San Jose State vs. New Mexico: Keys For A Spartan Victory
Spartans are looking for its first MW win.
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Here is how SJSU can win
After back-to-back road games, San Jose State plays at home against New Mexico in Week 6.
The Spartans lost a tough one in Colorado Springs last week against Air Force 41-24. The Falcons had a great day on the ground, recording five rushing touchdowns as a team. The Lobos also took a Week 5 lost against Liberty 17-10, where sophomore quarterback Tevaka Tuioti threw a pair of picks.
Here’s how San Jose State and Coach Brennan can get their first three win season in four seasons.
1. Loving the endzone
Senior quarterback Josh Love was held to 198 yards and zero touchdowns against Air Force. In both of the Spartans wins he scored two touchdowns and completed 66 percent of his passes. With New Mexico’s lackluster pass defense, San Jose State is going to have to take advantage of that by making big plays early.
Love is going to have to spread the ball to different receivers on this offense. Junior receiver Tre Walker has easily become Love’s favorite target. He has 18 catches and 230 yards in the two games that he’s played in. Expect senior receiver Bailey Gaither and junior receiver Jaquan Blackwell to get open and make catches down the field.
2. Stop the run
The Spartans have allowed 219 yards on the ground per game through four games. Air Force rushed for a total of 382 yards and five touchdowns last week, with Taven Birdow scoring two of the five. New Mexico doesn’t run a triple-option, but this defense is going to have to step up.
Only one defensive-lineman, senior tackle Sailosi Latu, has at least 15 tackles. Besides Latu, the d-line has been underwhelming. Senior outside linebacker Jesse Osuna can make a difference in the run game as he leads SJSU in tackles for loss with 2.5.
3. Let Nick loose
Freshman quarterback Nick Nash has proved to the coaching staff that he needs to be on the field. At the end of the game at Air Force, Nash went completed 5-7 passes with 82 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 62 rushing yards to his team leading total of 203.
Love is the starting quarterback of the Spartans, and there’s no debating that. As a leader on and off the field, he is everything you want. That being said, you cannot deny the fact the Nash brings something different to the table. His talent helps San Jose State win games, and sitting him on the bench would be a waste of that talent.
Prediction
San Jose State is going to come into this game ready to throw the ball. Expect big plays from Love down the field to his deep threats at wideout. The eefense has to lock in mentally and make little to no mistakes. Coach Brennan has a chance to win three games in a season for the first time as the head coach of San Jose State, a very good chance.
SJSU 34, New Mexico 14
