2014-15 Football Previews – (Mountain West) – Spartans
The San Jose Spartans went 6-6 last season finishing third in the West Division of the Mountain West Conference, but the conference as a whole is expected to be down this year, and San Jose is no exception.
San Jose
- Mountain West Conference 2014-15 College Football Previews:
- Head Coach: Ron Caragher
- 2013 Record: 6-6
- San Jose State Gambling Odds to win BCS Championship:
- San Jose State Gambling Odds to win Mountain West Mountain Division:
- San Jose State Gambling Odds to win Mountain West Conference: 30/1
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Although there is certainly the train of thought that says competition will be down, the Spartans are one of the reasons that thought even exists. The hope is that this group doesn’t drop off too much from one year to the next, but a third-place divisional finish should be considered a best-case scenario in 2014, not necessarily a reasonable assumption.
Team Strengths:
The Mountain West conference as a whole is known for airing the ball out on offense, and San Jose State is a big reason why. In 2013, it threw for 355.9 yards per contests, which was good enough for seventh in the entire country.
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The problem, of course, is replacing David Fales—the player who sparked those kinds of numbers. Assuming the system had something to do with the success, this group will take a “next man up” approach this year. However, it’s tough to assume the next guy coming in will replicate the record-setting performances.
At running back, you’ve got Jarrod Lawson leading the way, but it’s important to note that this group is deep at the position.
Defensively, the strengths can be found in a combination of returners and new additions. Returning are four defensive linemen, including Travis Raciti. Coming into the program is defensive coordinator Greg Robinson. Robinson will change the system from a 3-4 to a 4-3, and he brings with him experience coaching at both the collegiate and professional levels.
Team Weaknesses:
Along with replacing the quarterback, this group has the difficult, if not impossible task of replacing both of the team’s top receivers. Chandler Jones and Noel Grigsby are two of the best pass-catchers this program has ever seen, and replicating their production will be arduous at best in 2014, especially with a new quarterback running the show.
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Sticking with the theme of key losses, Keith Smith is gone from the lineback position after becoming a first-team All-Mountain West pick.
2014-15 San Jose State Football Gambling Prediction: 5-7
The success of this upcoming season is going to come down to chemistry and production between the quarterback and his receivers. Both positions are looking to replace record-setting performers, and while there’s the chance that the system softens the blow, you can’t just assume new talent will equal old production.
If you believe this group falters early for that reason, a four-win season isn’t outside the realm of possibility. However, giving the coaching staff credit means dropping a single win from last year’s record keeps this team from completely collapsing.
Six wins seems a bit ambitious at this point in the process, so going with the middle of the road, 5-7 seems to fit this organization nicely.
2014 San Jose State Schedule
- Thu, Aug 28 vs North Dakota
- Sat, Sept 6 @ Auburn
- Sat, Sept 20 @ Minnesota
- Sat, Sept 27 vs Nevada
- Sat, Oct 4 vs UNLV
- Sat, Oct 18 @ Wyoming
- Sat, Oct 25 @ Navy
- Sat, Nov 1 vs Colorado State
- Sat, Nov 8 @ Fresno State
- Sat, Nov 15 vs Hawaii
- Fri, Nov 21 @ Utah State
- Sat, Nov 29 @ San Diego State
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