By Jarra Gojolo — Senior Content Editor
2020 has been good to somebody, at least.
San Jose State football has received top-25 votes for the first time since 2013, a milestone for a program that lost 11 games just two years ago. The Spartans’ four votes in the AP Coaches’ poll are level with previously-ranked Boise State and a single vote below fellow undefeated Nevada.
Brent Brennan’s team shares the Mountain West’s driver’s seat thanks to strong quarterback play and a surprisingly strong defense. With the Spartans in control of their own destiny nearly halfway through the season, here’s a look at their remaining match-ups in 2020.
Week 4 vs UNLV (0-3)
The Spartans face winless UNLV at home next Friday. Statistically, the Rebels have the worst offense and the second-worst defense in the Mountain West, which bodes well for a SJSU team that has been strong on both sides of the ball this season.
There will be questions on the Spartans’ side about the status of QB Nick Starkel, who was knocked out of Friday’s game against San Diego State with what seemed to be a head injury.
SJSU lost a 38-35 heartbreaker last season in Sin City, as former Spartans QB Josh Love threw a late red-zone interception to seal the game for the Rebels.
Week 5 at Fresno State (2-1)
The biggest Battle for the Valley Trophy since the Derek Carr and David Fales shootout. The Bulldogs have a new look in head coach Kalen DeBoer and Washington transfer QB Jake Haener.
Fresno State has scored 38 and 40 points in its last two games, with RB Ronnie Rivers gaining 400 total yards in the two wins.
DeJon Packer scored a touchdown with two minutes remaining to seal last year’s 17-16 nail-biter against the Bulldogs.
Week 6 at Boise State (2-1)
The upstart Spartans take on the big dog Broncos on Nov. 28. The Broncos have a pair of strong quarterbacks to choose from in Hank Bachmeier and USC transfer Jack Sears.
SJSU has an opportunity to put up numbers on a Boise State defense that allowed 51 points to No. 8 ranked BYU on Friday. Love’s 438 passing yards weren’t enough in last year’s 52-42 shootout loss to the Broncos.
The improved rushing defense will be a factor for the Spartans, who gave up 253 yards and six touchdowns in the ground in 2019.
Week 7 vs Hawai’i (2-1)
Fortunately for San Jose State the team doesn’t have to travel far this year to face the Rainbow Warriors. Expect a high-scoring game between two teams with strong passing attacks, Hawai’i QB Chevan Cordeiro is third in the conference in passing yards.
The Rainbow Warriors have a grueling test between now and Dec. 5 — facing SDSU, Boise State and MW-leading Nevada in consecutive weeks before coming to CEFCU Stadium.
The Spartans also lost a shootout in Honolulu last season, 42-40 despite strong efforts from Love, Packer and WR Tre Walker.
Week 8 vs Nevada (3-0)
The last of the undefeateds — and a couple of the best quarterbacks in the conference — face each other to end the regular season.
QB Carson Strong is the Wolf Pack’s biggest threat. The sophomore currently leads the Mountain West in passing yards and passing touchdowns, the former by a large margin.
Yet again the Spartans lost a high scoring matchup last season, as Nevada hit a game-winning field goal as time expired to sink SJSU 41-38.
It’s likely that at least one of these teams will be in the running to play in the Mountain West Championship a week later, giving this game extra implications in the conference.
San Jose State football has a long and tough way to go before the end of the season, a lot can happen that can change their fortunes for the better or worse. As long as the Spartans can keep it rolling they’ll be in contention for at least their first bowl appearance since 2015.
Follow Jarra on Twitter @JarraGojolo
