Big West Roundup : Sweet Homecoming for Fullerton, 58-13

Cal State Fullerton, a team whose offense has struggled all season, changed its ways Saturday and scored a 58-13 homecoming victory over San Jose State in front of 4,112 at Santa Ana Stadium.

Fullerton’s 58 points tied the school record, set against Santa Clara in 1976, and were the most the Titans have scored against a Division I opponent.

On Fullerton’s first play from scrimmage in the Big West Conference game, quarterback Dan Speltz lofted a pass toward J.J. Celestine, who was making his first start at receiver only 2 weeks after being switched from cornerback.

The pass was so badly underthrown that Celestine had to stop to catch it. But then he slipped away from cornerback Todd Granger, who was making his first start as well, and raced down the sideline for an 87-yard touchdown.

On Fullerton’s next possession, Stan Lambert kicked a 37-yard field goal.

San Jose then fumbled the ball at the 50, and Fullerton recovered. After two incomplete passes, Speltz hit Mike Pringle with a short pass, and Pringle carried it to the 10, scoring on the next play to give Fullerton a 17-0 first-quarter lead.

Fullerton led, 24-0, before San Jose scored on a sneak by freshman quarterback Greg Centilli, playing for Ken Lutz, who was out for the second week with a shoulder injury.

By halftime, Fullerton (4-6 overall, 4-2 in Big West Conference play) had scored more points (38) than it had in any game all year (24).

Speltz had easily the best day of his Fullerton career, completing 16 of 27 passes for 325 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Pringle rushed for 132 yards and 2 touchdowns, and backup cornerback Tony Williams intercepted 2 passes and made touchdown returns of of 92 and 86 yards.

San Jose (3-8, 3-3) lost for the third straight time.