Live football blog: Hawaii vs. San Jose State

San Jose State returner Kenyon Reed (18) is pounded on by Hawaii linebacker Paul Scott (15), Lincoln Victor, Nalu Emerson, and James Phillips during the first half of a college football game today at Aloha Stadium/Photo by Jamm Aquino

Nick Starkel threw two scoring passes and Tyler Nevens rushed for two touchdowns to lift unbeaten San Jose State to its fifth victory in a row.

The Spartans are atop the Mountain West with a game remaining in this eight-week season. Boise State’s game was canceled this week, leaving the Broncos with a 4-0 record against league opponents.

There were concerns about the status of this game all week. Santa Clara County’s coronavirus-related restrictions forced the game to relocate from San Jose. On Friday, it was learned a UH player tested positive. But the player was the only Warrior requiring isolation, and the game was allowed to be player.

The Spartans scored on their first three drives for a 21-0 lead.

The outcome gave the Spartans’ possession of the Dick Tomey Trophy. Tomey had coached at UH and San Jose State.

UH closes the season next week against UNLV. SJSU heads to Las Vegas, where it will set up headquarters of next week’s game against Nevada.

* * * * *

Chevan Cordeiro scores on a 4-yard run to cut the Warriors’ deficit to 35-24 with 2:24 to play.

Time — or lack of it — is UH’s foe at the moment.

* * * * *

Tre Walker goes 50 yards on a catch-and-sprint scoring play to increase the Spartans’ lead to 35-17 with 12:03 to play.

With three receivers on the right, Walker runs a drag route from the left across the field. Walker caught Nick Starkel’s pass and, finding an alley created with the Spartans’ right-side blocks, zips the rest of the way for the TD.

* * * * *

The Spartans lead, 28-17, after three quarters.

The Warriors will face a third-and-6 situation from their 47 when play resumes in the fourth quarter.

* * * * *

The Spartans extend their lead to 28-17 on a drive that proved extra damaging to the Warriors.

Kairee Robinson’s 2-yard run capped an 80-yard possession that used 18 plays and forced the Warriors to burn their second and third timeouts of the half.

* * * * *

The Warriors open the second half with a 74-yard scoring drive, the final 11 yards coming on a pass from Chevan Cordeiro to wideout Rico Bussey.

The Warriors have scored 17 points in a row to close to 21-17 with 9:48 left in the first half.

* * * * *

At the intermission, the Spartans lead, 21-10.

The Spartans scored touchdowns on their first three possessions — two by running back Tyler Nevens — but the Warriors rallied for 10 second-quarter points.

The Spartans still have a 292-174 advantage in offense. But UH quarterback Chevan Cordeiro, who was 0-for-4 in the opening quarter, was 13-for-18 for 120 yards after that.

UH will receive the kickoff to open the second half.

* * * * *

The Warriors cut their deficit to 21-10 on Chevan Cordeiro’s 10-yard pass to running back Dae Dae Hunter.

Isaiah Tufaga’s pick set up the 39-yard drive.

* * * * *

Matt Shipley’s 25-yard field goal closes UH to 21-3 with 9:21 left in the first half.

The Warriors’ missed a TD opportunity when Jonah Panoke could not handle a pass from Chevan Cordeiro in the end zone.


* * * * *

After one quarter, the Spartans lead 21-0 … and are driving.

The Spartans have 229 yards; the Warriors have gained 30. UH quarterback Chevan Cordeiro is 0-for-4. The Warriors have one first down in four possessions. They have punted four times.

* * * * *

The Warriors’ offense stalled again, leading to the fourth punt in as many drives.

* * * * *

The Warriors go three-and-out for the third series in a row. This drive lasted 4 yards. The Warriors have gained 14 yards in three drives.

The Spartans lead, 21-0, with 4:25 left in the first quarter.

* * * * *

After only 9 minutes, 7 seconds since the opening kickoff, the Spartans have boosted their lead to 21-0.

Tyler Nevens goes off right tackle, then sprints 10 to the end zone for his second TD of the game.

* * * * *

After their second 5-yard drive, the Warriors punt again. They’re down, 14-0.

* * * * *

While you went for that snack, the Spartans scored again. This time, Tyler Nevens goes 72 yards on a sweep to the left to extend the Spartans’ lead to 14-0 with 9:36 left in the first quarter.

The two-play drive took 28 seconds.

* * * * *

The Spartans go 75 yards in nine plays to score on the game’s opening drive.

The final 2 yards came on a toss from Nick Starkel to running back Isaiah Holiness. An H-back motioned from the right to the leff, as the UH defense followed, allowing Holiness to curl to open space on the right side of the end zone.

It’s 7-0 with 11:43 left in the first quarter.

* * * * *

UH wins the coin toss and defers the choice until the second half.

The Spartans will start the game on offense.

* * * * *

For the third week in a row, the Warriors face a team with an unbeaten Mountain West record.

This will be the first game in three weeks for the 4-0 Spartans. Their previous two scheduled opponents — Fresno State and Boise State — canceled because of COVID-related situations.

This game also has been affected by the pandemic. It initially was to be played in San Jose, but was forced to relocate when Santa Clara County imposed restrictions on activities and incoming travel. After today’s game, the Spartans will travel to Las Vegas, where they will appear to set up shop until next week’s game against Nevada.

Things to watch:

> SJSU QB Nick Starkel is a self-styled gunslinger with accuracy. He is a double transfer who previously played at Texas A&M and Arkansas.


> When Starkel suffered an injury in the first series against San Diego State, Nick Nash entered. Nash excels in the read option. The Aztecs were not prepared, the Spartans produced the upset.

> Isaiah Tufaga stepped in for Jeremiah Pritchard last week. If Pritchard can’t go today, Tufaga will be counted on to defend the run and track the QB.

COMMENTS

  1. Rodney December 5, 2020 12:53 pm

    Bobby announce a good game….
    Give us radio listeners a good idea
    of what,Why,how,who


  2. One Sr. December 5, 2020 1:06 pm

    GO BOWS!!


  3. Rodney December 5, 2020 1:09 pm

    Let’s go bows


  4. sackkabooya December 5, 2020 1:18 pm

    Sounds like the running game set up the short pass coverage confusion. Need to stop the run with D-line a little more. Fixable.


  5. sackkabooya December 5, 2020 1:25 pm

    Try not to panic. Just follow the game plan. If you panic the game is over right now. Play hard and execute just like Boise game. Bad start, it happens.


  6. azwarrior22 December 5, 2020 1:32 pm

    WTF ! Why is Hawaii always a slow starter?


  7. Whats Up December 5, 2020 1:37 pm

    Just wow! SJSU is bigger and stronger than Hawaii. Hawaii is executing like they didn’t practice the game plan. Hopefully, adjustments can be made or this is going to be a blowout game.


  8. H-Man December 5, 2020 1:39 pm

    Whoa, SJSU 203 yards offense, 1st Q to Hawaii 10 total yards. 21-0 SJSU in first Quarter !!!


  9. Whats Up December 5, 2020 1:45 pm

    Am I watching Chow ball? Run, Run, Pass, Punt? Come on! Adjustments need to be made!


  10. winning December 5, 2020 1:46 pm

    WELL, IF LOSNG IS WINNING- AHH LIKE RIGHT NOW? UH IS WINNING BIG! HEH HEH! FIRE THE DC!! DONT KNOW WHATS HAPPENING.


  11. H-Man December 5, 2020 1:47 pm

    SJSU getting their payback from last year.


  12. winning December 5, 2020 1:49 pm

    GOOD THING NEVA GO TO THE BAR TO WATCH. SAVE MONEY! NOT OVER BUT LOOKS LIKE LOSING IS WINNING.


  13. sackkabooya December 5, 2020 1:49 pm

    No trust right now. Got to figure it out.


  14. azwarrior22 December 5, 2020 1:50 pm

    Q1 has been pathetic !


  15. sackkabooya December 5, 2020 1:53 pm

    OK. Re-set button. Still got lots of time. Don’t panic yet.


  16. Inyoface December 5, 2020 1:53 pm

    Cordero passes like the receivers are 7 feet tall


  17. Fog December 5, 2020 1:57 pm

    SJSU Grad (1971). This season has been a looooong time coming.

    Thanks to Spectrum for making the game available on the mainland via Team1Sports.


  18. One Sr. December 5, 2020 2:03 pm

    We all need to settle down. Yes it doesn’t look good, and the Bows have a huge mountain to climb. They need to regroup and focus. Which has been missing thus far. Take it one snap at a time.


  19. sackkabooya December 5, 2020 2:18 pm

    Corderio needs to play better. Period. He has a quarter to show he can do it. Or plan B time.


  20. One Sr. December 5, 2020 2:29 pm

    Turnover!!
    TOUCHDOWN!!!


  21. sackkabooya December 5, 2020 2:29 pm

    OK. Plan A do or die. Good. Keep playing hard Boys. Let the coaches figure out everything else.


  22. azwarrior22 December 5, 2020 2:48 pm

    Ok, better, but should have got at least 3 on that last drive. Graham should make good half time adjustments and Warriors will roll !!


  23. sackkabooya December 5, 2020 2:51 pm

    Some of it sounds like play calling but this is on Corderio to apply his experience and TRUST his skillset. I think there will be major adjustments as to what isn’t working for the offense (deep ball?) so Chevan will be put into more reasonable situational calls. Everybody needs to help him. Protection and WR catching. I think if the defense can stop the big play runs Hawaii can win this game. Just like the Boise game and 180 opposite from Wyoming game. Can I think. Up to Chevan.


  24. Inyoface December 5, 2020 3:19 pm

    3rd and 20 and they got a 1st down ugh


  25. sackkabooya December 5, 2020 3:23 pm

    Defense has to adjust the run scheme, make them pass and press to intercept.


  26. sackkabooya December 5, 2020 3:26 pm

    3rd and 20 was the perfect time to press. Missed opportunity. Kinda tells me thats not the defensive game plan…… Then what is the plan? Hmmmm


  27. azwarrior22 December 5, 2020 3:28 pm

    Burn all your TOs in the 3rd Q. Hope it pays off !


  28. sackkabooya December 5, 2020 3:29 pm

    Strange use of timeouts. Like it’s a scrimmage.


  29. Da Punchbowl Kid December 5, 2020 3:30 pm

    Slow start on both sides of the ball! They gotta come out the gate like their hair is on fire!

    But we don’t see quit in the Warriors. They are rallying and keeping it competitive! Looking for a great second half. These guys can do it!

    GO WARRIORS!!!


  30. sackkabooya December 5, 2020 3:36 pm

    Offense gotta pick up the defense. Trust each other. Play hard for each other. Win or lose for Hawaii will be up to San Jose.


  31. azwarrior22 December 5, 2020 3:43 pm

    Not up to San Jose. Defense has to make stops. Offense has to make plays.


  32. azwarrior22 December 5, 2020 3:57 pm

    If Hawaii wants to have a chance, they need to answer back on this next drive.


  33. sackkabooya December 5, 2020 3:58 pm

    Seems it was up to San Jose. They executed confidently while talking s**t. They don’t beat themselves. Plus Hawaii cannot stop the run.


  34. azwarrior22 December 5, 2020 4:06 pm

    Yup, Defense needs a turnover.


  35. sackkabooya December 5, 2020 4:07 pm

    On video San Jose is not as explosive as Nevada or Boise and couldn’t really run that good. But their discipline in not beating themselves is an evident element of their success. I guess the UH run defense really needs adjusting. Every week gets worse run defense wise.


  36. Whats Up December 5, 2020 4:12 pm

    Hawaii is out of sync, overmatched and out coached. It’s just a wow! Hawaii made adjustments, then SJSU made counter adjustments by just running the ball down Hawaii throat. Hopefully, Hawaii can make miracles happen.


  37. azwarrior22 December 5, 2020 4:29 pm

    Sucks, no bowling this year. But this season is a pass. Lots of positives moving forward.


  38. sackkabooya December 5, 2020 4:40 pm

    Watching video you can see the limitations of the UH defensive line play. Nevada gashed the middle mostly. SDSU stretched off tackle. This game sounded like it was a lot off tackle to edge on the big plays. It might be personnel overmatches, it might be scheme, it might be technique (tackling, space eating, block shedding, etc). It needs to be fixed before the season ends (hopefully Bowl game). But physicality definitely needs to improve. Fixable.


  39. sackkabooya December 5, 2020 4:49 pm

    Boise game was way more stressful than this game. 100%. When UH cut the lead to 21-17 the on field leadership need to take over. There seems to not be any vocal leaders. Ones need to develop by the staff. Fixable.


  40. SteveM December 5, 2020 4:55 pm

    The loss today was disappointing, but on this day (December 5) 9 years ago, the Tsai-Kos suffered another loss: Bonafide Tsai-ko John Collins (a.k.a. las vegas, rasu begasu, Maryanne, and fulavit) to a sudden stroke. John was our host during UH football games in Las Vegas 2007-2011and leader in karaoke and humor on the blog

    R.I.P. John.
    http://stevem.altervista.org/photos/lasvegastsaikos.html


  41. sackkabooya December 5, 2020 5:23 pm

    Over the years you could see Brent Brennan building a culture there in San Jose. Seemed similar to the “Ohana” culture Nick Rolovich was building, You could see the players were overmatched but play hard. And then always respectful as a team when the game ended. But you could see it forming year to year watching their games against UH. Especially the last two meetings. Now fruition for Brennan’s program. Good for them.


  42. Inyoface December 5, 2020 6:01 pm

    I dont think chevan is as accurate as Cole


  43. H-Man December 5, 2020 6:38 pm

    I remember Rasu Begasu blog. I can”t imagine it’s been 9 years. Every year another passes on. May they be resting in peace and enjoying the games from above.


  44. Inyoface December 5, 2020 9:30 pm

    Might need to bring in some qb competition next year.


  45. sackkabooya December 5, 2020 9:59 pm

    Maybe Chevan needs gloves if it’s legal. His grip could be the problem. Las Vegas last season. Wyoming in the cold and now today, If can.


  46. H-Man December 5, 2020 11:55 pm

    Passing – Cordeiro was 28 of 42 (64%) for 238 yds and 2 TD/1 INT. Rushing – 11 attempts for 44 yds. Stats don’t tell the whole story. I didn’t watch the game, so I don’t know what really happened, but statistically, he had a good game. The defense, however, allowed SJSU to rush for 288 yds and 3 TD. I think that was the story of the game.


  47. Whats Up December 6, 2020 2:51 am

    Chevan accuracy is perplexing, the Chad Morris style Run-n-Gun offense has effected Chevan accuracy. Chevan is a Run-n-Shoot guru at QB and can make those throws in his sleep just by muscle memory alone. The lack of practice, game reps is hurting Chevan decisiveness, anticipation and accuracy with the timing of WR’s. This really stands out against better competition.

    The under throws, over throws and throws just a little behind crossing routes, but especially on the short check downs, hot routes to intermediate routes. We know Chevan is a long ball master, he can hit those vertical routes with great accuracy, but Chad Morris Run-n-Gun offense with it’s short to intermediate routes he still needs to plant his feet and get those reps in with his WR’s to improve.

    Chevan is not the problem for the Hawaii Offense not able to sustain drives and put up points like the Run-n-Shoot days. It’s just a lack of reps against better competition. Next season there will be improvement, COVID has made this difficult to install a new offense and defense. Some of those young coaches got to get the offense rolling like a well oiled machine next season.


  48. Akamai Okole December 6, 2020 4:27 am

    Outcoached…again.

    Oh well…it happens every week somewhere.

    Next up, Da Webels.

    Pomai,

    56 – 14 Akamai Okole


  49. Akamai Okole December 6, 2020 4:27 am

    RIP, Rasu.


  50. Joe bro December 6, 2020 6:21 am

    We are fortunate to have the Spectrum Sports crew. Specifically RJ & Kawika Hallums. The analysis they gave after the game was very accurate. One more game left, going to miss this crew.


  51. Inyoface December 6, 2020 8:38 am

    #49 What happen to nasty Nate?


  52. Old School Dave December 6, 2020 1:48 pm

    The SJSU game resulted in the same old “We gotta work harder in the weight room” slogan, with UH getting overpowered on both lines. They made some progress under Dwaine Bradshaw last season, but he’s now at WSU. Perhaps, the problems isn’t the training, but the nutrition and fuel or lack of it that the players are receiving. This is crucial for repair, recovery, and peak performance. Are they getting enough to eat? Are they getting the right amount of quality nutrition and meals (not just a lot of White Rice, Chicken Katsu, and Spam) from the training table? Seeing players that are in their 2nd to 3rd year in the problem who remain skinny, while a number of linemen are overweight (350 lbs is too heavy to play 60 mins). Maybe, time to look at even the small details of the program if they want to improve. Growing number of MWC schools, (never mind the P5) have their own cafeteria/food service facility for the team.


  53. Islander December 6, 2020 3:15 pm

    Some kind of Hawaii connection, Nick Rolovich’s team is down 0-21 in the first quarter, lol..


  54. sackkabooya December 6, 2020 11:50 pm

    There were two key plays (missed opportunities on UH’s part) on the 3rd quarter drive by San Jose that helped them extend the drive and re-gain the momentum. Combined with the help of two fourth down conversions, Graham was forced to burn two timeouts knowing that stopping that pivotal drive was the key point of the game.

    The first was a 3rd and 20 on the San Jose 20. Hawaii’s offense had a nice TD scoring drive to open second half and cut the lead to 21-17. San Jose was stopped for no gain on 1st and 10 on their 30. A holding penalty gave them 2nd and 20 from their 20. Ta’ala, in isolation vs the center, quick bull rushed forcing an incompletion. With San Jose on their heels in 3rd and 20 the UH defensive call was a 3 man rush with loose coverage, heels on the sticks. The very conservative defensive call gave up a straight 19 yard slant route pass (no YAC) . With the success San Jose had rushing anywhere, the 4th and 1 decision was a no brainer. A lot of better defensive call options was had in my opinion. Miss opportunity.

    The second play was a 3rd and 8 from the Hawaii 21. A pressure package with Bethley from the edge and LB (Muasau? IDK) from the middle was the call. The pressure forced a quick pass. The coverage however was 10 yard loose which I thought was odd because of the short field. Another quick slant was an easy completion that yielded (horizontal) YAC all the way across the field for 12 yards. The coverage wasn’t synched up with the pressure on 3rd and long. Missed opportunity.

    BTW in the 4th quarter the opposite happened. The defensive call was a “soft” (not real aggressive) blitz from edge with tight man 2 deep coverage. Another quick slant (the DB looked like he anticipated an outside route so he missed his “jam”) over the intermediate middle resulted in 50 yard TD mostly YAC. Too bad………..I think it’s fixable for sure though.


  55. Maddog50 December 7, 2020 4:04 am

    This game was a sad mess start to finish. No reason to single out anything all units players and coaches figure into this. One common thread in all losses and all but one game. Offense can’t consistently move the ball. The “slow” starts are indicative of play selection and execution. The constant attempts to return kicks instead of starting at the 25 is nuts. Win the toss take the ball and field position helps a struggling offense. UNLV will not be an easy game at all. Wounded animals are tough to take down. GoWarriors


  56. H-Man December 7, 2020 5:40 am

    I previously commented that Chevan, statistically, had a good game, but after watching the re-telecast, I have to take it back and say he had a bad game. It was unimaginable how off some of his throws were. I mean, these are throws he can do in his sleep.

    And talk about the O and D lines getting dominated, there was one play where SJ’s DT pushed our center back 5 yards. I don’t recall ever seeing that before.

    I just hope they play, as a team, better against UNLV.

    Right now, this is beginning to feel like a NC re-run.


  57. sackkabooya December 8, 2020 8:48 pm

    On the 72 yard TD run for San Jose it looked like a well executed blocking design combined with some curious run support technique (terrible?) that resulted in a RB just about matching his season rushing total in that one carry. That back (their power back) also outran our fastest defenders.

    The Spartans lined up with a slot and a big H (#87) to the strong side, single set back. Hawaii lined up with a 3 man front, 3 LB’s, 2 deep (17 yards off the ball) with Davis lined tight on the weak side WR. The play was a weak side run off the left tackle’s outside “crease”. The right guard and the H back pulled off the snap (real quick). The LT sealed Tavai and drove him back about 3 yards. The pulling RG kicked Tufaga “in” away from the hole (Tufaga attacked the inside shoulder of the blocker, why?) and took him out of the play.

    The RB followed the H through the crease as they approached the 2nd level. The weak side safety (Lockridge) attacked the crease (too aggressive?) but was blocked by the weak side WR who quickly took him out of the play. The H kicked Davis “out” and opened the crease to the 3rd level.

    Muasau’s pursuit angle was jammed by the LT/Tavai standoff so he had to push off the LT to get to the RB about 7 yards up field right in the middle of the crease. Muasau missed his wrap tackle (was a difficult but makeable tackle) and the RB (Nevens) outran Frazier and Kaneshiro (who took a “lolo” route to his offside pursuit) for the TD. Kaneshiro looked way faster than Nevens but the angle was bad. Long story short, TD should not have happened.


  58. Old School Dave December 10, 2020 10:37 am

    Nevah mind about a new stadium with condos, a shopping center, and an entertainment center. Just put up some bleachers at Ching Field (25,000 – 30,000)! Can do. Use the seats from No Aloha. Sheesh!!


  59. sackkabooya December 10, 2020 9:25 pm

    Re-watching the video, the 4th quarter TD for SJSU was off an aggressive blitz (SS, MLB, OLB and stand up DE with 2 down linemen). My assessment was way off. The blitz actually looked pretty nice but SJSU is really good in picking up pressure packages, just the delayed MLB blitz (with Muasau) was giving them some problems.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBuxPHmvthg


  60. winning December 10, 2020 9:59 pm

    BROKEN RECORD BUT GOTTA RECRUIT BETTER! MWC YOU GOTTA OUTSCORE EM-CANNOT PLAY CAGEY FOOTBALL CAUSE THEY AINT GOT ENOUGH GOOD PLAYERS. LET IT ALL HANG OUT IN THE 1ST QUARTER-THE HELL WITH RUN, RUN, PASS AND PUNT- SICKENING!!! GO FOR THE GLORY, GUN EM DOWN IN A HAIL OF PASSES. SICK ALREADY.


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