By Matthew Gonzalez — Reporter
San Jose State football has a two-headed monster at the quarterback position this season with gunslinger graduate student Nick Starkel and speedy sophomore Nick Nash.
Throughout the season the Spartans have used both Starkel and Nash interchangeably and it has seemed to work very well throughout the Spartans’ impressive 4-0 start.
While Starkel has pretty much solidified himself as QB1 in San Jose, Nash got some good action in against San Diego State in which he threw for 169 yards and simultaneously led the team in rushing yards following Starkel’s game-ending injury.
SJSU hasn’t seen a dynamic like this in a very long time and it’s very exciting to see how far this could possibly take them this season.
Another bright spot for the Spartans is the fact that the stealthy Nick Nash is only improving as a passer which is a significant positive for a quarterback without the innate ability to run, but for Nash it only strengthens his arsenal.
“Nick Nash is really developing into a good passer which is exciting because his legs are dangerous,” said Spartans head coach Brent Brennan.
All the while Nash improves his throwing game, QB1 Nick Starkel is busy trying to follow the tough act of former SJSU quarterback Josh Love.
While Love has recently set a high standard for the quarterback position at San Jose State, Starkel has been able to fill his shoes quite nicely, throwing the ball effectively and leading the Spartans to victory after victory.
Unfortunately for the Spartans they face Hawaii redshirt junior Chevan Cordeiro, a talented quarterback in his own right.
Cordeiro had a monster game the last time the Spartans and Rainbow Warriors met going 23-of-31 passing for over 300 yards and five touchdowns.
Brennan had nothing but praise for the Hawaii native.
“It all starts with Cordeiro, he’s obviously a very good thrower but you also see him do a lot of damage running,” the SJSU head coach said.
“It’s a really balanced attack but when you add the x-factor of Cordeiro they become really challenging.”
The Spartans and their dominant defense will look to stop the Rainbow Warriors in their tracks and hope that double-edged sword will pay dividends in a crucial game.
Follow Matthew on Twitter @Matthewmgonz01