Recap and highlights: Washington State comes from behind for epic 2OT win over San Jose State 54-52
PULLMAN — Washington State may need some time to recover from this one.
In a two-overtime game that spanned more than four hours, WSU topped San Jose State in a 54-52 thriller Friday evening by securing a stop on the last play of the game, a two-point conversion, keeping an unbeaten season alive with a blitz that jarred the ball loose from SJSU quarterback Emmett Brown.
The game-winning touchdown came from WSU running back Dylan Paine, who scored from seven yards out in the second overtime period. Cougar quarterback John Mateer added the necessary two-point try, scrambling and sneaking in, capping a four-touchdown, two-interception game.
In one of the wildest games to unfold in college football this season, WSU kicker Dean Janikowski sent it to overtime with a 52-yarder with no time left, putting his recent struggles behind him. That came moments after the Cougars looked destined to lose in regulation.
That’s because, on fourth and long, Brown rolled out, scanned the field and rifled a pass to the end zone, where wide receiver Treyshun Hurry leapt and snagged it, taking the lead with 26 seconds to play. A hush of silence fell over Gesa Field.
On San Jose State’s first possession of overtime, Brown — a WSU transfer — tossed an interception to WSU cornerback Ethan O’Connor. The Cougars had the momentum. They lost it moments later, when Mateer threw his own pick, sending the game to a second extra session.
In a seesaw affair, WSU (4-0) outscored SJSU 22-8 in the fourth frame, erasing a two-touchdown deficit with a touchdown pass from Mateer to Josh Meredith and a short scoring rush from Paine. That followed the third quarter, a 21-0 SJSU romp, when the Spartans took control of the game.
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WSU linebacker Kyle Thornton, a week removed from the game-sealing tackle in an Apple Cup victory for the Cougars, snagged the interception that set up the touchdown WSU used to tie the game.
The game changed late in the second quarter, shortly after Mateer found tight end Cooper Mathers for the duo’s second touchdown connection of the night. That put the Cougs up 21-10. Moments later, the Spartans muffed the ensuing kickoff and the Cougars recovered, earning a chance to go up three scores with a few minutes before halftime.
Instead, WSU went three-and-out. San Jose State then followed with a 28-3 run, netting touchdowns on a touchdown pass by Brown, another touchdown pass by Brown, a one-yard touchdown keeper by Brown and an 18-yard touchdown rush by running back Floyd Chalk IV, who forced a pair of missed tackles on his way to the end zone.
Brown’s short touchdown rush was set up by a mistake on Mateer’s part. Dropping back in the pocket, he tried a pass that wasn’t there, throwing an interception that landed in the hands of linebacker Jordan Cobbs.
It was the third pick of the season for Mateer, who seldom had much time to throw. For the game, SJSU totaled three sacks sacks and six quarterback hurries, abusing the Cougs’ offensive line, even with right tackle Fa’alili Fa’amoe back in the fold after missing the first three games of the season with an injury.
WSU got back in the game a few moments into the fourth quarter. In six plays and 65 yards, the Cougs drove all the way down the field, capping the drive with a touchdown pass from Mateer to receiver Kyle Williams, his first touchdown catch in two weeks. He’s been playing at about 70% health the past few weeks, WSU coach Jake Dickert said earlier in the week, indicating Williams is battling nagging injuries.
All game, WSU had trouble containing San Jose State’s passing attack, one of the best in the country. Brown, who started his career with his freshman season at WSU last fall, completed 35 of 54 passes for 375 yards and four touchdowns. Receiver Nick Nash, who entered leading the country in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, added 16 catches for 152 yards and two scores.
The Cougs return to action next Saturday on the road against Boise State.
First quarter
15:00 – WSU 0, SJSU 0: The Spartans won the toss and deferred to the second half. The Cougars will receive the opening kickoff and drive toward the west endzone.
9:00 – WSU 7, SJSU 0: Mateer punches in a 1-yard touchdown run to cap a great first drive for the Cougars. WSU goes 76 yards in 13 plays.
Mateer opens 3 of 4 for 35 yards and made a nice throw to convert on 3rd and 11. Cougars rush nine times for 51 yards, including a 20-yarder by Parker to set up the score.
8:19 – WSU 7, SJSU 7: Chalk scores on the Spartans second play, rushing 66 yards untouched up the middle. Instant response for SJSU.
Brown completed a 9-yard pass on the first play.
8:19 – WSU 7, SJSU 7: Spartans catch the Cougars napping on the kickoff and recover an onside kick. Big swing of momentum after WSU’s first drive.
3:04 – SJSU 10, WSU 7: Spartans turn the onside kick into points, Halvorsen hits a 19-yard field goal. Cougs defense did a good job on the goal line to force the kick.
0:00 – SJSU 10, WSU 7: Cougars driving as the first quarter comes to a close. They have first down at the Spartans’ 42.
Second quarter
11:31 – WSU 14, SJSU 10: Nifty find by Mateer on a rollout, he flips the ball as he runs toward the goal line for a 4-yard touchdown pass to Mathers. Cougars go back in front with a 14-play, 79-yard drive.
Mateer is 7 of 11 for 100 yards, he missed an easy touchdown earlier in the drive. Williams leads the Cougs with two catches for 44 yards.
9:38 – WSU 14, SJSU 10: Cougs get the three-and-out after Edson blows up the third down run. WSU starts on its 15. First punt of the night for either team.
5:41 – WSU 21, SJSU 10: Mateer delivers a strike over the middle to Mathers for an 8-yard touchdown. Spartans can’t do anything to stop the Cougars, who drive for another impressive score, this time for 85 yards in nine plays.
Mateer is 11 of 17 for 175 yards and two TDs, both to Mathers. Cougs have 255 total yards and are 5 of 6 on third down. The only time they failed to convert WSU moved the chains on fourth down.
5:34 – WSU 21, SJSU 10: Another big swing on special teams, this time the Spartans fumble the kickoff and the Cougars recover at the SJSU 28.
4:34 – WSU 21, SJSU 10: Cougs try a fake field goal pitch to Janikowski on 4th and 11, which comes up well short. SJSU takes over on its 24.
Cougs didn’t get anything after the fumble, almost picked up a first down on a targeting call, which was overturned.
2:00 – WSU 21, SJSU 10: Cougars should have had another three-and-out, but they give up a fake punt. Spartans driving after a pass interference call, they have the ball at the WSU 39 at the 2-minute timeout.
1:40 – WSU 21, SJSU 17: Brown caps a long drive with a 4-yard touchdown to Stewart. The former WSU QB hit a 35-yard pass down the sideline to set up the score.
Brown is 11 of 15 for 109 yards. SJSU has 183 yards.
0:02 – WSU 24, SJSU 17: Janikowski splits the uprights from 36 yards to put the Cougs back up by a touchdown.
WSU got a big break near midfield, after Mateer appeared to fumble on a run up the middle. He was originally ruled down and the play stood after review.
Halftime
Washington State played well on offense and poorly on defense to hang onto a 24-17 lead over San Jose State at halftime.
The Cougars outgained the Spartans 325-183, but gave up a few big plays that led to touchdowns.
John Mateer has completed 16 of 25 attempts for 220 yards and two touchdowns. He also has 10 carries for 33 yards and another score.
SJSU will receive the second half kickoff.
Third quarter
13:02 – WSU 24, SJSU 24: Lightning quick touchdown for the Spartans, who go 75 yards in five plays. Brown hits Nash for a 19-yard score.
Brown is 15 of 20 for 184 yards and two touchdowns. He completed a 43-yarder to Nash the play before the touchdown.
8:37 – WSU 24, SJSU 24: Bigtime turnover for the Spartans, as Cobbs picks off Mateer and runs it back 55 yards to the WSU 20. Mateer didn’t see the SJSU linebacker.
WSU wideouts Hutson and Williams went out with injuries on the drive.
5:43 – SJSU 31, WSU 24: SJSU uses the same play UW lost the Apple Cup with – a speed option to the short side of the field – but the Spartans are successful as Brown runs in a touchdown to take the lead.
SJSU capitalizes on the short field after the interception and now WSU will try and play catch up.
5:01 – SJSU 31, WSU 24: Bad time for a three-and-out for the Cougars. Janikowski punts to the Spartans 25, where they take over.
0:48 – SJSU 38, WSU 24: Chalk scampers in for a 18-yard touchdown run and the Coug fans are stunned. That’s 21 unanswered points in the second half for the Spartans, who are up to 341 total yards.
Chalk has eight carries for 80 yards and two touchdowns.
Fourth quarter
13:41 – SJSU 38, WSU 31: Mateer completes a 13-yard touchdown to Williams in a crucial spot. WSU goes 65 yards in six plays to get back within a score.
Cougars need a stop now, they’ve only produced one on seven Spartans possessions, and haven’t stopped SJSU since early in the second quarter.
12:31 – SJSU 38, WSU 31: There’s the stop the Cougars needed, as they force three straight incompletions. WSU starts at its 8 after some good punt coverage.
10:52 – SJSU 38, WSU 31: Cougars pick up a first down but that’s it and they punt to the SJSU 32. WSU has scored just one touchdown on its last six possessions, after scoring TDs on its first three.
7:33 – SJSU 38, WSU 31: Gusta make the play of the night for the WSU defense with a big hit on Brown to keep him from converting a fourth down play. WSU starts on its 36.
6:11 – SJSU 38, WSU 37: Mateer makes it happen, rushing for 16 yards and on the next play hitting Meredith for a 36-yard touchdown. And then a brutal turn for the Cougars as Janikowski shanks the extra point.
5:19 – SJSU 38, WSU 37: Thorton comes up with the big play for the Cougars, picking off Brown at the SJSU 32. Cougs now set up nicely to take the lead.
4:56 – WSU 43, SJSU 38: Cougars rapid turnaround is complete as Mateer hits Meredith for a 31-yard pass to set up Paine’s 1-yard touchdown run. Mateer’s 2-pt pass is incomplete.
3:32 – WSU 43, SJSU 38: Cougs defense gets a fourth straight stop and they can kill some clock here. Spartans down to one timeout.
1:52 – WSU 43, SJSU 38: Spartans get the stop and they’ll get one more shot from their own 28.
0:26 – SJSU 46, WSU 43: Spartans improbably take the lead on fourth down, as Brown hits Hurry in the back of the endzone for a 20-yard touchdown. Brown’s 2-pt pass is good. Pac-12 after dark is back in Pullman.
0:00 – WSU 46, SJSU 46: Janikowski redeems himself after the missed extra point and he drills a 52-yarder to force overtime. Wild game keeps going.
Overtime
• SJSU 46, WSU 46: San Jose State starts on offense, after the Cougars won the toss.
• SJSU 46, WSU 46: O’Connor picks off Brown in the endzone and the Cougars take over need just a field goal to win it.
• SJSU 46, WSU 46: Mateer throws a pick to Harvey on WSU’s second play. Really bad decision there and we’ll head to a second overtime.
Second overtime
• WSU 54, SJSU 46: Cougars come back and score on a 7-yard run from Paine. They’re forced to attempt a 2-pt conversion, which is good on a Mateer scramble. Spartans need a TD and 2-pt to stay alive.
• WSU 54, SJSU 52: Brown is sacked on the 2-pt attempt and the Cougars hold on to win an epic Friday night game in Pullman to improve to 4-0.
We’ll be back shortly with a full recap and highlights from the game.
Pregame
Washington State is trying to get out to is second straight 4-0 start under Jake Dickert tonight, when the Cougars host the San Jose State Spartans at 7 p.m.
The game will be broadcast on KSKN (CW Network).
The Cougars (3-0) are coming off a 24-19 Apple Cup win over Washington on Saturday at Lumen Field in Seattle. They open their Mountain West scheduling alliance against the Spartans (3-0).
SJSU is off to its best start since the shortened 2020 season, where won the Mountain West title. The Spartans have beaten Sacramento State, Air Force and Kennesaw State.
WSU will have to keep its focus, playing on a short week after an emotional rivalry win and with a big game against Boise State coming up next Saturday.
Follow this thread for live updates and highlights throughout the night.
Series history
Washington State holds a 8-4-1 all-time series lead over San Jose State, the Cougars most-common Mountain West opponent. The two teams played six times between 1956-64, including a streak of five straight years.
WSU thumped SJSU 31-0 in the last meeting in 2018 and won 52-16 the game before that, in 1996.
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