San Jose State began Mountain West Conference play with a 20-16 victory over Hawaii at Clarence T. C.
Ching Athletics Complex on Saturday night.
Quarterback Luke Weaver threw two touchdown passes to lead the Spartans.
Weaver completed 19 of 28 passes for 246 yards against his former team as San Jose State built a 14-0 lead before halftime.
He threw a 10-yard scoring pass to Kamaehu Kopa-Kaawalauole and added a 12-yard touchdown pass to Carson Clark in the second quarter.
Hawaii scored 13 straight points in the third quarter through two field goals and a 58-yard touchdown pass.
Trajan Sinatra answered with a 24-yard field goal for San Jose State, keeping the Spartans ahead 17-13 entering the fourth quarter.
After Hawaii converted a 44-yard field goal to narrow the score, San Jose State executed a 12-play drive that consumed 5:31.
Sinatra capped the drive with a 30-yard field goal with 1:15 left in regulation to extend the lead.
The Rainbow Warriors reached Spartan territory during the final minute, but San Jose State defended a fourth-down Hail Mary pass to seal the win.
Defensively, Caleb Womack and Jayden Robertson each intercepted a pass, Dylan Lee recorded nine tackles, and Jeremiah Tuiileila had two sacks and a forced fumble.
Jabari Bates rushed for 74 yards on 27 carries and added 39 receiving yards.
Clark recorded five receptions for 74 yards and one touchdown, while Trent Carrizosa delivered six punts, including three exceeding 50 yards.
San Jose State will host Wyoming for its homecoming game on Friday, Oct. 9, at 6 p.
m. PT at CEFCU Stadium.
