By Ernie Gonzalez (@superego1012):
San Jose State (1-8, 0-4 MW) will host Southern California rival San Diego State (7-2, 3-2 MW) in a Mountain West conference battle this weekend for the second-to-last-home-game of the season. Here are seven points the Spartans will need to pin to be successful against the Aztecs.
- Protect the football
The Spartans rank second-to-last in all of Division I in the turnover margin department with a -19 mark. SJSU is coming off a season-worst six turnovers last week against BYU, something you would imagine was worked on a lot during the previous bye week.
- Establish a ground game
There has not been a more consistent player for the Spartans over the last month than true freshman running back Tyler Nevens. Nevens has at least 84 rushing yards in four straight games and has averaged over 4.5 yards per carry in that span. If the big back can get into a rhythm early against the Aztecs, it’s possible his play alone can tilt the domino for other opportunities the Spartans may get.
- First Downs
San Diego State is the hardest team in the Mountain West to get a first down against. San Jose Stae, however, is the easiest team in the conference to earn fresh chains against. The Spartans are not only the worst team in the conference, but are only better than Tulsa, Uconn and Bowling Green at giving opposing teams a fresh set of downs, according to NCAA statistics. If SJSU wants a chance Saturday night, limiting nation’s fourth leading rusher in Rashaad Penny to short gains early on downs will be key, but will be difficult.
- Get to the QB
Probably the most underrated defensive statistic that has haunted the Spartans during October is the inability to sack the quarterback. For the first time in at least the last 15 seasons, SJSU has not recorded a quarterback sack in four straight games. Aztec quarterback Christian Chapman has been brought to the turf 24 times in nine games this season. With a banged up D-line, getting to Chapman will be easier said than done.
- Limit the Penalties
If there’s one bright spot since the bye for the Spartans, it’s been penalties. SJSU only had two flags called on them at BYU, a season low. Some remember the unsportsmanlike penalty junior safety/special teamer David Williams was whistled for too much celebration in Aloha Stadium two weeks ago, but the Spartans have proven they’ve learned their lesson. Keeping the flags in the judge’s pockets will be vital against the Aztecs.
- Time of possession
The Spartans are the worst team and second-to-last team in the country when it comes to time of possession. During a typical four-quarter game, the SJSU defense is on the field for nearly two-and-a-half quarters. With a lethal Rashaad Penny, having the SDSU offense on the field for 36 minutes is a recipe for disaster. Keeping the offense on the field as long as humanly possible will favor the Spartans.
- Finishing when it counts
Through eight games this season, SJSU scores on only 71.4 percent red zone opportunities. Three turnovers on down, a fumble, an interception and a missed chip shot FG has costed the Spartans inside the 20 greatly this season. The Aztecs on the other hand, are hovering around the 83 percent mark. The book says you win by scoring, so SJSU can score, it’s hard to say they didn’t try.