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Always seemingly on the proverbial bubble with the school administration, the Spartan program needs to start winning to generate more overall interest and get more of a buzz. Spartan games are rarely boring with tons of fireworks from both sides, but there has to be more overall success.
That might be tough to get after losing thirty players and many of last year's top offensive producers including QB Scott Rislov and most of the receiving production. The defense hasn't stopped anyone in years, and doesn't look like it's going to start this season, so somehow there has to be even more firepower generated from the new offensive starters.
The Schedule: Normally college football's ultimate road warriors, the Spartans get five games at home including pivotal showdowns against Boise State and Fresno State. The non-conference slate is tough, but not brutal not facing any 2003 bowl teams. In fact, three of the four bowl teams SJSU plays come in the final three games.
Best Offensive Player: Senior RB Lance Martin. This could change in a real hurry. There aren't any established stars on the offensive side, so JUCO transfers like RBs Tyson Thompson and Derrell Hutsona and WR Cleve Johnson could quickly become the team's main offensive threat. Martin is a good, reliable power back who could put up good numbers if used more.
Best Defensive Player: Junior S Eric Wilson and Josh Powell. Wilson is more of a third linebacker than a safety and a strong tackler finishing second on the team with 97 stops last year. Powell is the team's best all-around defensive back with size and great athleticism. He'll be a force after missing most of last year.
Key player to a successful season: The offense was occasionally explosive last year mostly due to quarterback Scott Rislov. He's gone forcing a battle for the starting job. Big Dale Rogers will get the first crack at the job, and he'll need to shine quickly with an inexperienced receiving corps to work with.
The season will be a success if ... the Spartans win five games. That's a huge order with so many improved WAC teams, but a step up needs to be taken after last year's disappointing 3-8 campaign.
Key game: Oct. 2 vs. Rice. The Owls look strong this year and will be a major test for the normally porous Spartan run defense. If San Jose State can win the WAC road opener at SMU, a win over Rice would provide a ton of confidence with a 2-0 WAC start.
2003 Fun Stats:
- Third quarter scoring: Opponents 84 - San Jose State 31
- Third down conversion percentage: Opponents (50%) - San Jose State (36%)
- Rushing yards per game: Opponents 187.4 - San Jose State 3.2
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