2011 San Jose State Football Predictions

Written by Steve Janus

The San Jose State Spartans only win in 2010 was a 16-11 win at home over Southern Utah. The Spartans ended the season 1-12 and 0-8 in the WAC. While it’s hard to be optimistic after winning just one game, the Spartans had a brutal non-conference schedule with the likes of Alabama, Wisconsin, and Utah that really wore this team down before they could get anything going. San Jose State could have easily finished with at least a couple wins in conference play, as they had four losses by a combined 16 points. The hope is that head coach Mike MacIntyre will be able to get things turned around in his second season. Idaho will have 18 starters back, including all 11 on the defensive side of the ball. There is plenty of room for improvement, as the offense managed just 16.1 ppg while the defense gave up nearly 35 ppg. Here is a closer look at what the Vandals will look like this season, plus my prediction on where they will finish in the WAC.

Offense:

San Jose State heads into the fall without a clear starter at quarterback. The guy that most people think will take over for Jordan La Secia is senior Matt Faulker, but I wouldn’t count out true freshman Joe Gray and redshirt freshman Blake Jurich. While their will be a big drop off in experience, there is room to improve over La Secia, who had 16 interceptions to go along with his 16 touchdowns.

The Spartans inability to run the ball is a big reason the offense has struggled of late. In 2010 they averaged just 79 yards a game on the ground, and have not averaged more than 100 yards since racking up 175 yards a game back in 2006. Senior Brandon Rutley led the team with 461 yards and four touchdowns, and will likely be the feature back again this season.

San Jose State loses wide out Jalal Beauchman, who led the team with 60 catches for 835 yards and six touchdowns, but has a number of players who should be ready to contribute. In 2010 freshmen Noel Grigsby, Kyle Nunn, and Chandler Jones all played a big role in the offense and should only get better in their second season. Tee Spartans also have one of the top tight ends in the conference in junior Ryan Otten. The key for this group, much like the entire offense, is what they get out of the quarterback position.

Three of five starters return on the offensive line, including talented senior right tackle Andres Vargas. The two open spots come at center and left tackle, and it’s crucial they find replacements who can step in and get the job done. With all the uncertainty at quarterback, the last thing you want is a weak unit up front.

Defense:

Even though the Spartans really struggled to stop opposing offenses in 2010, you have to believe that they will be better with all 11 starters back. It was the first season under defensive coordinator Kent Baer, and many times you will see a big jump in the second season of a new scheme.

On the defensive line the San Jose State has a couple of talented players in junior defensive end Travis Johnson and senior defensive tackle Pablo Garcia. Johnson was sixth on the team with 62 tackles and was tops with 7.5 sacks.

At linebacker the Spartans can’t be more excited about sophomore outside linebacker Keith Smith, who led the team with 116 tackles and added four sacks and 10 tackles for loss as a true freshman. Smith should only be better with the same unit around him in 2011, and is a big reason why experts think this defense is headed for a big turnaround.

In the secondary San Jose State will have plenty of experience with four seniors set to take the field. The two players you want to keep an eye on are corner Peyton Thompson and strong safety Duke Ihenacho. Both are considered to be one of the best at their respective positions in the WAC.

2011 Prediction: 6th WAC – Without knowing who the Spartans will start at quarterback, and whether or not that starter will be worth anything, I have to predict San Jose State to finish near the bottom in the WAC this season. I don’t think there is any doubt that they will be a better football team, but you can only improve so much in one season when you have the talent that San Jose State has to work with.

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