By BJ Querubin — Staff Writer
San Jose State (3-4, 1-3 MW) is hoping to revitalize its season against the Army Black Knights (3-4) after the Spartans lost its second straight game to San Diego State.
The Spartans’ season thus far has been nothing short of a roller coaster. They’re having a difficult time putting themselves in better positions to win when the game is still in reach.
With SJSU’s home record being 2-2 and its away record being 1-2, the Spartans don’t have an advantage anywhere they play.
The most glaring issue with this squad is that they don’t have any reliable strengths to base their game plan off of.
The Spartans’ rushing attack and play-calling offensively is highly suspect, and their defense is always playing on its heels.
Granted, this team has shown spurts of its upside. Here’s proof: SJSU is tied second in the nation in turnover margin.
During the last game, the Spartans had key injuries that left a damaging mark to the team’s success.
With senior linebacker and the team’s once-leading tackler Ethan Aguayo out, San Diego State took full advantage of a weakened front seven.
The team’s current leading tackler is junior safety Jay Lenard, who is tied for 10th in the nation in solo tackles.
On the offensive side of the ball, freshman quarterback Nick Nash was also sidelined last game. Nash was the team’s leading rusher and would have provided a different dimension to the Spartan’s offense.
This week against the Black Knights, the status of those injured players remains uncertain.
Luckily for SJSU, a young bull seems to be on the rise.
Freshman running back Kairee Robinson made his first career start a memorable one. Robinson rushed for 64 yards and caught a touchdown pass that gave the Spartans a spark that can help them for the rest of the season.
As troubled as SJSU may seem, the Black Knights have also struggled this season. After starting the season 3-1, they have lost three weeks in a row and are looking to snap their losing streak.
Army has lost by an average of 8.3 points in each of those three losses, where the Black Knights could not find a way to get the job done.
Army’s leading tackler, senior linebacker Cole Christiansen, looks to have a big day as he is ranked seventh in the nation in solo tackles.
The Black Knights offense won’t try to fool anyone. They have a simple but effective offense that can tear defenses to shreds if they aren’t disciplined enough.
In seven games, this offense has rushed the ball 382 times and has only attempted 69 passes.
The Spartans’ Achilles heel all season has been defending the run. They will have to gunsling themselves into an offensive shootout to stay competitive.
Army’s offensive line play has been stellar, only allowing six total sacks this season.
Aside from the Black Knights relentless rushing attack, SJSU will have another element to fight through in the form of an early morning game on the East Coast.
Kickoff is 9 a.m. Saturday in West Point, New York.
Follow BJ on Twitter @Beejaycue
