Victory vs. Broncos would be first
SAN JOSE >> Sure, beating Army on the road as 10-point underdogs was nice. And edging Arkansas in its first win ever against an SEC program was even better.
But San Jose State (4-4, 1-3 Mountain West) has a chance to turn 2019 into a special season beyond its existing accomplishments so far this year.
Hosting No. 21 Boise State (61, 3-0 MW) at CEFCU Stadium tonight, the Spartans will face their first ranked opponent this season. They’re 0-12 against the Broncos since 2001, and looking for their first win against a nationally ranked team since 2013.
“We’re playing the team that has been consistently the best team in our conference,” Spartans head coach Brent Brennan said. “We know that we’re play
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Boise State at San Jose State, today, 7:30p.m., CBSSN
ing an incredibly good outfit. They’ve got great players everywhere.”
Here are three things to watch for when San Jose State takes on Boise State tonight.
A POTENTIAL WIN FOR THE AGES >> San Jose State has taken massive strides in turning around a program that won just three games over the course of the past two seasons.
From a road win against Arkansas in SEC country to traveling 3,000 miles to West Point, New York, to beat the Black Knights last weekend, the Spartans’ confidence is the highest its been in years.
But what would a win against a nationally ranked opponent do?
The last time San Jose State achieved such a feat was in 2013 when it toppled now-Raiders QB Derek Carr and No. 16 Fresno State, 62-52, in the last game of the season. Since then, the Spartans are 0-4 against teams ranked in the top 25.
“We’re expecting to get Boise’s best,” Brennan said.
The Spartans have yet to beat the Broncos since the schools began playing against each other in 2001. During that time, San Jose State has been outscored 548-202, including a 77-point outburst by Boise State in 2003.
“It’s a really big challenge for us,” Brennan said. “We’re excited to play, excited to get to work.”
CONTAINING WEAVER >> Brennan knows that in order to beat Boise State, his offense will have to pass the ball against a Broncos defense that gives up just 205 yards per game
through the air, second in the conference.
Keeping starting quarterback Josh Love on his feet will be essential. But that may be a tough task against Boise State’s defensive line, which includes pass rushing stud Curtis Weaver.
“I’m not as much worried about Josh as I am about our ability to block Curtis Weaver,” Brennan said. “How are we going to protect and find a way to move the football effectively against an outstanding defense?”
Through seven games this season, Weaver has recorded 9.5 sacks — the most in the Mountain West this season and the second most in the NCAA behind Ohio State’s Chase Young (13.5).
With a 6-foot-3, 256-pound frame, Weaver has been a handful for each and every opposing offensive line he’s faced. And while the Spartans have done a nice job, only allowing seven sacks all year, this will be the most talented front they’ve faced all season.
“It’s really impressive what he’s grown into and how he’s doing,” Brennan
said. “He’s a wrecking man. He is fantastic. Quick and slippery, he combines speed and power. I think it’s obvious that everybody is having issues blocking him. So that’s going to be an incredible challenge for our offensive line.” LINEBACKING DUO LEADS DEFENSE >> Spartans linebacker Ethan Aguayo was back on the field last Saturday against Army for the first time in four weeks. With 11 tackles (four solo), the senior didn’t miss a beat despite spending time on the sideline with his right arm in a sling.
“I think Ethan coming back was huge,” Brennan said. “Having a senior like Ethan who’s so productive, he’s so steady, he’s so consistent — and then he’s also that really good voice. He’s that good voice on the field.”
Before suffering an undisclosed upper-body injury, Aguayo was leading the NCAA in tackles with 17 stops per game.
Helping Aguayo last Saturday was junior linebacker Jesse Osuna, who led the team with 15 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble, which set the Spartans up for a touchdown four plays later.
The pair’s strong play will be essential for San Jose State, especially as it tries to limit a Broncos offense that averages 469.7 yards per game behind freshman quarterback Hank Bachmeier.
Bachmeier has thrown for 1,547 yards and nine touchdowns to only three interceptions this season.
Brennan described Bachmeier as a “freshman quarterback that plays like a fifth-year senior.” The Spartans must find a way to slow him and the Broncos offense if they want to have a shot at the upset.