This is how good it is this season for San Jose State. The
Spartans could conceivably be better off if they lose to Boise
State.
This is how good it is this season for San Jose State. The Spartans could conceivably be better off if they lose to Boise State.
Say it ain’t so!
Let’s say the Broncos get a BCS Bowl bid, which is not out of the question if they run the table and are unbeaten. That means the Western Athletic Conference gets another bowl slot.
Spartans’ coach Dick Tomey wasn’t amused when that scenario was presented to him after SJSU beat New Mexico State last Saturday to become bowl eligible.
And yet, the fact that it could even be discussed eight games into this season has everyone around the program feeling a little giddy.
After all, “we were 1-7 at this point last season,” Tomey said.
Tomey and the Spartans want more out of this magical season. And that’s what makes today’s game with the Broncos so special.
That’s because Boise State is the type of special team that SJSU aspires to be. Only it takes a win over a team like Boise to make those aspirations come true.
It’s certainly not out of the question. A year ago when the Spartans suffered through a 3-8 season, they lost at Boise 38-21. Two years ago in the throes of a 2-9 season, SJSU threw a scare into the Broncos before succumbing 56-49 in double overtime. How close did the Spartans come to pulling the upset? They had a short field goal blocked that would have been the game-winner.
“They played us pretty good two years ago,” Boise State coach Chris Peterson said. “We know what type of players they have. We can’t be looking past this game.”
Don’t get the impression that the SJSU players are resting on their laurels, coming off the big win in Las Cruces, N.M.
“Obviously, we want to go to a bowl game,” linebacker Demetrius Jones said. “Six games means we’re bowl eligible. It doesn’t necessarily mean we’re going to a bowl game.”
After all, Jones, pointed out, Louisiana Tech didn’t go to a bowl game last year with seven wins.
True, but a victory over Boise State or one at Hawaii next week would be the type of statement win that would make bowl committees take notice. And even if they don’t win either game, wins over Idaho and Fresno State, certainly not out of the realm of reason, would put SJSU 8-4 on the season, almost certainly in their first bowl game in 16 years.
But that’s getting ahead of things. As Jones pointed out, “We have things to prove and we want to start this Saturday.”
Dare dream big and then go out and chase that dream. Bucking the Broncos is the first step.
