UPDATE: San Jose State clinched a dramatic 45-38 victory over Hawaii in the Dick Tomey Legacy Game on November 4, 2023, thanks to standout performances from wide receiver Danny Scudero and quarterback Walker Eget. Scudero recorded a career-high 215 receiving yards and two crucial touchdowns, leading the Spartans to their fifth consecutive win in this annual matchup.
Despite trailing 31-14 at halftime, the Rainbow Warriors (6-3) mounted a fierce comeback, narrowing the gap to just one score with 1:16 left in the game. However, their hopes were dashed when a last-minute onside kick rolled out of bounds, sealing the win for San Jose State (3-5).
The game showcased the explosive offensive capabilities of both teams, with Hawaii kicking off the second half with an 8-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Micah Alejado to running back Landon Sims, making the score 31-21. Yet, Eget quickly responded, connecting with Scudero for a stunning 62-yard touchdown to extend the lead.
In a thrilling back-and-forth, Alejado found wide receiver Jackson Harris for a 68-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 21-14 near the end of the second quarter. The Spartans retaliated immediately, with Eget hitting Scudero again for a 50-yard touchdown that padded their lead to 28-14.
Eget finished the night completing 20 of 40 passes for a staggering 458 yards, including two touchdowns to Scudero. Both Scudero and his teammates Leland Smith (113 yards) and Kyri Shoels (109 yards) surpassed the 100-yard receiving mark for the second time this season.
On the defensive front, Jordan Pollard delivered a critical performance with eight tackles, including a key sack that stifled a Hawaii drive. Meanwhile, Alejado ended with impressive stats, completing 31 of 46 passes for 367 yards and three touchdowns.
As Hawaii surged in the fourth quarter, they closed the gap to 38-35 after a 20-yard touchdown pass from Alejado to Pofele Ashlock Harris with 9:32 left. However, the Spartans answered back, with Steve Chavez-Soto scoring on a 1-yard run to make it 45-35 with 5:37 remaining.
Chavez-Soto was a standout for San Jose State, finishing with three rushing touchdowns and contributing to a combined total of 150 rushing yards with fellow running back Lamar Radcliffe, who added 97 yards on the ground.
Looking ahead, San Jose State will return home next Saturday, November 8, for a crucial matchup against Air Force (2-6, 1-4), with kickoff set for 3 p.m.. Fans are eager to see if the Spartans can maintain their momentum after this thrilling victory.
