UPDATE: San Jose State has secured a dramatic 45-38 victory over Hawaii in the highly anticipated Dick Tomey Legacy Game held on November 4, 2023. Wide receiver Danny Scudero delivered an electrifying performance, racking up a career-high 215 receiving yards and scoring two crucial touchdowns, marking the Spartans’ fifth straight win in this iconic matchup.
Despite trailing 31-14 at halftime, the Rainbow Warriors (6-3) mounted a fierce comeback, narrowing the gap to just one score with only 1:16 left in the game. However, their hopes faded when a final onside kick attempt rolled out of bounds, sealing the win for the Spartans (3-5).
The game showcased two of the best passing offenses in the Mountain West Conference. Hawaii started the second half strong with an 8-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Micah Alejado to running back Landon Sims, closing the score to 31-21. But the Spartans quickly responded, with quarterback Walker Eget connecting with Scudero for a stunning 62-yard touchdown shortly thereafter.
As the second quarter wound down, Alejado struck again, hitting wide receiver Jackson Harris for a 68-yard touchdown to pull Hawaii within striking distance at 21-14. Just moments later, Eget found Scudero again, this time for a 50-yard touchdown, boosting SJSU’s lead to 28-14.
The Spartans’ defense played a pivotal role, with linebacker Jordan Pollard making a critical sack that halted a Hawaii drive. This led to a 24-yard field goal by Matthias Brown, extending SJSU’s lead to 31-14.
Eget finished the night with an impressive 20-for-40 passing record, accumulating 458 yards and two touchdowns to Scudero. Additionally, wide receivers Scudero, Leland Smith (113 yards), and Kyri Shoels (109 yards) all exceeded 100 receiving yards for the second time this season.
Hawaii’s Alejado completed 31 of 46 passes for 367 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. The Rainbow Warriors, determined to close the gap, scored again in the fourth quarter with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Pofele Ashlock Harris, making it 38-35 with 9:32 remaining.
The Spartans responded decisively, with running back Steve Chavez-Soto rushing for a 1-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 45-35 with 5:37 left in regulation. Chavez-Soto’s standout performance included three rushing touchdowns, contributing to a combined total of 150 rushing yards alongside teammate Lamar Radcliffe (10 carries, 97 yards).
Looking ahead, San Jose State will host Air Force on November 8 at 3 p.m., as they aim to build on this thrilling victory and continue their momentum in the season. Don’t miss the action!
