San Jose State returns 12 starters from a team that finished 5-7 last season, and 4-4 in WAC play. Some of their losses were U-G-L-Y (some of the scores 45-3 against Arizona State, 37-0 against Stanford, 30-0 against Fresno State, and 42-7 against Boise State). Wins came against Utah State, UC-Davis, Idaho, New Mexico State (heh), and Nevada.
Last week in a 13-10 victory over Div. I-AA UC-Davis, juniors Kyle Reed and Myles Eden split snaps at quarterback. Reed was 14 or 18 for 132 yards and 2 scores. Eden went 10 or 13 for 86 yards and a pick. Also, Reed rushed 7 times for 28 yards to lead the Spartans. Senior running back Yonus Davis carried 7 times for 26 yards. SJSU replaces both their right tackle and right guard. Center and left side of the line are returning starters, but the LT and LG are sophomores.
Defensively, the Spartans are starting untested players at linebacker and in the secondary (sound familiar?). The defensive line features USC transfer Jeff Schweiger and appears solid.
2007 National Rankings
Offense
Scoring: 20.4 ppg (103rd in NCAA)
Rushing: 83.8 ypg (112th)
Passing: 264.3 ypg (33rd)
Total: 348.1 ypg (88th)
Defense
Scoring: 29.3 ppg (77th)
Rushing: 165.4 ypg (73rd)
Passing: 242.6 ypg (78th)
Total: 408.0 ypg (75th)
It should also be noted that they were seventh in the NCAA in turnover margin, with an astonishing +13. Also, SJSU was dead last in the NCAA in net punting, averaging just 30 yards per kick.
I can't see NU having any trouble with these guys . . . they had to rally at home to beat Div. I-AA UC-Davis. In that game, they were 3 of 12 on third down, allowed four sacks, turned the ball over three times, and allowed UC-Davis nearly ten more minutes in time of possession.
My analysis . . . boys, this one's gonna be ugly.