By Benny Garcia — Editor
The San Jose State Spartans (3-3, 1-1 MW) will welcome the San Diego State Aztecs (5-0, 1-0 MW) to town for Homecoming, tonight at CEFCU Stadium.
The Spartans are coming off yet another disappointing loss, this time by the hands of Colorado State University, 32-14 on Oct. 9.
It is the first time SJSU has recorded double-digit scoring in a loss this season.
While the Spartans are still sorely missing their graduate quarterback Nick Starkel, who has been sidelined with a left-arm injury since Sept. 25., junior Nick Nash has done all he could do in the absence of Starkel.
Nash had an extremely efficient passing percentage of 83.3% in his first start on Oct. 2 against New Mexico State and two touchdowns but proceeded to falter against Colorado State as he finished the game with 11 completions on 22 attempts while finishing with two touchdowns.
Although finishing with the loss, head coach Brent Brennan in a press conference said, “there were some really good moments for us, but also some really frustrating ones.”
Nonetheless, the Spartans turn their attention over to the Aztecs.
SJSU and SDSU have beat up on each other throughout their storied histories, with the Aztecs owning the series record 22-20-2.
Last year, the Spartans were finally able to put an end to a seven-game losing streak against SDSU, dating all the way back to 2013.
SJSU won that bout, 28-17 on Nov. 6 in Carson, Calif.
This season has been very different for both squads, as the Aztecs enter tonight’s matchup undefeated while the Spartans are struggling to stay consistent.
SDSU is coming off a blowout win 31-7 against the University of New Mexico.
In the victory, senior quarterback Jordon Brookshire threw for a 45.8% completion rate and finished the game without throwing a touchdown, the Aztec receivers went scoreless.
However, this is where the Aztec offense has shined as they have won games with rushing.
On the year, SDSU has secured 1,222 yards in rushing, while only keeping opponents to 250 rushing yards.
The Aztecs have scored 15 touchdowns rushing this season and only four passing.
In their victory against the Lobos, it was no different.
They had four rushing touchdowns.
Senior running back Greg Bell gained 111 yards rushing and scored a touchdown, but Brookshire rushed for a total of 45 yards and scored two touchdowns en route to a beatdown over New Mexico.
The Chula Vista native is having a huge year for the Aztecs with 520 rushing yards in 94 attempts and five touchdowns.
Head coach Brennan had high praise for the SDSU running back, “their running back is an NFL player, he’s outstanding.”
While the Spartans have a tall task ahead of them, Brennan remains optimistic about a victory for SJSU.
“We’ve been working hard at it, putting together a plan for what I think is the best team in our conference right now,” said Brennan.
The game will be aired on the CBS Sports Network and it will start at 7:30 p.m. tonight.
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