By Stevie Corio — Reporter
San Jose State football (6-0) has a chance to make history on Saturday as they face Boise State (5-1, 5-0 MW) in the Mountain West Championship Game.
“As long as we got each other we felt like we could do anything and now we’re here,” said SJSU running back Tyler Nevens.
The team has been able to push through one of the most uncertain times in history playing football through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When that ball gets placed down on the field, our guys tune everything out and it’s just poetry,” said SJSU quarterback Nick Starkel.
If the Spartans win it will be the first time SJSU has ever beaten Boise State.
SJSU and Boise State were scheduled to play each other earlier this season but due to COVID-19 issues in Boise the game was cancelled. The Broncos have a very disciplined and consistent team but the Spartans have shown that they have made an immense amount of growth this season.
“It’s always good the second time around,” said Boise State’s Avery Williams, Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year.
The Broncos are the only other team to be undefeated in the Mountain West this season, their one loss being to independent Brigham Young University. Though they have proven themselves to be a big football program, this year the Spartans have shown that they can compete with these teams.
“San Jose State is a great team and they’re a great challenge,” said Boise State linebacker Riley Whimpey.
Going into the game the Spartans need to tie off their loose ends to secure a win. They have proven this season that they are able to finish games and execute wins thoroughly. Tightening up their defense for this game will be a key factor in which team gains the momentum of the game. Boise State has the best overall scoring and offense in the Mountain West.
The Broncos have 29 touchdowns this season and are averaging at 36.2 points per game. They also have one of the best receivers in the Mountain West in Khalil Shakir, who is averaging just under 14 yards per reception.
“It’s hard to play against teams that don’t make mistakes…you’ve got to just keep grinding through,” said Mountain West defensive player of the year Cade Hall.
It is no secret that the Spartans success this season has much to do with the improvements that have been made to their offense as well. Quarterback Nick Starkel has been an important asset to the team this year, leading the offense for five of the Spartans’ six wins.
Friday’s game between the Spartans and the Broncos will be nothing short of entertaining. Ultimately what it game comes down to is whichever team is able to limit their own mistakes, and can apply that pressure onto their opponent.
The Broncos have a very disciplined team, which means the Spartans need match that level of discipline to come out with a win.
“We play for each other and we have a common goal and that is to win at all costs,” Starkel said.
The Spartans will face the Broncos on Saturday in Las Vegas at 1:30 p.m.
Follow Stevie on Twitter @CorioStevie