Named in honor of the late Bill Campbell, former chairman of Intuit, former player and head coach at Columbia University and the 2004 recipient of the NFF’s Gold Medal, the Campbell Trophy Presented by Mazda is a 25-pound bronze trophy and increases the amount of the recipient’s grant by $7,000 for a total postgraduate scholarship of $25,000. This year’s postgraduate scholarships will push the program’s all-time distribution to more than $11.7 million.

“The NFF would like to personally congratulate each of the nominees as well as their schools and coaches on their tremendous accomplishments,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “We are extremely proud to highlight each semifinalist’s achievements, showcasing their ability to balance academics and athletics at the highest level. The NFF Awards Committee will have an incredibly difficult task in selecting the finalists from this outstanding group of candidates.”

From the 185 semifinalists, 12 to 14 finalists will be announced on October 30. Each finalist will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship and travel to New York City for the 62nd annual National Football foundation Scholar-Athlete awards dinner in December.

Named in honor of the late Bill Campbell, former chairman of Intuit, former player and head coach at Columbia University and the 2004 recipient of the NFF’s Gold Medal, the Campbell Trophy Presented by Mazda is a 25-pound bronze trophy and increases the amount of the recipient’s grant by $7,000 for a total postgraduate scholarship of $25,000. This year’s postgraduate scholarships will push the program’s all-time distribution to more than $11.7 million.

In the history of the program, San Jose State wide receiver Tim Crawley was the Spartans’ first National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete in 2016.