Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
PROVO — Charles Kano, senior writer for truebluecougars.com, spoke with San Jose State Spartan insider Jeff Faraudo of the San Jose Mercury News and the Bay Area News Group. We asked him a series of questions to help Cougar fans get insider views on Spartan football in anticipation of the SJSU-BYU game in Provo this Saturday night.
What is the buzz around the Spartan camp after their road win at Colorado State?
Faraudo: The Spartans have won two in a row for the first time since 2008 and are coming off their first road victory since that same season. So they are flying high right now, feeling very good about themselves. They have played better in each game and will arrive in Provo believing that if they play well they can win the game.
What are the San Jose State’s coaches and players saying about BYU at this point?
Faraudo: San Jose has not beaten BYU since 1968, so there is substantial respect for the Cougars' program. They are aware of the challenging schedule BYU has tackled this season and believe the Cougars are better than their record. They also are familiar with quarterback Riley Nelson from his days with WAC rival Utah State.
What has been learned about SJSU at this point in the season?
Faraudo: This San Jose State team is deeper, more athletic and more confident than the 1-12 squad from a year ago. They have finally developed a running game after four years of being among the nation's worst in that department, and they have greater experience and depth along the defensive line. Mostly, they have a belief they can win and have faith in their ability to close out games in the fourth quarter.
What is the latest on the injury to running back Brandon Rutley?
Faraudo: Rutley will spend much of the week doing rehab on his sprained ankle. He was wearing a protective boot on Monday to guard against swelling. Coach Mike MacIntyre said Rutley could be a game-time decision, but Rutley said he expects to play. Certainly they need him. He has rushed for 340 yards the past two games and with no other experienced back available, the Spartans rely heavily on him.
With San Jose State getting a road win last week, would a road game at BYU be the next step in their progression as a team?
Faraudo: The Spartans are running out of various long losing streaks they must end. I'm not sure winning a second straight road game is so much the point here. They recognize BYU as a traditionally elite-level program and will be eager to test themselves. The game is on ESPNU so the potential for exposing viewers and potential recruits to an improved SJSU team is there. Of course, if they don't play well, exposure isn't necessarily a good thing. But they would like to show they aren't the team they were a year ago.
Can you characterize the matchup with BYU from a Spartan fan’s perspective? Faraudo: This is a chance for their team to show they can compete with a legit program on the road.
What is the Spartans' strength coming into the game?
Faraudo: San Jose has been a consistently productive running team the past three weeks. They have a solid wide receiver corps and tight end Ryan Otten has developed into a threat. The defensive line, which had almost no depth a year ago, now rotates as many as 10 players to stay fresh.
What is the Spartans' perceived weakness?
Faraudo: San Jose has not been consistent defensively, allowing opponents to complete 60 percent of their passes and rush for an average of 186 yards per game. They have forced a WAC-best 10 turnovers, but rank last in the conference in giveaways with 13 of their own.
Who are the Spartans’ playmakers and team leaders?
Faraudo: The team's best player is senior safety Duke Ihenacho, an NFL prospect and two-time first-team all-WAC selection. He scored a touchdown on a 20-yard fumble return in the win at Colorado State. Sophomore linebacker Keith Smith was the WAC Freshman of the Year in 2010, and MacIntyre pointed out he is bigger and stronger now. Running back Brandon Rutley, if healthy, keys the offense, and senior quarterback Matt Faulkner has thrown for 549 yards and four TDs the past two games.
What are the keys to the game for SJSU to be successful?
Faraudo: The Spartans must develop a running attack to maintain a balanced offense. Their motto this season is to start fast and finish strong, and they have done that the past two games. The problem has been the middle of games, and they must play more consistently throughout.
Anything else BYU fans should know about this SJSU team?
Faraudo: This program is still very much a work in progress, but they are headed in the right direction. There will be bumps in the road, and BYU certainly is capable of providing one. But the Spartans won't be afraid of the assignment.
Charles Kano is a senior writer for truebluecougars.com, a Deseret News partner. He is an avid sports fan with a particular interest in high school and college athletics.
