Scudero Shines in Spartan Opening Night Loss to Central Michigan

Danny Scudero hauled in a career-high nine receptions for 189 yards and a touchdown to lead San José State football (0-1, 0-0 MW) in a 16-14 loss to Central Michigan (1-0, 0-0 MAC) from CEFCU Stadium on Friday night.

The Spartans rallied from a 13-0 deficit to take the lead in the third quarter, but a late Chippewa field goal proved to be the difference.

After Central Michigan jumped ahead early, SJSU responded late in the second quarter when Walker Eget connected with Leland Smith on an 11-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 13-7. Eget then found Scudero on a 45-yard touchdown strike midway through the third quarter, giving the Spartans a 14-13 lead.

San José State’s defense kept the Chippewas out of the end zone for the final three quarters and limited CMU to just a field goal in the second half.

Defensively, Jordan Pollard led the way with 15 total tackles, while Jalen Apalit-Williams and Noah McNeal-Franklin added eight stops apiece.

Scudero’s 46-yard catch in the first quarter was a career-long
Scudero and Smith both caught their first touchdowns as Spartans
Smith’s 50 receiving yards set a new career-high.
Smith’s 39-yard grab in the fourth quarter was also a career-long reception
Eget finished 24-of-43 for 308 yards and two scores.
Eget’s 45-yard touchdown to Scudero in the second half was a career-long passing touchdown
Floyd Chalk IV led the Spartans in rushing with 44 yards
Tama Amisone made his collegiate debut at quarterback, rushing for 27 yards on five carries
Kyri Shoels grabbed his first career catch in the game
Apalit-Williams’ eight tackles were a career-high
With no takeaways in the game, the Spartans end a 13-game takeaway streak

UP NEXT: The Spartans will take on No. 1 Texas on Saturday, Sept. 6, at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. (PT), and it can be watched on ABC/ESPN and heard on 860 AM.