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SAN JOSE, Calif. - San Jose State capped an 11-play, 81-yard drive with a Patrick Perry three-yard run with 3:56 remaining to post a 21-14 come-from-behind victory against Utah State here Saturday afternoon.
The Aggies jumped out to a 14-0 lead for the second time this season, only to fall once again. Two weeks ago, USU led Idaho 14-0 after its first two possessions before allowing 41 consecutive points in a 41-21 loss. On Saturday, The Aggies held their 14-0 advantage until midway through the second quarter.
San Jose State scored on two long passes in the second and third quarters as Yonus Davis hauled in a 33-yard pass in the second quarter and James Jones scored on a 50-yard pass to tie the game with 2:01 left in the third period. Perry provided the game's final points with just under four minutes remaining in the game.
The Aggies had one last chance, just like its game last week against Fresno State, when USU marched 80 yards for the game-winning score with just :55 left after the Bulldogs has pulled ahead 12-7 with 3:56 left in that game.
USU started its final drive at its own 24-yard line with 3:56 left on Saturday. Aggie quarterback Riley Nelson hit Ryan Bohm for a nine-yard gain and then broke a long run down the USU sideline on the next play. However, the Aggies were called for holding and the ball was set at the USU 35-yard line.
Nelson then hit Xavier Bowman and Antraun McDaniels for gains of eight and four before connecting with Kevin Robinson for 23 yards to get to the San Jose State 30-yard line.
After USU gained seven yards on its next three plays, the Aggies faced fourth and three at the SJSU 23-yard line. Nelson threw a screen to Aggie tight end Rob Myers, who was tackled for a loss of three to end USU's chances for its second straight come-back win.
Nelson hit 21 of 24 attempts for a school record single-game pass percentage of .875. The previous mark was .823 by Travis Cox, who hit 23 of 27 against New Mexico State in 2004.
The Aggies produced 301 yards for its second-best offensive output of the year, just four yards short of the 305 vs. Idaho.
Utah State will play its second straight road game, traveling to Louisiana Tech for a 5 p.m. mountain time kickoff. That game will be televised on KJZZ as well as being available on ESPN Game Plan.
UTAH STATE POSTGAME NOTES At San Jose State, Oct. 14, 2006
O - The last time USU lost a game in the last four minutes was the ninth game of 2004 when Louisiana Monroe scored a touchdown with just :50 remaining to beat the Aggies 32-25.
O - Utah State built a 14-0 lead for the second time this year (led Idaho 14-0 before giving up 41 consecutive points in a 41-21 loss).
O - QB Riley Nelson set a new USU single-game completion percentage record as he hit 21 of 24 attempts for a percentage of .875. The old record was .823 by Travis Cox, who hit 23 of 27 against New Mexico State in 2004.
O - QB Riley Nelson was 21 of 24 passing today and is now 33 of 46 with four touchdowns and zero interceptions to start his Aggie career.
O - USU's 301 yards were its second most in a game this season (305 vs. Idaho).
O - Utah State started the same group on offense for the second straight game (first time that has occurred in consecutive games this year).
O - On defense, Antonio Taylor replaced Terrance Washington at free safety, while Frank Maile and Ben Childs both started at tackle. Taylor and Childs each made their first season start.
O - LB Devon Hall recorded his second career interception (one against Hawai'i last season). He also registered his second career fumble recovery (Louisiana Tech last year).
O - S Caleb Taylor recorded his first career interception to give USU multiple pickoffs for the first time in the last nine games (intercepted two against Hawai'I last year).
O - WR Kevin Robinson had two touchdown receptions against San Jose State last season for the only multiple receiving touchdown game of his career. He now has three career touchdown receptions against the Spartans in two games.
O - WR Otis Nelson had a career high reception total and career yardage best with seven for 72 yards. His previous best were six receptions for 56 yards against Idaho earlier this season.
O - USU has scored first in each of its last three games after the opponent struck first in the first four games of the season.
