By Matt Weiner (@mattweiner20) – Spear Reporter | Photo via Christian Vieyra of The Spear
Hello and welcome to Matt’s Monday Mailbag™ your go-to destination for all pressing SJSU football matters.
Enough chit-chatting. Let’s get into it.
Ricky Delgado: @RickyDe70535587: Well it looks like we’re shifting to more of a run-first offense and I’m all for it. We’ll be 4-5 heading Cefcu against Fresno with confidence at an all time high. How successful do you think our new found offensive approach will go against the pups? Not to overlook UH of course.
Will SJSU football be as successful against Fresno State as it was against New Mexico or Utah State? No chance.
I’m as thrilled as everybody, but I don’t see SJSU rushing for 250-plus yards against an FSU boasting the second-best running defense in the Mountain West (114.4 rushing yards per game).
Although, it is encouraging to see that the Bulldogs allowed 204 rushing yards in its last game to USU. On a separate note, I love how Ricky referred to Fresno State as the “pups.” Two weeks ago, following the demoralizing defeat to Boise State, referring to the Bulldogs as the “pups” would’ve been embarrassing. Just can’t do that when you’re 1-5.
So I hope SJSU doesn’t sleepwalk against Hawaii to continue this energy and heighten excitement heading into the FSU matchup.
Ricky Delgado: @RickyDe70535587: “We’re doing exactly what we need to do to be bowl eligible and the team looks as physical/confident as ever. Any new thoughts on running the table or even going 6-6. Fresno is our toughest opponent remaining but we also can’t sleep on SDSU at home or UNLV on the road.”
It’s so bizarre for me to read the phrase “running the table.” Not that long ago, the only “running” fans hoped for was running SJSU head coach Brent Brennan out of town.
Back to your question, 6-6 is definitely a possibility.
I thought SDSU would give SJSU fits, but after the Aztecs dropped a goose egg to Nevada at home, I like the Spartans chances very confident the Spartans will win. Seriously, what was that? Nevada entered on a 16-game losing streak and somehow SDSU lost 6-0.
While UNLV is 5-1, it played a soft schedule and kicked six field goals in its win ove Colorado State last Saturday. The final one was a game-winner. The Rebels inability to finish drives against a porous Rams defense isn’t encouraging.
I see SJSU handling UH. At this stage, I can’t imagine Brennan or any Spartan looking past the Rainbow Warriors.
But I still have SJSU losing to Fresno State. The Spartans just don’t have the passing game to keep up with the Bulldogs.
Nonetheless, 1-5 to bowl eligible is transitioning from pipe dream to potential reality.
The Truth: @ElonforU: : “Matt- Does Kairee have a shot to play in the NFL? Look at the numbers over 2000 yards and 24 and counting TD’s. Also- we still have a shot at that 7-5 record and if we take care of Hawaii that Fresno game Nov 11th will be huge.”
I like how you say “Matt–” because it makes me feel like I’m receiving a text from my dad in a family group chat.
Anyways, the chance Robinson plays in the NFL is a small one. First, Robinson is at a G-5 which means he’d have to put up comically large numbers to garner interest from scouts.
The 2,000 yards is nice, but remember, he’s played 49 games. So it averages out to 40 rushing yards per game. He’ll essentially have to rush for 100-130 yards per game with multiple touchdowns in each one and become a driving force in a bowl win to get ascend to a roster.
Ricky Delgado @RickyDe70535587: “With the running attack also seems to come a lock of downfield throwing ability (minus the two TD’s to Nash). Once teams start scheming against our rush attack as opposed to the past as they’ve been, do you think we start balancing it out a little more offensively?”
You’ve essentially hit on my biggest fear: What happens if opponents clamp down on the run game?
Because we saw what happens when teams shut down SJSU’s passing game *cough* *cough* blowing three straight double-digit second half leads and getting outscored 56-7 in the second half during that span.
If Robinson and Quali Conley gets shutdown, might as well put SJSU quarterback Chevan Cordeiro in shotgun and let him cook. He doesn’t have breakneck speed, but he’s agile enough to scramble for first downs and extend plays.
During last Saturday’s 42-21 win, Cordeiro rushed for 53 yards and four first downs. Last year, he set an SJSU single-season record by rushing for nine touchdowns.
Matt Hamilton: @MattHamilton19: “Love our run game. The announcers said something about Brennan, adding more conditioning— In particular, running—after the Boise State loss, to prevent second-half collapses. Seems to be working. Can you tell us more about that?”
Interesting question. I didn’t listen to the broadcast during the game so I can’t add to that.
If I’m being honest, the better second-half play is more about playing weaker competition. I don’t envision New Mexico and Utah State making a bowl game. If they do, then it’s by the skin of their teeth.
Meanwhile, Toledo (+140) and Air Force (+120) are odds-on favorite of winning their respected conference.
Charles Myer @CharlesMyer_UT: “Another great win for SJSU which gives us a shot at a potential bowl game. With that being said we clearly are not going to reach the goals we wanted this season. Who do you think has the inside track to take over for Chevan next season? Someone on the roster? Or a transfer?”
Most would expect me to say Oregon transfer and former four-star recruit Jay Butterfield.
But I’m leaning toward true freshman Anthony Garcia.
Just wait. You’ll see.
Wayne Norton: @Nordo: “Great to see the O-line being effective on run blocking.”
I thought it was great, too, but how about SJSU football adding a fullback to the mix?
Former walk on Charlie Rogers was a monster as a lead block and should be a factor moving forward.
Johnny b good: @Johnnybgoodd_1: “Much better, fewer penalties by the OL, but they still struggle with the pass rush. Would like to keep the run game going and add it some quick slants by the TE to keep the LB honest. That should definitely open up Nash and Miller deep. Defense looked good.”
Haven’t touched on defense, but I’m very encouraged by how they’ve shut down New Mexico and Utah State in the second half.
Nobody’s been an all-time legend like bookends Junior Fehoko and Cade Hall or linebacker Kyle Harmon last year. I’m very impressed with linebackers sophomore Jordan Pollard and junior Bryun Parham.
Last week, Pollard grabbed an interception and Parham’s the third-leading tackler in the Mountain West. The duo could be very dangerous next year.