SAN JOSE STATE VS. NEW MEXICO
Records: San Jose State 1-0, 1-0, New Mexico 0-0, 0-0
Kickoff: 4 p.m., today, CEFCU Stadium, San Jose
Radio: KDOW (1220AM ; 95.3 FM)
Television: FS1
Series history: San Jose State leads the all-time series 13-5-1. Last season, San Jose State defeated New Mexico 32-21 in San Jose as then-junior Tre Walker hauled in seven receptions for 130 yards. San Jose State hasn’t lost to New Mexico since 2016.
Storylines: The Mountain West Conference moved this game from Albuquerque to San Jose on Monday because of COVID-19 issues in Bernalillo County, New Mexico.
... San Jose State can start 2-0 for the first time since 1987. ... The Spartans also have a chance to win three consecutive games (dating back to last season) for the first time since 2013. ... San Jose State’s defense aims to build on its best performance under coach Brent Brennan after allowing just six points against Air Force. ... Will Nick Starkel, who clearly established himself as San Jose State’s quarterback, spread the ball around more after heavily targeting Bailey Gaither last week? ... New Mexico will play its first game today after its season opener at Colorado State last week was canceled because of the COVID-19 issues. ...The canceled game was ruled a nocontest and will not be rescheduled. ... The rise of positive COVID cases in Bernalillo County has limited to New Mexico to practice in groups no larger than five. ... New Mexico coach Danny Gonzales acknowledged his team will likely be “real rusty” in its first game of the season.
Matchup to watch: Starkel against New Mexico’s secondary. Last season, New Mexico allowed 321.4 passing yards per game, the worst in the nation. ... Starkel was fantastic in his San Jose State debut, completing 22 of 29 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns. ... The former Arkansas and Texas A&M quarterback connected with Bailey Gaither eight times for 110 yards.
Roster updates: New Mexico had nine players and a staff member test positive for COVID-19, according to The Albuquerque Journal. The identities have not been revealed.
Stats that matter: The Spartans only had 68 rushing yards in 30 attempts (2.3 yards per carry) last week against Air Force. ... Brennan said before the opener that the run game will be a point of emphasis. ... Sophomore Kairee Robinson had 31 rushing yards on 12 attempts. ... Last season, San Jose State ranked last in the Mountain West in rushing attempts (25.3) and rushing yards per game (89.4).