The San Jose State Spartans recorded their first win of the season with a 34-24 win over the New Mexico State Aggies. The Spartans broke a game that was tied after three quarters open with 10 unanswered points in the fourth, thanks in large part to running back Brandon Rutley.
Both teams traded blows in the first half, with each scoring a touchdown and a field goal to enter halftime tied 10-10. Rutley provided the most electric play of the first half with a 66-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter.
The third quarter, however, took on a life of its own and bore witness to an offensive explosion by both sides. Spartans quarterback Matt Faulkner kicked off the second half with a 64-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Otten on the second play from scrimmage. Aggies running back Kenny Taylor responded with a big touchdown of his own later in the period, pumping in a 78-yard rushing touchdown.
Both squads recorded two touchdowns in the third quarter and entered the fourth quarter tied at 24 points apiece. Rutley capped off a monster game by rushing for a two-yard score in the game's final period, giving the Spartans a lead that they would not relinquish. A 31-yard field goal by kicker Jens Alvernik sealed New Mexico State's victory and gave the Spartans a 34-24 win.
Faulkner finished the day with 236 yards and two touchdowns on 24-of-38 passing. Rutley recorded 209 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 33 carries, besting the production of all three New Mexico State runners combined (185 yards total). Otten led the Spartan receivers with 98 yards and two touchdowns on six receptions.
The Spartans move to 1-3 on the season and 1-1 in the WAC. San Jose State will play Colorado State of the Mountain West Conference on the road next weekend.