San Jose State didn’t know until moments before kickoff who would start at quarterback Saturday night in El Paso, Texas.
By the end of the night, the Spartans had their answer at the position, at least for now.
True freshman Daniel Rolovich made his first career start after Luke Weaver was sidelined, and San Jose State’s offense found enough consistency to help the Spartans pull away for a 24-11 win at UTEP.
“My initial gut feeling is probably to stick with Daniel,” coach Ken Niumatalolo said when asked about the quarterback situation moving forward.
The victory moved San Jose State to 4-3 overall and 2-1 in Mountain West play. The Spartans have already surpassed last season’s total of three victories and have won three road games after going winless away from home last season.
Despite UTEP finishing with 462 total yards to San Jose State’s 426, the Spartans controlled the game and made the bigger plays when they needed them, particularly on defense.
Here are the takeaways from the Spartans’ victory:
ROLOVICH MAKES MOST OF FIRST START
Quarterback uncertainty has been a storyline for San Jose State for the past three seasons, and Saturday did little to end the conversation.
Rolovich didn’t know he would be making his first start for the Spartans until after warmups, but the true freshman played with the composure of someone who had been preparing for the moment all week.
He finished 12 of 23 passing for 193 yards and a touchdown without a turnover. He also added 39 rushing yards on nine carries, giving San Jose State another dimension with his mobility.
He also quickly established a connection with another true freshman. Carson Clark led San Jose State with five catches for 104 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown and a 63-yard reception that set up Viliami Teu’s first touchdown.
“I didn’t really know what to expect. First college start,” Rolovich said. “Once we got in halftime, that first touchdown, I really calmed the nerves … all those guys have trusted me, it really helps.”
San Jose State quarterback Daniel Rolovich throws a pass during a game against UTEP on Oct. 17, 2026 at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas. (Courtesy of San Jose State Athletics)
TEU SHOWS BACKFIELD DEPTH
Jabari Bates’ absence left a significant hole in San Jose State’s rushing attack.
Viliami Teu filled it.
With Bates ruled out earlier in the week, Teu received the start and delivered the best rushing performance of the Spartans’ season. He finished with 156 rushing yards on 20 carries and two touchdowns.
His 67-yard touchdown run in the third quarter gave the Spartans a 21-0 lead and helped San Jose State pull away.
The Spartans ran for 233 yards as a team, compared with 180 for UTEP. Junior Isaiah Carlson added 38 yards on six carries, while Rolovich’s mobility gave San Jose State another way to move the ball.
Teu also credited Bates, who was ruled out on the injury report, for helping him throughout the week and during the game.
“We trust in each other,” Teu said. “When I get the ball, he knows I’m gonna do my thing, and when he pulls it, I’m gonna make sure he’s protected.”
Bates remains an important part of San Jose State’s offense, but Teu’s performance could give the Spartans more flexibility to split carries in the backfield rather than relying as heavily on Bates.
San Jose State running back Viliami Teu ran for a career-high 156 yards and two touchdowns to help the Spartans beat UTEP 24-11 on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at the Sun Bowl in El Paso. (Courtesy of San Jose State Athletics).
DEFENSE CONTINUES TO SHINE
The defense has been San Jose State’s most consistently strong unit this season, and Saturday was another example.
The Spartans recorded 11 sacks, two shy of the school record of 13 set in 1981. Jayland McGlothen led the way with 3.5 sacks, while Justin Stearns had two sacks and Dylan Lee added two sacks and 12 tackles.
The Miners managed to move the ball, particularly through the air, but San Jose State repeatedly found ways to end drives before UTEP could turn yards into points. The constant pressure on UTEP’s quarterbacks was a major reason why.
Stearns said the defensive line’s success was made possible by the work of the secondary and the rest of the front.
“I don’t make those plays if it isn’t for the guys on the back end making those coverages,” Stearns said. “And all of our D-linemen doing all of our jobs.”
UTEP used two quarterbacks as starter EJ Colson Jr. left the game following a hit in the second quarter. Raymond Moore III took over and finished with 195 passing yards and 55 rushing yards.
The Miners didn’t score until a field goal on the final play of the first half. They eventually cut San Jose State’s three-touchdown lead to 13 points in the fourth quarter, but the Spartans’ defense closed the door when it mattered most, forcing a turnover on downs after Moore’s pass fell incomplete in the end zone.
UP NEXT
San Jose State will close out its two-game road trip next Saturday against Nevada at 2 p.m. at Mackay Stadium in Reno.