The Spartans are 0-1 with a 45-3 loss at Arizona State last week. The Spartans return 13 starters off of a 9-4 bowl team that is predicted to finish 5th in the WAC behind a Fresno State team that the Cats will see later in the season.
QB Adam Tafralis only completed 5 passes for 39 yards in the loss but can be an efficient passer. He set a school record by completing 65.6% of his passes last season. His best game last season was at Washington when he threw for 323 yards with 3 TD's and 0 INT's in a 35-29 loss. He is a quarterback who is capable of doing some things if we don't fully prepare for him. They also played Sean Flynn and Jordan LaSecla in the ASU loss.
Their running game is the team strength. RB Cameron Island lead the team with 13 yards on two carries last week but they also have James T. Callier and Yonus Davis. Davis had 1,007 yards (6.2 yards/carry) rushing last season and Callier had 199 yards (4.1 yards/carry) rushing last season.
They'll run behind an experienced offensive line of LT Jibri Sharp, LG Ronnie Castillo, C Justin Paysinger, RG John Booker and RT Bradis McGriff.
Their top receiver is WR David Richmond. Richmond is averaging 6.4 yards/catch and had a reception for 14 yards vs. ASU. They've also got WR's Jalal Beauchman and Michael Hooper as well as TE Jeff Clark. They are unexperienced, however, since SJSU must replace 18 touchdown receptions and 78% of their catches from a year ago.
Their defense improved last season. They only gave up 20.8 points/game after giving up 32 points/game in 2005. It's a veteran group lead by CB Dwight Lowery who had 9 INT's last season which was tied for best in the nation.