Matt Weiner (@mattweiner20) – Football Beat Reporter
Prepare for all SJSU football tailgates and watch parties with Matt Weiner’s “Get Smart” column. If you bring up any of these topics and no one’s intrigued, find some new company to keep.
History in the making
This Saturday, Brent Brennan has an opportunity to join Claude Gilbert as the only other SJSU football head coach to clinch bowl eligibility twice. Gilbert did it in 1986 and 1987 in the California Bowl.
Bringing up this ‘fun fact’ could turn you down a negative path. Although interesting, it makes you scratch the back of your head and ponder, ‘Have we really been that bad?’
Instead, take a detour and reminisce upon what it took to get here.
The first thing you’ll come across will be SJSU’s incredible defense.
Last week, defensive ends Cade Hall and Junior Fehoko combined for seven sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss.
While it’s a highly difficult performance to repeat, they could have something relatively close against Colorado State, who’s allowed the most sacks in the Mountain West (34). It’s one reason the Rams have scored the second-lowest points per game in the nation at 12.5.
No signs of slowing down for Chevan Cordeiro
But what is a trip down a stream of bright SJSU football memories without mentioning the quarterback?
Chevan Cordeiro has thrown for nearly 600 more yards than any other arm in the Mountain West.
His 9-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio is best in conference, even more impressive when factoring in his seven rushing touchdowns.
Colorado State pairs their conference-lowest scoring offense with a defense that’s allowed the second-most points per game in the Mountain West, 32.1.
The Rams are fresh off a 49-10 bludgeoning from Boise State, where they allowed a season-high 514 total yards, with 209 of them coming via the Bronco’s run attack.
Smells like a ‘get-right game’ for SJSU’s recently lackluster running game, that’s rushed for 17 yards in its last six quarters.
Just asking the question
The first year of the Jay Norvell-era has been a forgettable one.
But, what doesn’t help him or the Rams, at least in my opinion, is their $220,000,000 football facility.
Even people who live in Dubai’s finest mansions and drive Lamborghini Aventadors would question if all this is necessary.
As the saying goes, ‘If you build it they will come.’ However, what if those wins and prized recruits don’t come? And the Ram’s future is synonymous with its present? That would be a little bit … awkward.
Let’s take a step back.
If Norvell builds a dynasty then fickle-minded morons like myself will say, ‘That program knows how to construct a winning environment and culture.’
If they lose then the narrative goes, ‘Colorado State doesn’t have their priorities straight. That $220,000,000 went to waste.’
For college football standards, the amenities offered aren’t the least bit gaudy or out of ordinary.
LSU has customized sleeping pods for its players while Oregon has a barbershop as well.
Yet, these programs are also competing for major bowl games and/or national championships.
Just something to talk about amongst your tailgate or watch party. I present the information, it’s your choice how you wish to perceive it.
All I’m saying is that it’s a lot of juice. Will it be worth the squeeze?
Matt Weiner wishes you all a wonderful SJSU football viewing experience. May every barbecued delicacy be consumed with a smile and no one forget a speaker.