Ernie Gonzalez (@superego1012):
San Jose State (1-1, 0-0 MW) earned its first win of the 2017 season against the Cal Poly Mustangs (0-2, 0-0 Big Sky) in commanding fashion, 34-13.
On the ground and on defense, the Spartans overwhelmed the Mustangs before the weather did.
It was the hottest game since the Spartans visited the fitting Sun Devil Stadium, and got sun burnt 45-3 against Arizona State.
“There was lots of running,” said head coach Brent Brennan.
The Mustangs ran the ball 61 times.
Downhill football in the heat meant lots of sweat, lots of physicality, but the Spartan defense didn’t seem to mind at all.
“We didn’t let the weather bother us.” said defensive tackle Owen Roberts. When it was game time all we were focused on were Cal Poly,”
Roberts was a game changer on defense, finishing with a career-high 10 tackles. He wasn’t the only player with a career-high in tackles, as linebacker Frank Ginda also set a new best with 17.
“He’s [Ginda] just such a tough guy. He is a natural leader for our football team and he loves to play,” Brennan said.
A couple of career performances from a couple of key pieces on defense resulted in five forced fumbles by the Spartan D, one scooped and scored for a touchdown late in the game.
Break it down and it’s simple.
SJSU beat the Mustangs at their own game: the run game. The Spartans totaled 271 yards on the ground while holding the FCS’s best rushing team to 233 yards of total offense.
Montel Aaron had the best game of his young career, throwing for 183 yards and three touchdowns on 11/17 passing.
“When we have the run game going and the pass game going, I feel like we’re unstoppable,” Aaron said.
Wide receiver JaQuan Blackwell had his best game as a Spartan, thanks to Aaron, who doesn’t only connect with Blackwell on the field, but off it too.
“Me and Quan, we go way back, we were roommates last year…He’s one of my closest brothers on the team,” Aaron said.
Blackwell caught four passes for 84 yards and a touchdown.
Zamore Zigler led the charge out of the backfield averaging over 10 yards per carry with 12 rushes for 121 yards and a touchdown. DeJon Packer looked solid as well who ran the ball 10 times for 60 yards.
The win marks SJSU’s first under Brennan but the celebration won’t last long, as they have a big task next week in Texas.