SAN JOSE – Nick Nash fumbled on the second play of San Jose State’s game Saturday against Kennesaw State after a 30-yard reception, sending the Spartans sideline in disarray. The Spartans echo a message that the only thing in their way is themselves. So a self-inflicted error on the first drive was the last thing they wanted.
“I hate to say it but that early fumble, I think it made me mad obviously but made me really lock in and go attack the ball, tuck it away and secure it,” Nash said. Nash would go on to secure the ball 16 more times to surpass the school record for receptions in a regular season game. His 225 yards and three touchdowns were the catalyst for San Jose State’s (3-0, 1-0 Mountain West) 31-10 victory over Kennesaw State (0-3).
“This offense is designed to get our slot receivers the ball. He’s a playmaker and he goes up and makes plays like we saw today,” said SJSU quarterback Emmett Brown. Brown also set career highs, going 26-for-38 with 355 passing yards and four touchdowns.
“I thought this was his best game,” SJSU head coach Ken Niumatalolo said of Brown. This win also makes Niumatalolo the first head coach since Lynn Styles in 1976 to start 3-0 at San Jose State. With Nash commanding attention in the middle of the field, Brown had the luxury of airing the ball on the boundary to Justin Lockhart.
A 35-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter was one of his four catches for 106 yards. It was the first time two Spartans had 100-yard recei.