Spartans go for upset over unbeaten San Diego State
San Jose State finds itself on the edge of a perilous cliff in the Mountain West as it welcomes No. 24-ranked San Diego State to CEFCU Stadium tonight.
The Spartans are 91/2-point underdogs at home against the unbeaten Aztecs, who are primed to dethrone the reigning conference champions.
Though head coach Brent Brennan hasn’t’ named a starter, SJSU backup quarterback Nick Nash appears likely to make his third career start in place of the injured Nick Starkel, and last week’s 32-14 loss at Colorado State didn’t inspire much confidence.
It snapped a ninegame winning streak in the Mountain West — and while it’s not time to push the panic button, San Jose State (3-3, 1-1 Mountain West) could face back-to-back losses for the first time this season.
Here are a few keys to victory in the Spartans’ 85th homecoming game against San Diego State (5-0, 1-0 Mountain West): HOME COOKING >> While the Spartans have struggled on the road, averaging a paltry 10.25 points per game, the offense has found the end zone at least five times in both home games.
Nash was nearly flawless in a turnover-free game two weeks ago at CEFCU Stadium, but he threw an interception on the first drive at Colorado State and also lost a fumble.
Fans have packed the stands with over 15,000 attendees for both home games, and homecoming
could provide another great atmosphere. BATTLE IN THE TRENCHES >> San Diego State only passed for 44 yards in a triple-overtime 33-31 victory over Utah, one of two Pac-12 opponents the Aztecs have defeated. Their season high in passing yards (183) came in the 38-14 rout at Arizona.
It’s obvious San Diego State is committed to the ground game, with 6-foot, 200-pound running back Greg Bell, who is coming off a seasonhigh 161 rushing yards. ADJUSTMENTS AT LINE OF SCRIMMAGE >> Brennan has stressed the difficulty of playing against
San Diego State’s defense.
The Aztecs provide a different look from what the Spartans are accustomed to, and with one fewer day to prepare the task just got tougher.
Whoever lines up under center for San Jose State must recognize what the defense is throwing at him.
“It’s just a ton of movement,” Brennan said. “They play with an extra defensive back, but they’re able to blitz and pressure you, they’re able to man you up, they’re able to play zone, they’re able to get in a heavy box and defend the run, they’re able to drop a bunch of people and play heavy coverage. Most people do that out of a more conventional scheme.”
San Diego State has yet to allow any team to score more than 24 points in regulation.