SAN JOSE – Although it was picked to finish last in its first year in the ACC, Stanford hoped increased depth and a second season to familiarize itself with the systems of head coach Troy Taylor and defensive coordinator Bobby April would lead to improvement.
Instead, the Cardinal had many of the same problems as last year and finished 3-9 for a fourth straight season after losing 34-31 to San Jose State in the Bill Walsh Legacy Game Friday at CEFCU Stadium.
A defense that ranked 127th out of 133 FBS teams in passing yards allowed (271.1 per game) gave up 385 yards and four touchdowns to Spartans quarterback Walker Eget, including an 18-yard TD to Treyshun Hurry over walk-on senior cornerback Evan Jackson with 1:08 remaining that provided the final points.
The presence of Jackson on the decisive play – and three other true freshmen who played in the secondary Friday – showed that Stanford still needs to bolster its roster, including being more of a factor in the transfer market, in order to compete in a major conference.
“For sure, we definitely need to get some more guys in here that can compete at this level, and we’re committed to doing that,” Taylor said.
Ashton Daniels threw for 252 yards and ran for a game-high 91 yards but had three interceptions, including one at the Stanford 38 with 2:39 left that set up the winning score. He also had the ball slip out of his hands on fourth-and-6 from the Stanford 43 with 1:08 to play on the Cardinal’s final possession.
“He played his heart out,” Taylor said. “Trying to make a play there. Obviously it was not what we wanted or he wanted. I know he’ll regret that one, but we had other opportunities. You know, obviously it was a big play. But I feel for him, because I know he’s hurting.”
The Cardinal trailed 27-17 entering the fourth quarter when the defense created a score against the Spartans (7-5). David Bailey stripped Eget and the ball was picked up by offensive lineman Peseti Lapuaho, but Gaethan Bernadel forced another fumble that was recovered by Jahsiah Galvin in the end zone.
Cornerback Colin Wright then intercepted Eget on the goal line and returned the ball 46 yards on SJSU’s next drive, leading to a touchdown run by Daniels that gave Stanford a 31-27 lead with 7:39 left.
Elic Ayomanor had season highs of 10 catches and 109 yards, and freshman Emmett Mosley V had seven catches for 101 yards and a score for Stanford. But once again the Stanford running game (10 carries for 28 yards) was ineffective, and the Cardinal came away with no points on a drive in the first half in which it had second-and-goal from the 1.
“We didn’t run the football very well,” Taylor said. “We had some opportunities inside the five where we weren’t able to come off the ball and move people. And you know, if you’re going to win games and eventually championships, you’ve got to be really good up front.”
And after getting six sacks in last week’s Big Game, Stanford only had one in 50 dropbacks against SJSU as Eget eventually was able to pick apart the Cardinal.
The Cardinal won its first-ever ACC game at Syracuse and beat a ranked Louisville team at Stanford Stadium – it will beat its preseason project by finishing ahead of Florida State, which went 1-7 in the ACC — but its only other win was against FCS opponent Cal Poly.
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The senior class that stayed at Stanford after the resignation of David Shaw, the coach who recruited them, was able to win its final home game against Louisville, but couldn’t win a Big Game in four tries and now lost its final game.
“We had 13 starters (transfer) our first year, and six the second,” Taylor said. “These guys stayed and battled because they love their teammates and they love Stanford. So I appreciate everything they’ve given. I feel for them.”