(BCSNN) — San José State found its late‑game toughness on Friday night, rallying from a four‑point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat Eastern Michigan 27–21 at Rynearson Stadium.

Quarterback Luke Weaver threw for a career‑high 316 yards and three touchdowns, and wide receiver Cooper Hoch delivered a breakout performance with 115 yards and two scores, helping the Spartans secure their first road win since Nov. 9, 2024.

The Spartans (1–1) finished with 453 yards of total offense, overcoming a defensive slugfest early and a costly turnover late in the third quarter. Weaver completed 23 of 39 passes, spreading the ball to multiple targets while leaning on running back Jabari Bates, who powered the ground game with 119 yards on 20 carries.

After a scoreless first quarter, Eastern Michigan struck first on a five‑yard touchdown pass from Noah Kim. Weaver answered late in the half, hitting Jase Nix — who recorded the first catch of his career — for a 27‑yard touchdown with 1:19 remaining. As time expired, Trajan Sinatra drilled a 45‑yard field goal to give SJSU a 10–7 halftime lead.

Eastern Michigan regained momentum early in the third quarter with a 50‑yard touchdown run, but San José State responded with one of its best drives of the night. Weaver guided a 13‑play, 75‑yard march capped by a 10‑yard touchdown pass to Hoch, putting the Spartans ahead 17–14.

The Eagles reclaimed the lead moments later when they returned a Weaver fumble one yard for a touchdown, setting up a tense fourth quarter with SJSU trailing 21–17. But Weaver and Hoch delivered again. On the first possession of the final frame, Weaver found Hoch deep for a 40‑yard touchdown, giving the Spartans a 24–21 advantage with 11:19 remaining.

From there, the Spartans’ defense dominated. Eastern Michigan managed just 25 yards in the fourth quarter, going 0‑for‑5 on third down. Linebacker Dylan Lee — who posted a career‑high nine tackles — intercepted Kim on fourth‑and‑2 with 1:59 left, setting up Sinatra’s 49‑yard field goal to extend the lead to six.

Eastern Michigan’s final drive ended with four straight incompletions, allowing San José State to run out the clock and secure a win that snapped a three‑game losing streak to MAC opponents.

Carson Clark added five catches for 58 yards, while Nix finished with two receptions for 39 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, Caleb Womack and Naseri Danielson each recorded eight tackles, and Danielson, Jayden Robertson and Tuli Tagovailoa‑Amosa all posted two pass breakups. Jeremiah Tuiileila added a 14‑yard tackle for loss, and Etu Finau tallied a career‑high six tackles.

Special teams also played a key role. Trent Carrizosa punted seven times for 291 yards, placing three inside the 20, while Sinatra went 2‑for‑2 on field goals and 3‑for‑3 on PATs.

San José State outgained Eastern Michigan 453–281, held the Eagles to 3‑of‑16 on third down, and stopped three of four fourth‑down attempts, sealing a road win that showcased resilience and emerging playmakers.

The Spartans return home next Saturday, Sept. 12, for their home opener against Cal Poly at CEFCU Stadium.