Junior running back Viliami Teu runs it in for a touchdown against UTEP on Oct. 17 (Photo courtesy of SJSU athletics)
By Lucas Quick
RENO NV–Conference play continues to heat up for the San Jose State football team (4-3, 2-1 MW) as it hits the road to face the University of Nevada, Reno (2-4, 1-2) on Saturday.
Another change of scenery is underway for the Spartans’ offense, with freshman quarterback Daniel Rolovich taking over as the starting quarterback. The decision was made prior to kickoff against the University of Texas at El Paso.
The rushing attack has been the bright spot for the Spartans throughout the season so far but could have a new look for the rest of the year. Redshirt senior running back Jabari Bates missed last week due to injury, leaving redshirt junior running back Viliami Teu to be the starter.
Last week, Teu finished with 20 carries for 156 yards and two touchdowns. His performance gives the opportunity to see a more split backfield between him and Bates moving forward.
SJSU offensive coordinator Craig Stutzmann explained the trust Teu has established with the coaching staff, giving him a chance for a more extended role in the future.
“He’s [Teu] more than capable, and you look at it,” Stutzmann said. “We have two, maybe three starters in the running back position.”
With Bates being 14th in the nation in rushing attempts, Teu could help ease his workload.
It could be another game where the rushing game will be relied on heavily. The Wolf Pack defense runs a scheme that’s known to stop a passing game similar to the Spartans’. With Rolovich still settling into his new role, it’s important for SJSU to establish the run, as winning the time of possession battle can be crucial in this matchup.
The SJSU defense has continued to consistently be one of the better units in the Mountain West, especially the defensive line. Its 11-sack performance last week marked one of the most in a game in program history and also puts them at 27 sacks through the season, the second most in the country.
Winning the line of scrimmage battle will be important, but limiting the amount of time the Wolfpack offense has possession will be a key catalyst for a victory. Defensive coordinator Bojay Filimoeatu’s identity on defense has been bend, not break.
“It’s just focusing on the little details of each play,” junior linebacker Nas Danielson said. “We get the offense on third down, and we just have to get off that field.”
Nevada also is dealing with a quarterback carousel. Through its first six games of the season, the Wolfpack have started three different quarterbacks. Sophomore quarterback Carter Jones has been dealing with an arm injury, and fifth-year quarterback A.J. Bianco injured his ankle last week against North Dakota State.
Both players’ availability is currently uncertain, with senior quarterback Luke Duncan next in line.
Junior wide receiver Cooper Hoch, who missed last week’s game, is questionable for Saturday. If healthy, Hoch and freshman wide receiver Carson Clark will look to continue their strong success this season. Clark looks to build off his first career 100-yard receiving game.
This is a high-stakes matchup for both teams. The Spartans currently sit in fifth place in conference standings, while the Wolf Pack sit a game behind them in seventh place. With four teams separated by just 1.5 games, this week’s outcome can play a major role in the rest of both teams’ seasons.
“It’s definitely a huge game for us and some of our goals for the whole season, and we have to win it,” SJSU head coach Ken Niumatalolo said. “It’s a must-win for both of us.”
The Spartans will look to earn their first road win against the Wolfpack since 2000 at 2 p.m. Saturday at Mackay Stadium in Reno, Nev.
