Coming off a tough loss by the lowly UCLA Bruins, the Stanford Cardinal football team has room for improvement. The Cardinal (3-4, 2-3 Pac-12) will host the Arizona Wildcats (4-3, 2-2 Pac-12) Saturday afternoon at 12:30 pm PT. The game will be broadcasted on the Pac-12 Network.
Here’s what you need to know before Saturday’s game.
FIRST CAREER STARTS
A total of 16 Cardinal have made their first career starts so far: Branson Bragg, Henry Hattis, Stuart Head, Houston Heimuli, Jake Hornibrook, Kyu Blu Kelly, Jonathan McGill, Barrett Miller, Davis Mills, J.J. Parson, Andrew Pryts, Curtis Robinson, Walter Rouse, Foster Sarell, Osiris St. Brown and Jack West.
TRUE FRESHMEN
Including punter Ryan Sanborn, seven true freshmen have started a game for the Cardinal this season, tied with UMass for second-most in the country. The Cardinal has started four true freshmen on the offensive line, most in the country.
TOUCHDOWNS GALORE
Stanford is seventh in the nation with two defensive touchdowns so far this season and has scored three non-offensive touchdowns.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Cardinal’s special teams units have blocked two kicks this season, tops in the conference and 13th-best in the nation. Obi Eboh blocked an Oregon State field goal in the win against the Beavers, while Spencer Jorgensen blocked a punt that was recovered for a touchdown by Brycen Tremayne against UCLA.
NEW STARTING QUARTERBACK
Jack West got the start at quarterback against UCLA in place of the injured K.J. Costello and Davis Mills, marking Stanford’s third quarterback to start a game this season. The last time Stanford started three quarterbacks in the same season was in 1974 when Guy Benjamin, Mike Cordova and Jerry Waldvogel all started a game.
FIRST CAREER APPEARANCES
15 true freshmen have made their first career appearances so far this season: Branson Bragg, Stephen Herron, Elijah Higgins, Jake Hornibrook, Austin Jones, Brock Jones, Spencer Jorgensen, Kyu Blu Kelly, Zahran Manley, Jonathan McGill, Barrett Miller, Nathaniel Peat, Walter Rouse, Ryan Sanborn and Tristan Sinclair.
ADEBO ADVANTAGE
Through seven games, Paulson Adebo has made 27 tackles with 12 passes defended (10 breakups, two interceptions). Adebo’s 12 passes defended are sixth-most nationally.
The San Jose State Spartans football team had lost two in a row. So what’s next for the 3-4 team? They’ll head to West Point, N.Y. for the Army Black Knights game this Saturday.
Here’s everything you need to know about Saturday’s game:
Game #8
San Jose State at Army West Point
Michie Stadium, West Point, N.Y.
Saturday, October 26, 2019, 12:00 p.m. ET
CBS Sports Network
SJSU record
3-4, 1-3 Mountain West. Most recently, San Jose State lost a Mountain West contest to San Diego State, 27-17, on October 19.
Army record
3-4. Army lost their third consecutive contest, 28-21, at Georgia State, on October 19.
Radio
KKSF (910 AM, Oakland), RealTalk 910, is the new flagship radio station for San Jose State football. Justin Allegri calls the play-by-play. Kevin Richardson provides commentary. The Army broadcast begins at 8:30 a.m. PT with a pregame show.
Television
CBS Sports Network will provide broadcast coverage. Ben Holden calls the play-by-play. Ross Tucker provides commentary. Tina Cervasio is the sideline reporter. The CBS Sports Network presentation begins at 12:00 p.m. ET/9:00 a.m. PT.
Series history
Army leads the series, 1-0. The Black Knights won the first meeting between these teams, 52-3, on October 13, 2018, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
First team trip to New York
The Army game will be the first time a San Jose State football team is playing a game in the state of New York and the tenth contest in the Eastern Time Zone. The Spartans’ last game in the Eastern Time Zone was their AutoNation Cure Bowl victory over Georgia State, 27-16, on December 19, 2015.
Hawaiian optics
San Jose State head coach Brent Brennan and Army head coach Jeff Moncken started their college coaching careers as a graduate assistant at the University of Hawaii. Brennan was there for the 1998 season when Fred von Appen was in his third season as the Rainbow Warriors’ head coach. Moncken was a graduate assistant in 1989 when Bob Wagner was in his third season as head coach at Hawaii.
#40 in 2018
In 2018, San Jose State became the 40th school in college football to play each of the three service academies that compete for the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy.
The 2019 season is the first time in school history the Spartans are playing two service academies, Air Force and Army West Point, in the same season.
Bid to become #20
Through the 2018 season, 19 schools have wins over Army, Navy and Air Force. San Jose State with wins over Air Force in 1997 and Navy in 2011 and 2012 can join the group by defeating Army on October 26.
Possible second road win in 2019
San Jose State has its second opportunity this season for a second road win in the same season. The Spartans picked up their first 2019 road victory at Arkansas, 31-24, on September 21.
The 2015 season was the last time San Jose State won two road games in the same season defeating Mountain West opponents UNLV, 33-27 in overtime in Las Vegas, and Hawaii, 42-23, in Honolulu.
The last time San Jose State won two non-conference road games was in back-to-back weeks in 2012 with victories at San Diego State, 38-34, and Navy, 12-0.
Tie for #2 nationally in turnover margin
For the third consecutive week, San Jose State is in the top-three nationally in turnover margin. The Spartans were the national leader in turnover margin in games played through October 5 and October 12.
After games played through October 19, San Jose State is tied for second with San Diego State at 1.57 per game or +11.
The Spartans have 13 interceptions, which leads the country, and five fumble recoveries.
San Jose State has lost the ball on four fumbles and three pass interceptions.
The next running back in 2019
After seven games, four Spartans have started a game at the running back position. The latest is freshman Kairee Robinson against San Diego State. Robinson’s modest rushing totals against San Diego State, 14 carries for 59 yards, are season bests by a Spartan running back this season.
Prior to Robinson receiving the starting call for the first time, senior DeJon Packer started four games; junior Tyler Nevens, one; and freshman Isaiah Holiness, one.
A 99-yard scoring drive
For the first time since 2011, San Jose State had a 99-yard touchdown drive in the recent San Diego State game with an 11-play, 99-yard touchdown drive capped by a Bailey Gaither 8-yard touchdown reception.
In the October 29, 2011 game at Louisiana Tech, San Jose State scored its final touchdown in a 38-28 loss on an 11-play, 99-yard drive that consumed 2:37 of game time. Quarterback Matt Faulkner connected on a 20-yard touchdown pass play to tight end Ryan Otten for the Spartan touchdown.
10 Spartans with a touchdown reception in 2019
Running back Kairee Robinson became the 10th San Jose State player this season with a touchdown catch, thanks to his 15-yard reception in the first quarter of the San Diego State game.
Of the 10 players with a touchdown catch, six are wide receivers, two are tight ends, and two are running backs.
The last time the Spartans had 10 players with a touchdown reception in the same season was in 2016.
San Jose State was looking to stun San Diego State in their Homecoming game Saturday night. But the Spartans’ wish wasn’t granted as the Aztecs spoiled one of the liveliest games of the year at CEFCU Stadium.
Ultimately, a strong first half and a late comeback attempt against one of the nation’s top defenses wasn’t enough as San Diego State battled past San Jose State for a 27-17 win. The Aztecs improve to 6-1, while the Spartans fall to 3-4.
San Jose State quarterback Josh Love threw for 218 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but San Diego State dueled their way to a win.
“We just made a few too many mistakes to beat a team as good as them,” said Spartans head coach Brent Brennan after the game. “It was a little frustrating because I felt like there were moments where we had a chance to make it fun.”
San Jose State found themselves in an early deficit after the game’s opening kickoff was returned for a touchdown. However, the Spartans would promptly answer right back, going on a four play, 66-yard scoring drive to tie the score at 7-7 at 13:11 of the first quarter.
The quick-hitting scoring possession was capped by a 15-yard touchdown pass from Love to Spartan freshman running back Kairee Robinson. The play marked the first career reception and touchdown for Robinson.
Ranked #4 nationally in rushing defense heading into the afternoon, San Diego State was able to limit the Spartan ground attack for the majority of the night. San Jose State finished with 54 total yards on the ground and was led by a 59-yard performance for Robinson.
“I thought Kairee did a really nice job tonight,” Brennan said when asked about Robinson. “It was exciting to see him get in there. He’s a freshman and it’s always fun to see a freshman go in there and run the football against a good group like he did.”
San Jose State wideout Bailey Gaither also impressed and found the end zone on a late 8-yard touchdown reception. Gaither would end the day leading all players with four receptions for 75 yards.
After getting even at 7-7, San Diego State tallied 20 of the game’s next 23 points to take a 27-10 lead. The only interruption to the run came on a third quarter field goal off the foot of the Spartan kicker Matt Mercurio, a 25-yarder that was the freshman’s ninth of the season.
The scoring drive went an impressive 68 yards, spanning 14 plays that featured four Love completions and four Robinson carries.
The Aztecs tallied a pair of touchdown runs — one short (1 yard), one long (50 yards) — on their next two possessions but the hosts refused to go quietly into the night.
Starting from its own 1-yard line with just over nine minutes remaining, San Jose State marched 99 yards down the field to keep itself in the game. Highlighted by a huge 52-yard reception for Gaither, he would then snag a touchdown pass from Love three plays later to cut the deficit to 27-17.
The 99-yard touchdown drive marked the Spartans’ longest of the season.
A spirited Spartan defense got the ball back for its offense on the ensuing possession, pushing San Diego State back for negative three yards on five plays. The comeback attempt would soon be extinguished, however, as the Aztecs forced their first turnover of the night following yet another punt that pinned San Jose State on its own 1-yard line.
San Jose State ended the night with a 218-88 advantage in passing yards and were only flagged once to San Diego State’s 12 penalties. The Aztecs entered Saturday ranked eighth nationally in scoring defense (13.2 points per game) and the Spartans converted on all three of its trips inside the red zone before the night was over.
NOTES: For the first time this season, San Jose State is 1 game under .500 after the loss to San Diego State … The 348 yards San Jose State allowed in the San Diego State game was the second fewest allowed in a game this season … San Jose State allowed 287 yards in the season-opening Northern Colorado victory … San Jose State’s 99-yard touchdown scoring drive in the fourth quarter was its longest of the season and its second 90-plus yard touchdown drive in 2019 … The Spartans had a 93-yard, 7-play drive in the New Mexico win on October 4 … San Jose State’s two quarterback sacks are the most in a game since the four sacks in the Northern Colorado season opener … Kairee Robinson became the fourth different starting running back this season for San Jose State when he was on the field for the first Spartan offensive play of the San Diego State game. Robinson scored his first major college touchdown on a 15-yard reception. He led the Spartans in rushing with 59 yards on 14 carries, the most rushing yards in a game by a Spartan running back this season … The 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to open the game by San Diego State’s Kaegun Williams was the first kickoff return for a touchdown against San Jose State since Stanford’s Chad Owusu returned a kickoff 94 yards against the Spartans in 2009 … Matt Mercurio’s 25-yard third-quarter field goal was his sixth straight conversion since he missed a 41-yard try against New Mexico … Spartan linebacker Tysyn Parker shared game-high honors for tackles with 10 stops. It was the second time in his career he was credited with 10-plus tackles in a game. Both double figure tackle games were against San Diego State. As a freshman in 2016, he was in on 16 tackles … For the second straight game, San Jose State was 3-for-3 in red zone scoring opportunities … The San Diego State game marked the second time this season the Spartans didn’t come up with a fumble recovery or interception.
UP NEXT: The Spartans look ahead to their non-conference finale, where they’ll travel to New York to face the Army Black Knights on Saturday, October 26 at 9:00 a.m. PT at Michie Stadium.
The ball rockets high into the sky off the foot of the opposing punter and Brandon Ezell’s mind starts to race. He finds the ball floating through the air, scans his surroundings and makes multiple split-second decisions all at once.
There are also 11 men racing down the field with the sole purpose of stopping his momentum and bringing him down.
This is the life of a punt returner, a role that Ezell cherishes, despite its difficulty and danger.
“You get used to it but it’s always a little nerve-wracking,” said Ezell when asked about the position. “You have your blockers but it’s up to you to make something happen. I love the adrenaline rush that comes with it.”
AN ALL-AROUND ATHLETE
For those that knew Ezell five years ago, it’s not a shock to see him succeeding out on the field. What may come as a surprise, however, is the sport he’s playing on that field.
Ezell didn’t begin playing football until his senior year of high school, shining instead for the Los Alamitos High School lacrosse team. The midfielder was a natural in lacrosse and was named as his team’s Offensive Player of the Year in his final two seasons in the sport.
Ezell made the switch prior to his final season with the Griffins and fell in love with his new one instantly.
“I would play pickup games with my friends on the weekends and they saw I had some potential,” Ezell recounts. “The coach said I could try out and I got my shot. I’ve been playing football ever since.”
ACKNOWLEDGES ADVERSITY
The challenge of switching focus to a new sport with just one year remaining until college may have been tough for some, but adversity is nothing new to Ezell.
Ezell grew up with divorced parents and was one of seven brothers in his family. A challenging living situation growing up required him to often take care of his three younger siblings, giving Ezell less time than he would have liked to focus on athletics.
“I am still the best athlete in the family though,” says Ezell.
Ezell took his talents through the junior college route after high school and it didn’t take long for him to produce on the next level. While still learning the game, he set his sights on a goal of becoming the first member from his father’s side of the family to go to a university.
Through extra drills and additional work in the weight room and classroom, Ezell turned the dream into a reality.
“Getting a scholarship at a D1 school, that was my way out,” Ezell said. “I had a couple of good seasons and San Jose State contacted me. I immediately liked what they were pitching and the direction the program was going in.”
A BRIGHT FUTURE
Now in his senior season, Ezell has helped lead the Spartans to their best start since he arrived in Silicon Valley.
Ezell is making a difference both defensively and on special teams, where his potential for electricity was displayed with a 25-yard punt return in San Jose State’s season opener.
Ezell tallied three tackles in each of his team’s first two games of the season, then made two interceptions helping San Jose State to a 32-21 Mountain West victory over New Mexico two weeks ago in CEFCU Stadium.
Ezell added one more interception and a season-high four tackles in last week’s game at Nevada. It was a tip-toe dance along the sideline to haul in the takeaway and share the team lead with Nehemiah Shelton and Bobby Brown II.
A business management major, Ezell is slated to graduate in December. He’ll pursue a career in football at the next level before going into real estate.
It’s safe to say the switch to football is looking good for the former lacrosse star.
Off the eastern coast of Australia lies the Kingdom of Tonga, an archipelago consisting of 169 islands that covers just shy of 300 square miles in surface area. The islands are vibrant and rich with Polynesian culture from its small yet friendly population. It’s the kind of place you see in movies, where the people all know each other and care for one another. It’s also the unlikely birthplace of many famous athletes.
While Tonga’s national sport is rugby, American football players have rapidly emerged throughout the years, some even making it to the NFL. NFL defensive line stars Haloti Ngata and Star Lotulelei are just two examples of the type of athletes Tonga produces, and it just so happens that perhaps the next great Tongan NFL player currently starts at defensive tackle for the San Jose State Spartans.
Sailosi Latu was born and raised in Tonga, where he excelled at rugby. His large and athletic frame made it easy for him to excel at the sport and it soon led to an easy transition to American football. When he was 16, Latu moved with his family to the United States, and the decision was made for him upon arrival that he was going to play football, even if he was initially against the idea.
“When we left Tonga to come to America, my dad’s main goal was for us to get a better education, find better opportunities, and set ourselves up for a better life,” Latu said. “The first thing he said to me when we got here was ‘Are you ready to play football?’ and I was like, ‘Nope.’
“But we went to the high school that I was going to be playing for, and the coaches were telling us what positions I could play. They were asking me if I wanted to be a linebacker or on the defensive line, and I had no idea. I was like, ‘can I carry the ball?’ and at the time, I was like 6-foot-1 or so already and 230 pounds. In rugby, you get to both carry the ball and play defense, so that’s what I wanted to do here, but the coaches were like ‘You’re too tall for that’. They told me that the easiest position for a guy like me to play would be on the defensive line, and I was like, ‘What is that and how can I play that?’ They said, ‘Just chase the guy with the ball.’ That’s how I got started playing football.”
With his position decided, Latu quickly settled into his new role as the guy who chased down ball carriers. Playing at Los Osos High in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., it was clear that his natural talent would take him far. However, there were some kinks to workout at the beginning, primarily figuring out what to do and what not to do while on the field.
“I remember at our first practice, I was playing with the junior varsity/scout team and they threw us up against the starting offensive line,” Latu said. “I lined up and then just took off with my speed and just cleaned out the quarterback, and I did not know that you were supposed to stay away from him. I turned around and all of the offensive line and receivers were coming at me trying to fight me, and my coach came out screaming ‘Sailosi, you can’t do that!'”
“He pulled me off to the side, and in secret exclaimed, ‘That’s what I’m talking about! But you can’t do because the offense gets hurt about it.’ From there, I started to learn more about football and the concepts and started to fall in love with it.”
As Latu continued to play, the intricacies and technical aspects of the game clicked more and more, allowing him to become a well-rounded defensive tackle prospect entering his senior season. Latu attended Mt. San Antonio College and played two seasons at the junior college level before making the jump to Division I. In 2017, he signed with the Spartans and impressed the coaching staff immediately, especially his position coach, Joe Seumalo.
CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
“Coach Joe told me when I first got here that I was going to have to beat out anybody that was in front of me,” Latu said. “Coming in, I didn’t really know who they had here playing the nose technique. Boogie Roberts and Bryson Bridges were playing the ends, so I just knew that I was going to come in and take that spot in the middle. That was my competition level. I knew that I had to be the starter and there was no one that could start in front of me. It was a different talent level from playing at Mt. San Antonio to the Division I level, but if you’re competitive enough, that level doesn’t matter.”
Latu did just as he said he would do and became the starting nose tackle by the end of the 2017 fall camp. He started all 12 games of the season and finished with 43 tackles on the year. He entered his senior season in 2018 with high hopes of playing well enough to get a look from the NFL at season’s end, but unfortunately, his year was cut short after an upper body injury sidelined him for the team’s final eight games.
Determined to not let his football career end on a sour note, Latu worked hard to rehab himself in an attempt to play one last season in 2019. He did his part and was ready to put the pads back on at the start of fall camp. However, one hurdle remained that was out of his control — he had to be granted another season of eligibility by the NCAA. It was a long wait, but in the days leading up to the season-opener against Northern Colorado, he got his answer.
“On that day, I wasn’t sure if I had gotten the waiver or not,” Latu said. “Coach Joe texted the news that I had gotten it in our defensive line group chat, but I didn’t get it at first. He called me later and told me that I had gotten my sixth year.”
“So, I showed up to the team meeting that day to see everyone, but the coaches told me to wait because they had something planned. Coach Brennan announced to the team that he had just signed a brand new player, and when they opened the door I came out and was like, “Let’s go!” And, everyone was going crazy. They really got me, too. They told me to introduce my name and where I was from and what position I played, but the only thing I could get out was, ‘My name is Sailosi Latu and I play for San Jose State University.’ That was it.”
With his waiver granted and all the hard work now paying off, Latu is back in the starting lineup and back to doing what he does best — chasing the guy with the ball.
In the classroom, everything has gone according to plan for fifth-year senior outside linebacker Brett Foley. It’s been the exact opposite on the football field.
This season, Foley started a MBA program at San Jose State, right on track with the plan he laid out as an 18-year-old. After graduating from Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, Calif., Foley knew he wanted to redshirt as a freshman so he could finish his undergraduate studies and start an MBA program while still playing football.
“Taking a redshirt and getting that fifth year to start a MBA was my plan from the beginning and it ended up working out,” said Foley, a 2019 San Jose State Dean’s Scholar and two-time Academic All-Mountain West honoree More recently, he was one of five Spartans recognized by the National Football Foundation as a college graduate continuing to play the game as a graduate student. “I’m very excited about that.”
Foley’s plan for football after finishing high school? That ended up being a little more complicated.
After his junior year of football at Archbishop Mitty, the high school quarterback and pitcher had surgery on his throwing shoulder. His arm was never quite the same. One season after being named the San Jose Mercury News’ Freshman of the Year in baseball, he was forced to give up pitching.
FOOTBALL STILL AN OPTION
But with the throwing motion of a football less straining than that of a baseball, Foley was still able to play quarterback. He was named first team All-West Catholic League as a senior after throwing for 904 yards and 10 touchdowns and running for 599 yards and 11 more scores.
Despite the accolades, Foley knew a position change was likely at the college level. Having played both sides of the ball for the Monarchs, he marketed himself to college recruiters as a defensive player.
Foley eventually chose to stay at home to play college football, signing with the Spartans in 2014. Foley redshirted the 2015 campaign before playing sparingly the next two seasons.
“With a couple coaching changes, we shifted our schemes a few times.” Foley said. “I went from outside linebacker to defensive end and then back to linebacker. I was moving all over the place.”
HIS BEST MOVE IN FOOTBALL
Prior to his junior season, one more change was proposed. This time to the offensive side of the ball.
“Moving to tight end was the best move I made at San Jose State, I love it so much more,” Foley said. “It suits me far better than linebacker ever did. Running in space, using my speed, my athleticism. I like having the ball in my hands, running around the field. In high school at quarterback, I ran a lot. I threw a lot. Making plays on offense was something I always loved.”
Foley played in all 12 games his junior season. He made his first career catch in a win against UNLV, a one-yard touchdown from Josh Love. This season, he tallied a career-high three catches in the game against New Mexico.
Foley believes being close to family is a big reason why he was able to navigate all the ups and downs of his collegiate career. It’s just an eight-mile drive from Foley’s high school stadium at Archbishop Mitty to his current home field, CEFCU Stadium.
“Growing up in the area, it was the best decision of my life to come to San Jose State,” Foley said. “Being close to my family has been amazing. They come to every game. My mom has about 30 people at her tailgate, all my family friends, everyone I grew with up has been here, supporting me all the way. It’s been the best time of my life.”
PURSUING A SAN JOSE STATE MBA
There’s yet another change on the horizon for Foley, the switch from student-athlete to a career in business. After this season, he’ll have one year left in the MBA program before moving on to a full-time job.
“Doing the MBA, I’m hoping to get as much experience as possible and meet as many people as possible to get my career started,” Foley said. “Playing football my whole life, I don’t really have much job experience. I’ve been pretty much a full-time athlete since the day I started walking. The MBA is helping me see what I like and don’t like. What areas I’m good in and what areas I might not be good in.”
Foley has also used his past three summers to gain experience and make valuable connections. He first worked with Ameriprise Financial in the summer of 2017, then the Xactly Corporation in 2018. Last summer, Foley worked at Lockheed Martin in Sunnyvale, Calif.
“They were all different types internships and that’s what I was looking for,” Foley said. “Broaden my perspective on what profession I might get into.”
“Coach Brennan really encouraged it too. I’m not sure about other programs but I think that’s pretty rare. He was all about me finding internships and getting experience that will help me the rest of my life.”
However the rest of Foley’s life unfolds, he’ll certainly have a plan and he’ll be able to roll with the punches.
They became acquainted in 2007, when Kelly became offensive coordinator at Oregon and Shaw was Stanford’s offensive coordinator. Even then, Shaw was filing away plays.
Kelly installed a no-huddle, spread offense and the Ducks took flight, recording single-season school records for points per game (38.15) and yards per game (467.54).
In 2009, Kelly was named head coach and led Oregon to four consecutive BCS bowl game appearances, reaching the 2011 National Championship Game. Shaw, the Bradford M. Freeman Director of Football, was the Cardinal offensive coordinator for Jim Harbaugh from 2007-10, then ascended to head coach in 2011.
Kelly got the best of him in the first meeting, but in 2012, Shaw guided Stanford to a stunning 17-14 overtime upset against the No. 1-ranked Ducks in Eugene.
Photo credit: gostanford.com
Oregon won the 2011 Pac-12 title, while Stanford prevailed in 2012 and 2013.
In the 2013 game, the No. 6 Cardinal surprised the No. 2 Ducks during an epic Thursday night game at Stanford Stadium. Tyler Gaffney, who ran for 155 yards, helped stake Stanford to a seemingly comfortable fourth quarter lead, but the Ducks outscored the Cardinal, 20-3 in the fourth quarter and made it close. Stanford recovered the second of two onside kicks to preserve the win.
Later that year, Kelly was named head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, where he spent three seasons (2013-15). In 2016, he took a head coaching gig with the San Francisco 49ers.
Shaw invited him to a Cardinal practice and Kelly reciprocated.
“I think most coaches will say the best coaches on the planet are great thieves,” said Shaw. “We’ve stolen ideas from everybody. I’ve stolen more from Chip Kelly than anybody else because I think Chip is brilliant.”
Kelly returned to college football in 2018 at UCLA. Stanford beat UCLA in a 49-42 shootout last year at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., staving off a final-minute drive, as junior quarterback K.J. Costello fired five touchdown passes.
Photo credit: gostanford.com
While the Bruins have only one win this season, it was a Chip Kelly special as UCLA rallied from a 49-17 deficit by scoring 29 straight points to win, 67-63, at No. 19 Washington State. Sophomore quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson passed for five scores and a school record 507 yards.
“Chip will morph into whatever he needs to morph into based on the guys he has,” Shaw said. “Last year, he was under center more than he ever was before because that’s the quarterback he had and that’s just the team he had. He’ll do whatever he thinks he needs to do to help the team win.”
Kelly’s calling card creates mismatches and keeps defenses off-balance, while Shaw likes to pound the ball when possible.
However, the two head coaches agree on how time of possession is overrated.
“The only thing that matters is scoring touchdowns,” said Shaw.
Shaw expects another memorable contest on Thursday night.
“You see a smart football coach that knows how to put defenses in conflict,” Shaw said. “We’re going to get their best game. They always play us tough.”
Photo credit: gostanford.com
NO DECISION
Shaw hasn’t announced his starting quarterback for UCLA. He did rule out Costello following Monday’s practice and called Davis Mills somewhere between “questionable and doubtful.” Jack West has taken all of the first team reps this week in team periods.
“I don’t want to put a quarterback out there who’s not healthy,” said Shaw. “I don’t want to put a quarterback out there who can’t protect himself or can’t physically do all the things he needs to do to help us win a game. That’s all I use to make the decision.”
West’s backups would be Jack Richardson and Dylan Plautz.
WEST FILE
West received his first playing time this season with six minutes remaining against Washington. He handed off nine consecutive times to Cameron Scarlett, who helped seal Stanford’s 23-13 upset victory against the No. 15 Huskies.
“He’s been great,” said Shaw of West. “He knows what to do and how to do it. He’s got a strong arm, throws the ball accurately and threw to our guys all summer. Because of our quarterback situation, he’s gotten more reps than most ‘third’ quarterbacks have this entire year. He’s just jumped in and operated the offense.”
The 6-foot-4, 212-pound West hails from Saraland, Alabama, and was a four-star recruit by ESPN and PrepStar. Rated the No. 2 recruit in the state by several publications, West passed for 4,879 yards and 56 touchdowns in high school and was rated Alabama’s second-best overall recruit by ESPN.
West appeared in two games last season for the Cardinal and was a combined 1-for-5 passing and rushed twice.
SCHEDULE TILT
With a rare Thursday night tilt, Stanford adjusted its practice schedule following the Washington game to help simulate a regular week.
“It was a little strange practicing on Sunday and convincing yourself it was Tuesday,” said Shaw. “We had a couple days off and got some rest.”
Photo credit: gostanford.com
THEME GAME
Former quarterback Jim Plunkett, who won Stanford’s only Heisman Trophy in 1970 after orchestrating an upset against Ohio State in the Rose Bowl, will be recognized as part of the program’s 125-year celebration of football. He will sign autographs on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. on the outside concourse at Stanford Stadium between sections 103 and 104. One item per person and photos will be available to have signed.
MARVELOUS MCCAFFREY
Shaw isn’t surprised by the success former Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey, who’s enjoying his stint with the Carolina Panthers.
“For the first time in my career, multiple times this year, I have felt the unbelievable urge to say I told you so,” Shaw said. “He can do everything at a high level. He left here barely 21-years old and most guys reach their peak at 24 and 25. He’s reaching his peak right now. Wherever you draw the line with the most dynamic performers, he’s in that group.”
Photo credit: gostanford.com
NOTES
Stanford has won 11 consecutive outings against UCLA, the longest streak against any conference opponent (not counting rugby from 1906-1917). “We’re such a young team, I don’t think it has any relevance,” Kelly said … Shaw is 9-0 against the Bruins and 22-5 (.815) versus Cal, USC and UCLA …Scarlett leads the Pac-12 in rushing with 564 yards and has 13 receptions for 138 yards … The Cardinal is expected to start three true freshmen on its offensive line: Walter Rouse at left tackle, Barrett Miller at left guard and Jake Hornibrook at right guard. “They’re big inside and we’re young inside, so that’s going to be a battle for position, run and pass,” said Shaw. “We have to play really well up front to make up for lack of experience.” … Including punter Ryan Sanborn, the Cardinal starts six true freshmen, the third-most of any team in the country … In all, 14 true freshmen have played for Stanford this season … Senior outside linebacker Jordan Fox and sophomore outside linebacker Tobe Umerah are sidelined indefinitely.
QUOTE
“He hasn’t batted an eyelash.” — Shaw on Hornibrook, who made his college debut against Washington and earns his first start against UCLA
San Jose State has had its ups and downs so far this season, but if there’s something for them to look forward to, it’s Homecoming versus the San Diego State Aztecs this Saturday night.
Here’s what you need to know:
GAME #7
San Jose State vs. San Diego State
CEFCU Stadium, San Jose, Calif.
Saturday, October 19, 2019, 4:00 p.m. PT
Facebook Live
SJSU RECORD
3-3, 1-2 Mountain West. The Spartans lost at Nevada, 41-38, on October 12.
SDSU RECORD
5-1, 2-1 Mountain West. The Aztecs have a two-game winning streak after defeating Wyoming, 26-22, on October 12.
PLAY-BY-PLAY COVERAGE
KKSF (910 AM, Oakland), RealTalk 910, is the new flagship radio station for San Jose State football. Justin Allegri calls the play-by-play. Kevin Richardson provides commentary. The San Diego State broadcast begins at 3:30 p.m. PT with a pregame show.
The San Jose State-San Diego State broadcast with Justin Allegri and Kevin Richardson calling the action also will be carried on www.siriusxm.com Channel 976.
KSJS (90.5 FM, San Jose) also will broadcast the San Jose State-San Diego State game starting at 3:45 p.m. PT.
TELEVISION
Facebook Live will provide broadcast coverage beginning at 1:00 p.m. PT. Ari Wolfe calls the play-by-play. Jordan Palmer provides commentary. Dani Klupenger is the sideline reporter. The Facebook Live presentation begins at 4:00 p.m.
Ticket prices range from $10.00 for a general admission seat to $58.00 for a reserved seat.
For home games at CEFCU Stadium:
• Modern family plan
• Group ticket pricing starting at $12.00 per ticket
• Three-game mini plans starting at $59.00
SERIES HISTORY
San Diego State leads the series, 21-19-2. The Aztecs have won the last six games, all of them Mountain West contests, between these teams including last year’s 16-13 decision in San Diego. The three-point differential was the closest game these teams have played as Mountain West members.
San Jose State’s last win in the series was a 38-34 comeback win in San Diego on September 22, 2012. The last time the Spartans defeated the Aztecs in San Jose was a 35-10 decision on September 13, 2008.
HOMECOMING HISTORY
San Jose State plays its 83rd Homecoming game on October 19 against San Diego State. The Spartans’ most recent Homecoming win was a 33-10 triumph over UNLV in 2014. This year’s Homecoming marks the fifth time San Diego State served as the opposition. San Jose State has a 47-33-2 win-loss record in Homecoming games.
1942: San Diego State 26, San Jose State 0
1973: San Jose State 27, San Diego State 27
1996: San Diego State 49, San Jose State 20
2005: San Diego State 30, San Jose State 7
ANOTHER CHANCE TO BE ABOVE .500
For the fourth time this season, San Jose State has the opportunity to be one-game above the .500 mark with a victory over San Diego State. The Spartans have win-loss records this season of 1-0, 2-1, and 3-2.
The last time San Jose State had a 4-3 win-loss record after seven games was in the 2013 season after defeating Wyoming, 51-44, at Homecoming.
RING OF HONOR
At the halftime of the San Diego State game, linebacker David Chaney, (1969-71), will be enshrined into the CEFCU Stadium Ring of Honor. The two-time All-American was the first Spartan to have his jersey retired, was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in the 1980’s and was named one of the top-100 football players in San Jose State history during the Spartans’ centennial celebration of the sport in 1995. Chaney still holds the school record for career tackles at 527.
NATIONAL LEADER IN TURNOVER MARGIN
For the second consecutive week, San Jose State is the national leader in turnover margin.
The Spartans’ turnover margin at +12 or 2.0 per game in games played through October 12. The Spartans have 13 interceptions, which leads the country, and five fumble recoveries.
For its first six games, San Jose State lost the ball six times, tied for eighth best in the country, on four fumbles and two pass interceptions.
POINTS OFF OF TURNOVERS
After six games, San Jose State has scored 51 points off of opponent turnovers. The first opponent points off a Spartan turnover came in the October 12 Nevada victory on an interception return for a touchdown.
30-POINT GAMES
The October 12 game at Nevada is the fourth time this season San Jose State scored 30 or more points. The Spartans are 3-1 in games scoring 30 or more points this season.
Last year, San Jose State scored 30 or more points four times and was 1-3 in those games. The 2016 season was the last time the Spartans scored 30 or more points in five games.
400-PLUS YARD PASSING GAMES
For the first time since the end of the 2013 season, San Jose State produced consecutive games with at least 400 passing yards. The Spartans passed for 412 yards in the October 4 win over New Mexico and 405 yards in the October 12 loss at Nevada.
San Jose State had hoped to string together two wins in a row on Saturday afternoon against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Mackay Stadium. Did the Spartans do that? Unfortunately, no.
Nevada opened the scoring with a two-yard touchdown by Devonte Lee at 10:17 of the first quarter. The Wolf Pack made it 14-0 after Austin Arnold returned an interception for a 40-yard score with 9:34 left. Brandon Talton hit both extra points.
SJSU got on the board when Matt Mercurio made a 44-yard field goal to pull within 11 with 7:10 left. The Spartans trailed 14-3 at the end of the first.
Nevada made it 21-3 at 14:00 of the second quarter as Devonte Lee ran for a 1-yard touchdown. Brandon Talton made a 25-yard field goal to put the Wolf Pack ahead 24-3 with 5:12 left.
Josh Love threw a 37-yard pass to Isaiah Hamilton, who scored the touchdown, and the Spartans pulled within 14 with just 27 seconds left. SJSU continued to trail, 24-10, at the halftime break.
Malik Henry threw a 75-yard pass to Romeo Doubs, who scored the touchdown, and the Wolf Pack made it 31-10 at 14:52 of the third quarter.
Just seconds later, SJSU pulled within 14, again, as Josh Love threw a 60-yard pass to Bailey Gaither, who scored the touchdown at 14:17. The Spartans tacked on a 1-yard DeJon Packer touchdown to pull within 7 with 6:09 left. The Spartans trailed 31-24 at the end of the third.
Thanks to Josh Love’s 20-yard pass to Tre Walker, SJSU tied the game 31-31 with 8:20 left in the fourth quarter. Nevada, however, rained on SJSU’s parade with a 1-yard Toa Taua touchdown to lead 38-31. Sure, SJSU tied the game, 38-38, once again, courtesy of a 2-yard DeJon Packer touchdown — his second of the game — with 2:36 left. But the Wolf Pack capped off the scoring with a 40-yard field goal by Brandon Talton on the final play.
SJSU (3-3, 1-2 Mountain West) lost to Nevada (4-2, 1-1 Mountain West) by a final score of 41-38.
NOTES: SJSU’s game captains were Sailosi Latu, Jesse Osuna, Josh Love and Troy Kowalski … For the third time this season, SJSU was unable to win back-to-back games. SJSU arrived into Nevada after defeating New Mexico, 32-21 … The loss to Nevada marked the first time this season SJSU scored at least 30 points in a game and lost. The 38 points scored against Nevada were a season-high … SJSU was 2-of-12 for the game and 0-of-7 on third-down conversions in the first half. Each third-down conversion in the second half led to a Spartan touchdown … Nevada became the first team to score on a Spartan turnover this season when Austin Arnold returned a Josh Love interception 38 yards to give the Wolf Pack a 14-0 first quarter lead. Nevada got a second takeaway when Brandon Ezell fumbled a possible punt return after a punt hit Zamore Zigler in the helmet, but was unable to score on the possession … SJSU came up with interceptions by Ezell, his third of the season, and Rico Tolefree, his second in as many games, and forced a turnover when Nehemiah Shelton forced a Toa Taua fumble at the Spartan goal line resulting in a touchback … The Spartans now have 18 takeaways for the season on 13 interceptions and five fumble recoveries … Isaiah Holiness made his first start of the season at a running back position. He didn’t have any carries or pass receptions … Matt Mercurio has made his last five field goal tries after converting a 44-yard kick for SJSU’s only first-quarter score. He’s now 8-for-11 on the season … E.J. Ane was credited with SJSU’s first quarterback sack since the opening game of the season versus Northern Colorado … Isaiah Hamilton’s 37-yard touchdown reception was a season long pass reception for him. In the season-opening win over Northern Colorado, Hamilton caught a 32-yard pass … Bailey Gather notched his fourth 100-plus yard receiving game as a Spartan with a season-high 131 pass receiving yards and a touchdown on five receptions … Romeo Doubs’ 75-yard touchdown catch for Nevada to open the second half was the longest pass play given up by SJSU this season … Jay Lenard was the game’s leading tackler with 13 stops. Kyle Harmon was next with a single-game, career-high 12 tackles.
UP NEXT: The Spartans return home to welcome the San Diego State Aztecs on Saturday, October 19 at 4:00 p.m.
The hype surrounding the Cal Golden Bears’ defensive backs in 2019 is real.
With the entire unit returning from a stellar season last fall, the group entered 2019 ranked among the top 10 nationally by nearly every media outlet, and as high as No. 2 in one ranking behind only Alabama.
Perhaps the coolest part of the attention was that the emphasis and accolades were bestowed upon the group more than any single individual.
“It’s not one person,” Cal head coach Justin Wilcox said. “It’s the way they play together, the way they meet, the extra work they do. The thing that’s special is the collective group. It’s the connection of the players in that room — their humility and their work ethic combined with the talent. Sometimes you have some of that without the other, but what is different is to have that many guys with that humility, that work ethic and that talent.”
The core returnees to Cal’s defensive backfield made all but two of the team’s possible starts in 2018, and they combine for nearly a quarter century of collegiate football experience. The group features a trio of fifth-year seniors (Ashtyn Davis, Jaylinn Hawkins and Trey Turner III), three fourth-year players (senior nickelbacks Traveon Beck and Josh Drayden, and junior cornerback Camryn Bynum), and the “baby” of the family in third-year junior cornerback Elijah Hicks.
They were all still pups in January 2017 when Wilcox was hired after the Bears had arguably posted some of the worst defensive seasons in the history of college football in the years leading up to his arrival. Wilcox put his trust in a then-mostly unproven assistant coach in Gerald Alexander to nurture a young but talented group of defensive backs. Alexander had only two seasons of experience as a full-time member of a collegiate coaching staff when Wilcox brought him to Berkeley, but Wilcox had coached Alexander at Boise State before he went on to play in the NFL and believed in the young coach.
After two-plus seasons in Berkeley, it looks to be a genius hire that has yielded both results on the field and admiration from the players.
“I feel like he’s the best defensive backs coach in the nation,” Hawkins said. “He doesn’t just teach out of the playbook. He teaches you the game of football. He’s got what we call ‘above the neck.'”
Alexander admitted that he didn’t know what he had in his defensive backs when he arrived at Cal, but he certainly knew what he wanted.
“I had a vision of what I wanted this group to be,” Alexander said. “From the beginning, our goal has been to be the best, and we are going to work like hell until we are. I knew what my job was, and I knew what I wanted out of this group. I knew how I wanted this group to play. It’s my responsibility to get them to believe.”
That vision yielded dramatic improvement on defense in year one and the defensive backs were a big reason why the Bears cut 14.2 points off their per game allowed average from the previous season. Cal also improved in 14 of 15 primary defensive statistics by an average of nearly 40 spots by category.
But that was just the beginning.
“We thought we were good at the time,” Bynum said. “When we look back at it now, it’s like ‘what were we doing?'”
What they were doing was getting better and putting in the work to pull off what they did in 2018.
Despite their hefty statistics last season, they’re far from satisfied.
“We haven’t accomplished our goals,” Hicks said. “We haven’t won a bowl game. We haven’t won a Pac-12 Championship. We’re going to have a chip on our shoulder because although we’ve done some good things, there is still a lot more to be done. That’s how we’re going about everything — in the film room, in the weight room and on the field.”
“We just want to win, that’s it,” Beck added. “We want to win in every aspect — every 1-on-1, every practice. That will translate to helping us win games. That’s really our ultimate goal.”
“We just need to be us,” Drayden chimed in. “We need to keep grinding away the way we are, keep studying the way we are, keep watching film the way we are. If you see somebody slacking, tell them let’s go because like (Alexander) says the most important part of the day is practice.”
Alexander recognizes the culture of sacrifice and accountability the group has created and applauds them for it.
“This group understands what sacrifice is,” Alexander said. “They sacrifice their time to be able to work and do the things necessary for them to have the success that they have. One of the things that we always talked about last year and now into this year was continuing to raise the bar. Nobody’s expectations for these guys should exceed their own.”
“Our hunger just to be good is one of the best things,” Bynum said. “We all want to outwork each other, which just breeds a bunch of competition and good energy around the whole group.”
Bynum believes the efforts of Cal’s current group of defensive backs will influence generations to come.
“They see how much work we put in and they have nothing else to expect out of our football program because that’s normal to them,” Bynum said.
Defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter is also excited about the possibilities ahead.
“I think they’re as a competitive of a position unit that I’ve ever been around,” said DeRuyter, who’s now in his 29th season in collegiate coaching. “They all push each other, and that competitive drive is challenging each of them to get better at their craft. It shows at practice and it shows in the games.
“What’s nice is having this same core group for the third season,” DeRuyter added. “The first year, it was just learning the fundamentals of the position. That next offseason after guys had demonstrated they understood the concepts, it was time to take the next step. That’s where we were a year ago — our guys could disguise and really understand what was happening around them. This year, we can play at an even faster speed and have more guys involved.”
Cal’s current defensive backfield has combined for 27 career interceptions with the most recent, thanks to Davis at Oregon last Saturday. The Bears hope their continued evolution and development will help them make history.
“Legacies are made when you leave places better than you found them,” Alexander said. “When we’re looking at the end of it and they can wipe their hands clean, hopefully this group is going to be forever remembered for the work they’ve put in and the foundation they’ve laid for this football program.”
Sports Radio Service 