Ep 33. Utah State at San Jose State
- September 27, 2013
Utah State and San Jose State are the featured teams on ESPN's College Football Thursday Primetime in Season 16, Episode 33. This game is set for an action-packed showdown under the bright lights of San Jose State’s CEFCU Stadium. Leading into this matchup, Utah State has a winning record of six wins and two losses, while San Jose State holds a record of four wins and four losses.
Utah State’s last game was a win against the Air Force Falcons, while San Jose State’s previous game was a loss to the Hawaii Warriors. Both teams put up sizable amounts of points in their games, suggesting that this week’s game should be an offensive-oriented showdown.
Utah State Aggies are expected to bring a high-powered scoring offense to the game, averaging over 30 points per game. The team’s quarterback, Logan Bonner, has passed for nearly 1,500 yards in the season thus far and has 17 touchdowns to only three interceptions. San Jose State will need to keep a close eye on Utah State's running back, Calvin Tyler Jr., who is averaging just under five yards per carry. Tyler has rushed for 530 yards this season and seven touchdowns.
The San Jose State Spartans are coming off a disappointing loss to the Hawaii Warriors but look to rebound in front of their home fans in this week’s primetime game. Spartans’ quarterback Nick Starkel has completed 65% of his passes for 1,817 yards, throwing 14 touchdowns and five interceptions this season. The Spartans' running back, Tyler Nevens, has rushed for 382 yards and three touchdowns this season and is a key player in San Jose State's offensive plans.
On the defensive side of the ball, both teams need improvements. San Jose State’s defense allows just under 30 points per game, while Utah State’s defense has allowed 33 or more points in four out of their eight games this season. San Jose State's defensive line is led by senior Cade Hall, who has five sacks so far this season. Utah State’s defense, led by linebacker AJ Vongphachanh who has totaled 67 tackles in eight games this season, has struggled against the run as they allow an average of 180 yards per game.
Utah State and San Jose State have faced off 21 times throughout their history, with San Jose State leading the head-to-head matchup 13-8. During their last matchup in 2019, San Jose State came out on top with a score of 41-13. This could give Utah State extra motivation to come out and prove that they are a different team than before.
In terms of rankings, Utah State is not currently ranked in the top 25 but has received votes in the AP poll. San Jose State is not currently ranked and has not received any votes in the AP poll. A win for either team can propel them up the polls.
Overall, the Utah State Aggies and San Jose State Spartans matchup promises to be an entertaining college football game for viewers. Utah State must play with precision on offense to keep pace with the San Jose State Spartans, who have the ability to put up big numbers as well. Nonetheless, it should be a high-scoring affair with both teams looking to leave with a win, whether it impacts their rankings or not.
