By Hugo Vera — Staff Writer
A struggling San Jose State Football team will face even greater challenges this Saturday as it plays on the road against the University of Oregon.
The Spartans are 0-2 after having lost 44-38 to the University of California, Davis Aggies in their season opener and subsequently enduring a 31-0 loss to the Washington State University Cougars.
The Ducks have a history of DI football successes. The team has consistently placed in the top tier of the PAC-12 North and has made two national championship appearances in 2010 and 2014.
Many critics within the sports community have already deemed the matchup a “revenue game” in which the Spartans are sure to lose to Oregon but will make millions of dollars in the process.
The San Francisco Gate reported that SJSU made $1 million alone from their game against the Texas Longhorns which resulted in a 56-0 shutout in 2017.
Last week, Spartan quarterback Montel Aaron was constantly sacked which gave way to further incomplete passes against the Cougars.
On the other side of the gridiron, the Ducks are 2-0 after securing and 58-24 win against the Bowling Green Falcons and a 62-14 win over the Portland State Vikings.
One thing for sure in Oregon — The Ducks have far from a quarterback problem.
Justin Herbert threw for 250 yards and two touchdown passes against the Vikings, cementing the quarterback on the level of his predecessors Vernon Adams Jr. and Heisman-winner Marcus Mariota.
Herbert, having completed 20 out of his 26 passes during the Portland State game is now under the national radar an a sure contender for the 2018-2019 Heisman Trophy.
As for the Spartans, junior quarterback Josh Love is out with a concussion which leaves even more gametime responsibility to sophomore Montel Aaron.
Another issue plaguing the Spartans is their comparatively young offensive line. This offensive line composed of first and second-year players will now have to guard Aaron against consistently heavier and more seasoned Oregon linemen.
SJSU is ranked only 123rd nationwide in rushing yards, which will not bode well against an Oregon defense than only allows the opposing team an average of 2.2 yards per play.
Interestingly enough, Ducks offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo was the Spartans starting quarterback when the Ducks hosted and beat the Spartans 58-3 in 1998.
Other notable Ducks players to look out for include freshman running back C.J. Verdell.
Verdell’s rushing allowed his “Thunder” team to outscore the “Lightning” team 59-24 during Oregon’s yearly inter-team scrimmage this spring.
Kickoff time in Autzen is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
Follow Hugo on Twitter @HugoV_II