By Ernie Gonzalez (@superego1012):
San Jose State (1-4, 0-1 MW) is as close to a ‘must-win’ situation as a team can get Saturday, as it takes on UNLV (1-2, 0-0 MW) in Las Vegas.
The Spartans lead the all-time series with UNLV 16-4-1 and haven’t tasted a Rebels defeat since the 1994 season. But to SJSU head coach Brent Brennan, that means nothing.
“I think for us, it’s really just the next opportunity to play,” Brennan told the Las Vegas Review Journal Monday. “More than anything, we’re just anxious to get past last week and have another chance to play.”
SJSU will get its shot to play no doubt, but to have a chance to win, the offense will need to have its best performance of the year.
All signs point to Josh Love as the starting quarterback, as he will need to put up a show if the Spartans want a win come Saturday night.
Bailey Gaither is coming off his worst performance of the year, as Utah State held him to just three receptions for 24 yards. Getting Gaither involved early has to be one of Love’s goals, but expect a surprise face to join the WR mix against UNLV, maybe Justin Holmes or Jeremy Kelly.
A key on offense is to increase time of possession, which could have a domino effect not only on the production of the offense, but the entire team as well.
More time of possession comes from longer drives, which can open up red zone opportunities and possibly get Bryce Crawford off the sideline.
Longer drives mean fewer turnovers, leading to less time the defense is on the field, which tires everyone. Well — almost everyone.
Heading into Saturday, Spartan linebacker Frank Ginda leads the country with 73 tackles, (44 solo) averaging 14.6 per game.
The last time Ginda stepped foot in Sam Boyd Stadium, he had a monster performance, totaling 14 tackles, (2.0 for loss) forcing a fumble and recording a combined sack, leading the defense and Spartans to a 33-27 overtime victory.
SJSU’s secondary will have its hands full against one of the best UNLV receivers of all-time, senior Devonte Boyd, accompanied by two, tall 6-foot-4 towers in Kendal Keys and Andre Collins.
The Rebels are also young at quarterback but are confident they found their guy. Redshirt freshman Armani Rodgers won the starting job from a couple of upperclassmen and has impressed since.
It isn’t the first time Brennan has heard of Rodgers. A couple years ago, he wanted him to be a Beaver.
“I recruited Armani when I was at Oregon State,” Brennan told the Las Vegas Review Journal. “Great kid. It’s neat to see him developing into a good player.”
The key for the Spartans will be limiting Rodgers’ receivers, forcing him out of the pocket and making the Rebel offense one dimensional. If the Spartans can do that, it’s Rodgers versus the Spartans’ front seven.
Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday night.