By Ernie Gonzalez (@superego1012):
San Jose State’s (1-2, 0-0 MW) schedule isn’t giving the team any sympathy as the Spartans face the University of Utah (2-0, 0-0 Pac-12), at team on the verge of a national ranking, in Salt Lake City.
The loss last week against the University of Texas was the worst since a 65-3 punishment received in The Swamp for the Spartans, as it was a Gator defense coordinated by a name buried in the 2017 schedule for SJSU — Charlie Strong.
Yep, the same Charlie Strong who didn’t meet Texas-type expectations last season, was let go, then offered the position at South Florida, a team SJSU beat for 15 minutes then blew it back on Aug. 26.
Enough about tough losses. The Spartans are clear-minded and all fingers are pointing to the Utes.
“I don’t think there is any coach in America that wants to dwell on something like that, [Texas loss] but you have to address the issues, fix what was broken, and then move on,” said head coach Brent Brennan.
Brennan is no stranger to playing at Utah as he’s visited Rice-Eccles Stadium in the past, calling it the best home-field advantage in the Pac-12. At 4,000 feet above sea-level, the altitude is not much of a concern to Brennan — it’s the noise.
“That place rocks,” Brennan said on Monday. “And I know that because I’ve seen it.”
One way the Spartans can keep it close Saturday is stopping the run. Easier said than done, as that’s been the formula to a tight game all season, but continuing to allow 917 yards and 11 TD on the ground every three games give them zero chance.
Montel Aaron should start at quarterback tonight, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Brennan mixes-in Josh Love depending on the offense’s ability to move the chains.
“Offensively, there hasn’t been enough big plays,” Brennan said. “In order to beat a team like Texas or Utah, you have to be able to run the football and make some plays down the field.”
The Spartans head coach plans to continue using a quad of running backs, calling it a ‘whoever seems hot’ type of decision.
Last week, Brennan blended true freshman Tyler Nevens into the mix at running back because of how he matched up with Texas’ D-line size.
Utah’s D-line isn’t slimmer, so expect to see not only Nevens, but 220-pound DeJon Packer being fed quite a bit through the night.
Utah is 23-1 in non-conference games since joining the Pac-12 back in 2011 and have won 17 straight since 2013.
One the other hand, SJSU’s last victory against a Pac-12 team was back in 2006 against Stanford. Since then, the Spartans are 0-12 versus the so called Conference of Champions.
It’s the final game before the Spartans begin Mountain West play next week when they host Utah State. Until then, all eyes are on the Utes.
Kickoff is staged for 7:00 p.m. PT.