Washington State Defeats San Jose State 54-52 in Thrilling Double Overtime Showdown: Key Plays and Highlights

Washington State

Washington State Defeats San Jose State 54-52 in Thrilling Double Overtime!

In a nail-biting finish, Dylan Paine scored on a 7-yard run in the second overtime, and John Mateer converted the mandatory two-point try, leading Washington State to a dramatic 54-52 victory over San Jose State on Friday night.

The game took a tense turn when San Jose State’s Emmett Brown connected with Nick Nash for a 4-yard touchdown, but under heavy pressure on the ensuing two-point conversion attempt, Brown fumbled, allowing the Cougars to recover and secure their second consecutive 4-0 start under third-year head coach Jake Dickert.

The game began with San Jose State holding a 10-7 lead after the first quarter. Washington State quickly turned the tide, entering halftime with a 24-17 advantage, thanks to Mateer’s 1-yard touchdown run and two scoring passes to tight end Cooper Mathers.

Brown, who previously backed up at Washington State, propelled the Spartans with three touchdowns during the third quarter, including a 19-yard pass to Nash and a 1-yard rushing score. Floyd Chalk IV also added an 18-yard touchdown run, giving San Jose State a commanding 38-24 lead heading into the final quarter.

Mateer responded for Washington State with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Williams early in the fourth. After a turnover on downs by the Spartans, Mateer found Josh Meredith for a 36-yard touchdown. However, Dean Janikowski’s missed extra point left the Cougars trailing 38-37.

A pivotal interception by Kyle Thornton set up a scoring opportunity for WSU. Mateer connected with Meredith for a 31-yard gain, and Paine rushed for a touchdown, giving the Cougars a brief 43-38 lead after a failed two-point conversion.

With just 26 seconds left, Brown threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to TreyShun Hurry on fourth-and-10, followed by a two-point conversion to Nash, putting the Spartans ahead 46-43. But Mateer wasn’t done yet—he quickly moved the Cougars into field goal range, setting up Janikowski's 52-yard kick to send the game into overtime.

In the first overtime, redshirt freshman Ethan O'Connor intercepted Brown, while DJ Harvey picked off Mateer, ending both teams' first possessions.

Mateer finished the game with impressive stats, completing 26 of 46 passes for 390 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also rushed for 111 yards and a touchdown, marking a stellar start to his career with 11 touchdown passes and six rushing scores in just four games. Williams emerged as a key target, recording eight catches for 138 yards.

On the other side, Brown completed 35 of 54 passes for 375 yards, tossing four touchdowns against two interceptions. Nash stood out with 16 receptions for 152 yards and two touchdowns, continuing his strong season as the nation’s leader in catches and receiving yards. Chalk contributed significantly as well, rushing for 94 yards and two touchdowns, including a 66-yard sprint on San Jose State’s second play.

This thrilling contest showcased resilience from both teams, with Washington State ultimately celebrating a hard-fought victory.