By Richy Zajic — Managing Editor
Conference foe Air Force comes to town to kick off the 2020 San Jose State football campaign.
Amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, this season will consist of only eight games rather than the usual 12. The first of 8 will be against a powerhouse in Air Force that finished with a 2019 record of 11-2 (7-1 MW).
The Spartans showed promise last season as well finishing with a 5-7 (2-6 MW) record, their best since 2015.
While this is the season opener for SJSU, AF already has a win under its belt, pummeling Navy 40-7 in week one.
Here are some key names in this opening matchup to lookout for on the Spartans’ side.
Nick Starkel/Nick Nash– This is the biggest question heading into this matchup, who will get the starting nod at quarterback? It’s between the graduate Arkansas transfer Starkel that threw for 1,152 yards, 7 TDs and 10 INTs last season, and sophomore Nash who rushed for 255 yards and 3 TDs last season as a backup to Josh Love. Nash also threw for 133 yards and 2 TDs.
Senior receiver Tre Walker– Walker is entering his final campaign with the Spartans, and will look to continue his dominant college career. Last season, Walker finished with 1,161 yards and 2 TDs, averaging 14.7 yards per catch.
Sophomore running back Kairee Robinson, as well as other rushers– With the 2019 top Spartan back DeJon Packer graduating last spring, Robinson now holds the reins as the lead back on the team. Last season, Robinson rushed for 174 yards while also hauling in 51 yards and 2 TDs in the passing game. Theushing unit for the Spartans will not be just him however, as the likes of senior Tyler Nevens, freshman Shamar Garrett and sophomore Isaiah Holiness are expected to have touches as well.
On the Falcons’ side of things, here are some key players and things to watch for.
Rushing trio– The Falcons certainly pack a punch in the rushing category, as in their first contest junior full back Timothy Jackson rushed for 118 yards, sophomore running back Brad Roberts carried for 103 and a TD and sophomore quarterback Haaziq Daniels rushed for 96 yards and a TD.
Stifling defense– A defense that only allowed seven total points in week one is obviously something to be aware of. That same defense also took an interception back for 62 yards versus Navy, and put up three sacks.
Going for a double-digit win streak– Including the end of last season and week one this year, the Falcons are coasting on a nine-game streak and will be looking to make it 10 with a victory over the Spartans. This game is more than just a week two matchup for the Falcons.
The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. from CEFCU Stadium in San Jose, CA.
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