SAN JOSE, Calif. » Whenever a football team wins by shutout the first thing that comes to mind is defense. But special teams had a huge hand — make that two, and a couple of feet — in Hawaii’s 13-0 victory at San Jose State on Saturday.
Two blocked kicks, two field goals by Tyler Hadden and punter Scott Harding’s continued wizardry contributed in a big way to UH’s first road win since 2011.
The Spartans dominated most of the other statistics, but the big plays — especially in the kicking game — went Hawaii’s way.
UH was nursing a 10-0 lead in the third quarter when San Jose State ate up nearly half the period and 77 yards of real estate and found itself with fourth-and-goal at the Hawaii 4.
The Spartans first-string kicker, Austin Lopez, had missed twice in the first quarter: from 41 yards, and again when Lance Williams deflected his try from 37.
This time, Moses Samia got his big paw on a try by Michael Carrizosa, who is listed as a freshman punter.
The Spartans never really recovered.
"We just executed (special teams coordinator Chris Demarest’s) plan. Me, Beau (Yap) and Kennedy (Tulimasealii) shot the A gap. Our job is to get push up the middle and throw off the kicker, get pressure."
And, this time, Samia got the block.
The blocked field goals were the first for UH since 2011 when John Hardy-Tuliau notched one against Tulane.
"Close so many times with no cigar," Demarest said. "I kept telling the guys, ‘You’re so close, keep going, keep going.’ It’s contagious. I’m so happy for them."
Meanwhile, Harding continued to make the spectacular seem routine. And this time his exploits weren’t just highlights of a loss, they helped mightily in a win.
For the 10th time in his career and fifth this season, a Harding punt resulted in an opponent muff or fumble and Hawaii retaining the ball. His fourth quarter punt of 51 yards was dropped by Tim Crawley and Michael Martin recovered for UH at the SJSU 13. It set up Hadden’s 32-yarder for the final score.
"Scotty got another one, and it gets lost sometimes but Tyler has really been kicking the ball great, too. I’m really pleased with our two kickers," Demarest said.
Harding and the punt coverage team has also excelled at pinning opponents near their goal line. A 49-yarder was downed at the Spartans 2 with 1:10 left in the game, basically sealing the win for Hawaii.
"Injuries hurt us like they hurt offense and defense this year," Demarest said. "It trickles down. But guys stepped up, and we emphasize that if you unselfishly do your job it might help someone else or you, and the team."
