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It was a drizzly evening at CEFCU Stadium, “Home of the Spartans,” with a listed crowd of 15,533. The Falcons looked to continue with another bowl bound season, while the Spartans looked to finish the doomed season with a victory. Let’s take a look at some of the high/low-lights of game and any outstanding playmakers.
Arion Worthman just kept running
The Spartans seemed confused at how to stop Worthman from rushing for 215 yard with two rushing touchdowns. With only his third start, the sophomore only had to make three completions the entire game, including the 22-yard toss to Jalen Robinette to clinch the victory in the final seconds of the game. The run-heavy, triple-action attack was just a little too much for the Spartans to handle with Worthman leading the charge.
Questionable play-calling by the Spartan staff.....again
With 1:39 left in the 4th quarter, the Spartans led 38-34. By a miracle, San José State recovered a fumble on SJSU 1 yard line. To get the clock going they run the ball up the middle for zero yardage. Timeout Air Force. Next play, Kenny Potter does a play-action that is well-covered, forcing an incomplete pass. Clock stops. Third attempt, a pass that is broken up for incomplete pass. Clock stops. A grand total of 21 seconds was taken off the clock and forcing Air Force to use a timeout. Those two extra timeouts certainly came into play on the next drive. I will admit Caragher always takes the aggressive route to victory, but is it always the right one?
Weston Steelhammer crushing the Spartans drives
Steelhammer was all over the field on Saturday. Hhad two interceptions for the Falcons, including the game-ending interception with 16 seconds left in the game. This brings Steelhammer’s total to six interceptions for the year and a NCAA-leading active career total of 17.
Kenny Potter was great, but not good enough
Potter threw for 340 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions, as well, for the evening. He also ran for 52 yards and three rushing touchdowns, including a 1-yard run for a touchdown late in the 4th quarter for the Spartans final lead, 38-34. Potter has 14 career rushing touchdowns, tying Jeff Garcia (1991-1993) for most by a San José State quarterback since 1950.
Honorable Mentions
RB Timothy McVey, Air Force: 9 carries, 89 yards rushing; 9.9 yards per rush average
WR Tim Crawley, San José State: 11 receptions, 147 receiving yards; 13.4 yards per catch average
Final Score: Air Force 41, San José State 38.
It will be interesting to see what direction AD Gene Bleymeier moves with keeping San José State head coach Ron Caragher around for a fifth season. All four seasons so far have been below .500 and don’t see the Spartans getting any better with him at the helm. The Spartans collapsed and gave up 200 yards and 10 points in the 4th quarter alone. A true head coach doesn’t cost his players the game.