San Jose State’s Defensive Prowess, Island Roots Pose Challenge for Rainbow Warriors
San Jose State brings a formidable defense and significant Hawai’i ties too Saturday’s matchup against the Rainbow Warriors, creating a uniquely layered contest for UH Head Coach Timmy chang. The Spartans‘ defense,orchestrated by defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman,is a key factor in their 6-2 start to the season.
The game carries added weight for both teams, with San Jose State aiming to continue its four-game winning streak against Hawai’i and UH seeking to avenge a decisive 35-0 loss in their last meeting in 2023. Beyond the on-field rivalry, deep connections between the coaching staffs and players add a personal dimension to the game.
“Defensively, that’s where they hang their hat,” said UH offensive coordinator Ian Stutzmann. “I don’t know dennis Thurman. I never met him, but I got a lot of respect for him. What he was able to do last year and turn that defense around, and this year, they’re really good. They don’t do a lot, but what they do, they know it like the back of their hands. They play hard. They play fast, they’re physical, they’re going after the football. I really think that’s the heartbeat of their team, is defense.”
Historically, san Jose State holds a 23-22-1 advantage in the series. The 2023 defeat was especially stinging for Hawai’i, occurring at home and featuring a strong performance by former UH quarterback Chevan Cordeiro, now with San Jose State.
UH redshirt freshman quarterback Micah Alejado, who was visiting the Islands at the time of the loss, remembers the outcome vividly.”I think some of the guys still have that taste in their mouth,” he said. “So, it’s one of the games I want to get back.”
Adding another layer to the contest is the return of Navy’s former head coach Ken Niumatalolo to Hawai’i, where he served as a graduate assistant in 1994. Niumatalolo, now on the San Jose State staff, expressed his continued affection for the Islands and his pride in Chang’s leadership at UH.
“that’s still my home,” Niumatalolo said.”It’s gonna be exciting to play them and play Timmy, especially since he’s doing a really good job. Really proud of him. To be honest with you, I watch them a lot and pull for them a lot. If they’re not playing us,I’m always pulling for the University of hawai’i. That’s my school. Just not this week.”
