San Jose State tight end Sam Olson scores a touchdown in the 1st quarter against Cal Poly, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, at CEFCU Stadium n San Jose, Calif. SAN JOSE — Jaylan Lawson helped San Jose State set the tone on Saturday against Cal Poly – and the Spartans hope for the rest of the season – from the opening kickoff.
Coming off lopsided losses to No. 6 USC and No. 16 Oregon State to open the season, the Spartans knew they could not afford to fall to 0-3, especially with another difficult matchup – at defending Mid-American Conference champions Toledo – next week. “Physicality is always the key,” said SJSU head coach Brent Brennan. “I was encouraged by how that showed up early for us and that’s something that has to show up for us because the next three games are all going to be physical.”
Huard, a five-star recruit out of high school, threw for more than 300 yards in his Mustangs debut a week earlier against the University of San Diego, but he and the Cal Poly offense was grounded by the Spartans. Huard passed for 66 yards on 17 attempts and was intercepted by Chase Williams. Kairee Robinson was back after missing the Oregon State game and rushed 16 times for 124 yards and two touchdowns. Quali Conley added 60 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries.
Cordeiro added, “When the run game is working, it opens up the pass. Linebackers start coming in, safeties start coming in with their eyes. It’s always good when the running backs are scoring touchdowns.”With pre-season All-Mountain West wide receiver Justin Lockhart still sidelined, Corderio has had to find other targets he could trust.