San Jose State University clinched a dramatic 45-38 victory over the University of Hawaii on November 4, 2023, in the Dick Tomey Legacy Game. Wide receiver Danny Scudero delivered a standout performance, achieving a career-high of 215 receiving yards and scoring two crucial touchdowns. This win marks the fifth consecutive victory for the Spartans in this annual matchup.
The game unfolded with Hawaii initially taking control, leading at halftime with a score of 31-14. However, the Rainbow Warriors (6-3) mounted a fierce comeback, narrowing the gap to a single score late in the fourth quarter. With just over a minute remaining, they attempted an onside kick that rolled out of bounds, securing the Spartans’ (3-5) victory.
Both teams showcased their offensive prowess, as they entered the game boasting the top two passing offenses in the Mountain West Conference. The second half kicked off with Hawaii’s quarterback Micah Alejado connecting with running back Landon Sims for an 8-yard touchdown, reducing San Jose State’s lead to 31-21. In response, Spartans quarterback Walker Eget answered back with a 62-yard touchdown pass to Scudero, restoring a two-score advantage.
During the first half, Alejado found wide receiver Jackson Harris for a 68-yard touchdown, which trimmed the Spartans’ lead to 21-14. Following this, Eget and Scudero teamed up again for a 50-yard touchdown, increasing the Spartans’ lead to 28-14. A pivotal moment occurred when SJSU linebacker Jordan Pollard recorded a sack, halting a Hawaii drive and allowing the Spartans to extend their lead with a 24-yard field goal by Matthias Brown, bringing the score to 31-14 before halftime.
Eget completed the game with impressive stats, going 20-for-40 for a total of 458 yards and two touchdowns to Scudero. Alongside Scudero, Spartans wide receivers Leland Smith and Kyri Shoels also surpassed the 100-yard mark, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive display.
Defensively, Pollard led San Jose State with eight tackles, including two tackles for loss. In contrast, Alejado concluded the game with notable numbers as well, completing 31 of 46 passes for 367 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Hawaii pushed hard in the final quarter, closing the gap to 38-35 after a 20-yard touchdown pass from Alejado to Pofele Ashlock Harris with 9:32 remaining. However, San Jose State responded decisively with Steve Chavez-Soto scoring on a 1-yard run, extending their lead to 45-35 with 5:37 left in the game. Chavez-Soto, who had three rushing touchdowns throughout the game, was instrumental in the Spartans’ offensive strategy, while the running back duo of Chavez-Soto and Lamar Radcliffe combined for 150 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Looking ahead, San Jose State will return home to play against the Air Force Academy on November 8, 2023, with kickoff scheduled for 15:00 local time. This matchup presents another opportunity for the Spartans to build momentum as they continue their season.
