SAN JOSE — San Jose State opened its home schedule with a 30-20 victory over Cal Poly on Saturday night at CEFCU Stadium.
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The Spartans (2-1) overcame another slow start, scoring no points in the first quarter for the third consecutive game before quarterback Luke Weaver helped lead the offense in the second half.
Weaver finished with 238 passing yards and three touchdowns, completing 22 of 34 attempts.
The biggest play came with 7:20 remaining, when Weaver found true freshman Carson Clark for a 41-yard touchdown pass that gave San Jose State a 30-20 lead.
Clark recorded the first two touchdowns of his career, finishing with eight catches for 81 yards to lead the Spartans in both categories.
Kicker Trajan Sinatra, who missed his first two field-goal attempts in a San Jose State uniform, connected on a 40-yard field goal with 11:59 remaining to give the Spartans a 23-20 lead.
Running back Jabari Bates also continued his strong start to the season. After rushing for 119 yards on 20 carries last week against Eastern Michigan, Bates rushed for a career-high 163 yards on 27 carries Saturday.
Wide receiver Cooper Hoch followed up his 115-yard, two-touchdown performance against Eastern Michigan with seven catches for 77 yards. He also scored a touchdown, catching a 2-yard pass from Weaver with 4:29 left in the third quarter to give San Jose State a 20-13 lead.
The win marked San Jose State’s seventh consecutive victory against an FCS opponent and its seventh home-opening win in the last nine seasons. Cal Poly (2-1) suffered its first loss of the season.
The Spartans’ night got off to a rocky start when Weaver fumbled on San Jose State’s opening drive. Weaver scrambled for 4 yards before Cal Poly defensive lineman Kaleb Pleis knocked the ball loose. Cornerback Brayden Breedlove recovered for the Mustangs at the San Jose State 32-yard line.
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San Jose State’s defense quickly responded.
On third-and-15, Cal Poly quarterback Anthony Grigsby Jr. threw a pass that was deflected by San Jose State safety Pierce Walker and intercepted by sophomore cornerback Greco Carrillo, the first interception of Carrillo’s career.
Grigsby threw for 249 passing yards and one touchdown with two interceptions.
Cal Poly opened the scoring early in the second quarter when senior wide receiver Fidel Pitts scored on a 2-yard run. Kicker Josue Lopez missed the extra point.
San Jose State answered on its next possession. With 11:43 remaining in the second quarter, Weaver connected with Clark for a 5-yard touchdown, the first touchdown of Clark’s college career, to put the Spartans ahead 7-6.
Sinatra added two field goals before halftime to give San Jose State a 13-6 lead at the break.
Cal Poly responded quickly to open the second half. Grigsby connected with running back Jaden Green for a 2-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 13.
The Mustangs regained the lead to open the fourth quarter when running back Misa Paiau scored on a 1-yard touchdown run.
San Jose State then answered with a key defensive stop before taking control of the game, setting up the late touchdown that helped seal the victory.
The Spartans will remain home next week for the Battle of the Valley against Fresno State at 8 p.m. Saturday.
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