By Derrick Ow — Reporter
I am sorry to Brent Brennan and San Jose State football.
I did not think the Spartans would have turned the program around this soon. It is only my second year here as a student, but I have been watching this program rebuild since I was in high school.
I wondered how the Spartans would rebound after quarterback David Fales and former head coach Mike MacIntyre left the program in 2012-13.
I remember going to Levi’s Stadium for my first San Jose State game ever.
In 2018 the 0-6 Spartans played Army for the first time in school history. My dad and I went to that game thinking the Spartans would have a chance against then 3-2 Black Knights.
The Spartans turned the ball over four times and Army quarterback Kelvin Hopkins Jr. had four total touchdowns. The Black Knights took care of business with a 52-3 blowout win over SJSU. As an outsider, I thought coach Brennan was in over his head and thought that maybe the Spartans should go in a different route.
Everything changed last season when the Spartans got the signature win of the Brennan era. They defeated Arkansas in a 31-24 thriller at Razorback Stadium.
Josh Love threw for 402 yards and two touchdowns. Tre Walker went off with 12 receptions and 161 receiving yards. The win was celebrated at school like we won the National Championship.
The culture changed with that win. I felt the passion again for San Jose State football. The Spartans retained the Valley Trophy against Fresno State later that season.
2019 was a career-saving season for Brennan, leading to a three year contract extension by athletics director Marie Tuite.
2020 should be a springboard as a Mountain West contender. The Spartans are 2-0 for the first time since 1987.
Their Friday night game against undefeated San Diego State will tell us a lot about this Spartan team. Can they play with the big boys in the Mountain West?
They have not beaten the Aztecs in seven straight years. The Spartans have the passing game to give them some trouble,. but can the run game step up like they did against Arkansas last season?
The rest of the 2020 season could propel San Jose State back to being a consistent bowl contender.
Brennan’s overall record at SJSU is 10-29. However, if they can get to 3-0 on Friday night expect a lot of journalists to apologize.
Because San Jose State is on the rise.
Follow Derrick on Twitter @derrickq42
