Photo credit: @SJSUSpartanFB

By: Ana Kieu

Instead of tweeting hashtags like #Blueline and #ProveIt, San Jose State has to salvage something against No. 20 Oregon, who will enter Saturday’s game with a 0-2 record following two blowouts: 62-14 over Portland State on Sept. 8 and 58-24 over Bowling Green on Sept. 1.

The hapless Spartans, who will enter Saturday’s game down 0-2, know that the nationally-ranked Ducks will be a tough opponent. I mean, the Spartans are ranked 124th in team defense and 127th in passing defense. And that’s out of 130 FBS schools across the country. The Ducks can choose to strike on land or air. Also, the Spartans are ranked 123rd in rushing offense. That’s obviously not good news, as SJSU has to operate against an Oregon defense that can hold opponents to 2.2 yards per rush. And it doesn’t really matter which quarterback the Spartans put on the field, as Josh Love, Montel Aaron and Michael Carrillo all got lit up in their starts.

The Spartans have been celebrating quite a few players and coaches birthdays lately. Of course, that’s a good thing that they care about the milestones of their football program, but you can’t solely focus on the culture, you also have to pick up wins in the regular season along with bids for bowl games.

Yes, SJSU is nationally tied for fifth with four interceptions in their first two games of the season. That’s part of the Spartans’ effort to statistically win the turnover battle. But the Spartan offense has to wake up and capitalize on the opportunities given by the Spartan defense.

The Spartans have been tweeting out photos of their dedicated practices at the University of Oregon. Autzen Stadium is full of energy, so the Spartans can’t get lost in the moment and forget about their main purpose, which is to beat Oregon. Obviously, it’s easier than done, so it’s important to get better–not only during practices, but also on the field.

Josh Oliver nationally leads all tight ends with 13 receptions and 68.5 yards per game through the first two games of the season. Hopefully, Oliver will work his magic against Oregon.

After all, SJSU should be fired up to take on Oregon for the first time since 1998 when the No. 22 Ducks downed the Spartans 58-3 on Sept. 19.