Emotional homecoming for Spartans' Cordeiro
Typically stoic, San Jose State senior quarterback Chevan Cordeiro stepped to the postgame podium with tears in his eyes. The Honolulu na- tive, layers of colorful flower leis around his neck, had just played his final game in the Aloha State.
“When I come home for break, I really only get to see my parents, grandparents and my two brothers,” Cordeiro said after SJSU's 35-0 victory over the University of Hawaii on Saturday night.
“I never really get to see my other family and it was good just playing in front of them like the old days. Growing up in Hawaii, family is everything, and knowing that this is my last time playing here, it was emotional for me.”
Cordeiro had been uncertain about the reception he would get as the leader of a rival team. He had played four sea- sons at Hawaii before transferring to San Jose State in 2022.
It wasn't all rosy. After Cordeiro missed wide receiver Nick Nash on a third-down pass in the first quarter, Hawaii linebacker Jalen Smith walked up to Cordeiro and taunted him.
But once the game was over, Hawaii players gathered at midfield to shake hands and take photos with their former teammate.
“I wasn't surprised the way they received Chevan,” SJSU coach Brent Brennan said. “They're proud of their local boys making their way, even if it's at a different school.”
Cordeiro completed 16 of 26 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns Saturday night. After throwing just six touchdowns in the first six games of the season, he has thrown seven in the past three games — all wins.
Cordeiro finding his groove bodes well for SJSU (4-5), which must win two of its remaining three games to become eligible for a bowl game. After a bye next week, the Spartans will host Fresno State (6-1) and San Diego State (3-5) before finishing the season at Nevada Las Vegas (6-2).
Having a dynamic passing game with Cordeiro behind center could be the key for the Spartans to reach the postseason.
“I'm happy for my guy to come back home and do his things,” SJSU running back Kairee Robinson said of Cordeiro. “Hopefully, we can all try to get back on the road and finish this season off strong.” DEFENSE COMING INTO ITS OWN >> SJSU's biggest weakness a month ago has become one of its biggest strengths. En route to its first shutout since 2013, the defense held Hawaii to 198 yards and forced two turnovers. Hawaii hadn't been shut out at home since 1998.
“I think it took a little while for that young defensive front to get settled in and get used to the game plan,” Brennan said. “But you can see the strides they are making. When we play complementary football, we're a really good football team.”
Linebacker Jordan Pollard has grown into one of SJSU's best playmakers. He's totaled 26 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble over the past four games.
TD RECORD ON HORIZON >> Robinson, the 5-7 senior from Antioch, rushed for two touchdowns Saturday, giving him 13 for the season. The school record is 15, shared by Johnny Johnson (1988) and Deonce Whitaker (2000).
“I'm not really focused on the numbers or records,” Robinson said. “Our O-line is doing great, so I just want to be the best I can for them.”