San Jose State’s Nick Nash (3) drops a pass while being tackled by Oregon State’s Jaden Robinson (4) in the second quarter of their game at San Jose State University in San Jose, Calif., on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
SAN JOSE — San Jose State’s offense sputtered for most of the day, while No. 18 Oregon State’s transfer quarterback DJ Uiagalelei had a debut to remember as the Spartans’ bid to upset a ranked Pac-12 opponent fell short for the second weekend in a row in a 42-17 loss on Sunday afternoon at Spartan Stadium.
Quarterback Chevan Cordeiro struggled in the Spartans’ nationally televised home opener on CBS, completing 18 for 32 passes for just 143 yards.
The Spartans had few answers for Uiagalelei, a transfer from Clemson who accounted for three touchdowns in the first half as the Beavers took a 21-3 lead into halftime. Uiagalelei finished with five touchdowns — throwing three and rushing for two more.
SJSU trailed by as much as 32 in the second half and didn’t score a touchdown until the first play of the fourth quarter when Cordeiro fumbled a 2-yard rush in the end zone but the ball was recovered by tight end Sam Olson.
The Beavers’ rushing attack averaged 5.6 yards per carry and starting running back Damien Martinez rushed for 145 yards on 18 carries. SJSU, by comparison, rushed for 56 yards on 22 attempts. The Spartans managed just 279 yards of offense after gaining 396 yards in their season-opening loss at No. 6 USC, and converted just 4 of 13 on third down conversions.
Oregon State extended its winning streak against San Jose State to five.
After consecutive games against Pac-12 teams, the Spartans have a short week before facing FCS foe Cal Poly at CEFCU Stadium on Saturday.
Check back for more on this developing story.
Originally published at Nathan Canilao