By Navin Sunjay Krishnan (@NavinKthespear) Opinions Columnist
The San Jose State football team took a devastating blow against the massive powerhouse Auburn and nearly came out with what could have been a huge upset.
The Spartans showed up to duel, earning an early lead with sophomore punter Taren Schive booting a 33-yard field goal. “He’s going to be an awesome player for us,” said head coach Brent Brennan.
As this comment looms, the Spartans had more positives than negatives to take from this game.
As baseball legend, Babe Ruth once said, “I swing big, with everything I’ve got. I hit big or miss big. I like to live as big as I can.”
SJSU may not have gone the extra mile and taken this game, but they can dig up some found gold from this defeat.
It’s not the end of the road for this closely-knit team. Here are my takeaways from the Spartans’ bout with the Tigers.
Killer instinct: When an opportunity is given to the Spartans, they must take it with no conscience. They cannot be lackadaisical, lazy or soft with the ball. Playing with energy is tough in a road contest, but SJSU has to find a way to ignite their inner fire and keep it burning for four quarters. SJSU at one point was leading Auburn and needs to realize that no matter the level of its opponents, none of them are pros yet. SJSU beat Auburn in possession time with a total of 19:26 to the Tigers’ 10:34. The Spartans did not commit a turnover in the game. Senior running back Kairee Robinson severed the Auburn defensive alive for a 10-7 lead early in the game. The Spartans have what it takes to knock off powerhouses of this caliber but it will take focus and competitiveness.
Know your personnel: The Tigers absolutely decimated the Spartans in the rushing game. Aubrun had 210 rushing yards to SJSU’s 54. The Spartans must realize their opponent’s game tactics and counteract them.
The Spartans don’t need to fight back by matching their opponents’ strengths. However, SJSU must remember defense wins games. Defense is a must and is a better option to rely on rather than winning games solely through offense.
SJSU redshirt junior defensive back Chase Williams intercepted the final Auburn pass as the quarter expired. Senior safety Tre Jenkins and Williams came up with big-time stops in the form of interceptions early in the game, limiting the Tigers’ offense in the first quarter. The Spartans anticipated the Tigers’ weakest link, their passing game.
“This team has high expectations. We weren’t surprised by tonight. Offensive chemistry takes time,” said Brennan. “I thought we had some big-time performances outside the receivers. I am optimistic.”
Win the battle of confidence: Although it may seem cliche, confidence is key in winning games against big-time teams. The major factor Auburn has over SJSU in games like these is supreme confidence. The last time Auburn lost to an unranked team was the University of Florida in 2007. SJSU has a bit of a chip on its shoulder being the underdog in games against dominant teams, but the Spartans cannot doubt themselves if they want to have a winning season.
Auburn’s energy from their home crowd and their repetitive dominance are just cogs in their confidence. SJSU needs to understand that ultimate confidence comes from within. Brennan has turned this team from respectable to dangerous. Spartan fans have a lot to be proud of.
“We were probably the underdog … there are a couple [reasons] we’re going to be disappointed. Anytime you’re playing a power-five school, It’s a challenge. I was proud of the way we played today,” said Brennan.
Brennan and his squad have their reputation gaining ferocity and the Spartans will carry this snowballing momentum back home to take on Western Michigan on Sept. 24.