CFB: BOISE STATE (2-3,1-0) (-9.5) VS SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY (1-4,0-1)

 

Boise State University (-9.5) vs San Jose State University

Date: Saturday, October 7th, 2023 

Time: 6:00 pm MT 

Stadium: Albertsons “Bronco” Stadium (36,387)

TV:CBS Sports Network

Tv Commentators: Rich Waltz, Aaron Taylor, and Tiffany Blackmon

Radio: KBOI 670 AM

Commentators: Bob Behler and Pete Cavender

Know Thy Enemy

Boise State comes home singing the blues after letting go of a 17-0 lead that ultimately ended in a 32-35 loss to the Memphis Tigers, but there is no time to cry over spilt milk as they play host to the Spartans of San Jose State in a matchup of struggling programs for homecoming! 

The Spartans have had an extra week to prepare for this one, but they come into this game against the Broncos licking their own wounds, as they have been losers of 4 out of 5 to start the season which is their worst start to a season since the 2018 campaign in which they only did win the one game. The Spartans had a real tough opening slate of games, playing at both USC and Oregon State to start the season. After back-to-back losses the Spartans finally got into the win column by routing FCS doormat Cal Poly. That would be the highlight of the season so far as they then proceeded to lose a tough game at Toledo and then two weeks ago, fell victim to the well-oil machine that is Air Force 45-20. 

San Jose State is led by their veteran Senior quarterback Chevan Cordeiro is a multi-year starter who has shown he can push the ball down the field. The Spartans have a lot of length in their receiving corps with their main targets Nick Nash and Malihi Miller both over 6 '3".  They also have a giant Tight End, Dominick Mazotti who is 6’4”, 250 LBS that averages close to 40 yards receiving per game. SJSU wants to throw the ball around the yard and this is evident with how many different players have caught a pass this year. Six players have 10 or more catches on the season with 13 players having caught at least one pass so far. Statistically the Spartans are average to slightly below average as they rank in the bottom half in almost every offensive category in the conference. They only average a touch over 28 points per game and 355 yards per game. 

The defense for the Spartans has been a conundrum so far. They rank in the top three of the Mountain West in total defense and passing defense, but then ranks in the bottom half of the league in scoring defense and rushing defense, giving up over 33 points and 216 yards on the ground per game. The Spartans also won’t pressure the quarterback, as their average of 1.2 sacks per game is tied for last in the conference. And finally they also let their opponent convert on 50% of their third down conversions which is also dead last in the Mountain West. Now every defense has their standouts and for the Spartans they’re linebacker Bryun Parham who leads the team in tackles,  defensive lineman Tre Smith who has half of the teams sacks, and defensive back Jay’Vion Cole who is #1 on the team and #3 in the nation with his six pass breakup his year. 

SJSU is coached by Brent Brennan. Brennan is in his 7th season as head coach of the Spartans. Brennan took over the program in 2016 that had only three winning seasons in the previous 20 years. After just three wins in his first two seasons, Brennan has had 25 wins since 2019, including a 7-1 conference championship season in 2020 and another winning season in 2022. Last year, he became the first San Jose State coach with multiple bowl games since Claude Gilbert in the 1980s.

The Broncos and the Spartans are no strangers as Saturday will be the 15th time since 2001 and the 16th all-time meeting between the two schools. Boise State holds a stranglehold on the series, winning 14 of the previous 15 meetings, with the lone win for SJSU coming in the 2020 conference championship game. Boise State’s average margin of victory in the series has been 26.5 points. 

What Happened Last Year Time

On a brisk afternoon at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, the nationally-ranked Spartans jumped out to a 19-3 lead over Boise State and never looked back. The final score was 34-20, and the result was written all over the faces of the jubilant, trophy-parading Spartans.

Nick Starkel broke former Fresno State star Derek Carr's title-game record of 404 yards passing set in 2013 in a victory over Utah State.

It was the fourth 400-yard passing game of Starkel's career, and second this season, his first with the Spartans.

Boise State inched its way back into the game in the second half on an Avery Williams' 69-yard punt return and quarterback Hank Bachmeier's 2-yard run to close the deficit to a one-score game on two occasions.

Each time, however, San Jose State was able to respond. First, it was Starkel connecting with wide receiver Isaiah Hamilton on a 30-yard touchdown pass at the start of the fourth quarter and two possessions later, it was Derrick Deese, Jr., on a 1-yard reception with 3:48 to go for the final score in the game.

Players to Watch 

SAN JOSE STATE 

Rs.SO., TRE SMITH, DE #3

Tre Smith has been  a standout along a defensive front that has been less than stellar for the Spartans this season. In his last game against Air Force, Smith was tied for the team high with his 13 tackles. Smith also has half of the teams total sacks with 3.  Smith had a season-high 1.5 sacks in the season opener against USC.

SR.,NICK NASH, WR #3

The Broncos could be in trouble this week trying to stop the Spartans standout receiver Nick Nash. Nash is in his fifth season with the Spartans and has played significant time since stepping on campus in 2019. He has established himself as  the go-to option for his quarterback with his 25 catches, which is 11 more than the next leading receiver. Nick has made at least 5 catches in all but one game.  He also has found his way into the endzone three times this year, however all of those came in the season opener against USC. 

SO., JAY’VION COLE, DB #8

Native of Oakland, CA, Jay’Vion Cole is in his first season at SJSU after transferring from Cal Poly. Last year at Cal Poly Cole led the team with four interceptions. This season he has been a vital part of the Spartans secondary and currently third in the nation with his six pass breakups. So if the Broncos want to throw the ball on Saturday, perhaps don’t throw it towards #8.  

BOISE STATE 

Rs.FR., MADDUX “MAD DOG” MADSEN, QB #4

Who doesn’t love a gold old fashion quarterback controversy six games into the season? Well whether you like it or not, Maddux Madsen has played his way into more significant playing time starting this week so let’s get to know Mad Dog. The American Fork, UT native was a three-star recruit coming out of high school and was rated the no.51 pocket passer in the nation according to ESPN. He redshirted last year, but did make an appearance in one game going 3 of 4 for 43 yards. This year, Madsen was named the backup out of fall camp, but it didn’t seem like he would see much playing time outside of “mop up” duty. However, a few weeks ago against UCF, Madsen came into the game for an injured Taylen Green and led the team down the field for a touchdown in the closing moments of the game to give the team a lead. Last week against Memphis, Madsen played a considerable amount in the second half and actually closed out the game for the Broncos. Against Memphis he was 11-for-14 for 175 yards and 2 touchdowns. I don’t know how the coaching staff plans on splitting time, but Madsen has proven he can spin the pig skin. 

SO., JAMES FERGUSON-REYNOLDS, P #46

It seems to be a bit “participation torphy-ish” to highlight the punter because his job it to kick the ball to the other team when his team can’t get a first down. However, the Aussie, James Ferguson-Reynolds has been an absolute craftsman at his job. Not only does JFR has a cannon for a leg with his punts going an average of 49.88 yards which is second best in the nation, but he also has the accuracy of an assagin with almost half of his punts being downed inside the 20. His ability to flip the field and pin teams deep inside their own territory has been a real Godsend for the Broncos. 

Rs.SO., ZION WASHINGTON, S #31

With Alexander Tubner sidelined with an injury, Zion Washington got the start against Memphis last week and played pretty well. The Frisco, Tx native played mostly on special teams last season, but has seen the field quite a bit this year. Washington’s biggest impact last week came in a play that wasn’t as he was the one that forced the apparent fumble as the goalline that would have given Boise State the ball with just over two minutes left, down just three instead of 10. This defense is full of fresh faces and Washington is just the next one in line to get to know. 

Focus Position Group: Quarterback

With Boise State turning to a two quarterback system on Saturday it always sparks a quote from legendary coach John Madden when he said, “If you have two quarterbacks you actually have none.” It’s safe to say that for whatever reason, Taylen Green has not made as big of a jump form his fist season to his second like we had all hoped and reversely we have all been pleasantly surprised by the play of backup Maddox Madsen. Madsen has led some pretty efficient touchdown drives in the past couple of weeks and has made it tough on the coaching staff to keep him on the sideline. I for one have never been a fan of a two quarterback system because of the potential to split a locker room. However, at the end of the day winning is what is most important so if coaches think this gives the Broncos the best opportunity to do that I’m eager to see how it shakes out.  

Rev's Route to a Bronco Win

1. Ashton and You Will Receive

There’s a lot of talk about the quarterback tandem that will take the filed on Saturday, but the real secret to winning for Boise State is not who is behind center because that really doesn’t matter as long as they keep getting the rock to #2 on a consistent basis. Jeanty is putting up video game-like numbers and leads the country in points scored per game and total touchdowns. Last week he put up four touchdowns against Memphis. Just keep getting him the ball and all will be well. 

2. Make one Stop

In two of Boise State’s three losses all the Broncos needed was one stop on defense and the outcome could have been different. Boise State forced Memphis into numerous third and long situations, but couldn’t get off the field and Memphis ended the day 6 of 13 on third down conversions. This week they have to cash in on the money downs and get stops when the Spartans are behind the chains. Just get one stop…please? 

3. Long Road Ahead

Starting field position can be a major factor in a game. Have your punter pin the opposition deep in their territory can create a spark. Conversely a big punt return can also create momentum. San Jose State ranks 10th in the country and first in the Mountain West in punt returns, averaging close to 17 yards per return. That 17 yards is like giving the offense two first downs before the drive even starts. The Spartans have a couple of guys that will return punts, one of which is Matthew Coleman who housed the first return he made this season. James Ferguson-Reynolds along with the rest of the punt team will have to be on their game this week and force SJSU to go the length of the field on their drives. 

Revs Rant and Prediction: 

Here we are again, picking up the pieces of our shattered blue and orange hearts after another loss. 2-3, no matter if this is what we anticipated happening after the first five weeks, is a hard pill to swallow for Bronco Nation.  However, the fact of the matter is, conference play is now in full swing and winning the conference is always goal 1A for any football team. In past years, even if Boise State slipped up it wouldn’t hurt their conference championship aspirations because SJSU was in the West Division, but this year the conference ditched the divisions and the conference title will be played against the top two teams. So this game truly matters. Boise State has a great opportunity to take advantage of a struggling Spartans team.This week the Broncos can’t feel sorry for letting another game slip away and I’m done with the “this win could spark the rest of the season” talk. For me it's just trying to beat the team in front of them. They have to have the 1-0 mentality that their coaching staff so often preaches. 

Let’s face it. There is a reason Boise State is favored by almost 10 points in this one. San Jose State is not good right now. Historically the Spartans have not been good, especially in Boise. There is no reason why the Broncos shouldn’t win this one going away. Jeanty again shines and I predict three touchdowns this week for the running back. 

Boise State 45, San Jose State 28