San José State

The preseason concern was a rebuilt defense with only two returning starters and a new coordinator, Bojay Filimoeatu. Through seven games, that unit has become the team's backbone. After a rough start at USC, the Spartans held Eastern Michigan to 25 yards in the fourth quarter, stymied Cal Poly late, limited Hawai'i to 16 points on the road, and kept Wyoming out of the end zone until the final minutes of regulation. The secondary, led by Greco Carrillo and Kejuan Bullard Jr., and linebacker Ethan Powell have stabilized a group that was expected to struggle. The defense now gives San José State a chance to win even when the offense sputters.

Luke Weaver opened his career with 550 yards and five touchdowns in two starts, but the offense has cooled significantly since. Against Fresno State, Weaver threw four interceptions and the Spartans managed only 10 points. The next week at Hawai'i, he was efficient (19-of-28, 246 yards, two touchdowns, no picks) but the scoring output was still just 20. In the overtime loss to Wyoming, Weaver threw for 251 yards but was intercepted once and came up short on a critical fourth down in the extra period. The system that produced the nation's leading receiver in each of Ken Niumatalolo's first two seasons lacks a proven No. 1 target this year; Cooper Hoch and Carson Clark have flashed but not consistently. Daniel Rolovich saw action against UTEP and threw for 193 yards and a score, adding a new wrinkle. Protecting the football remains the key to unlocking this group.

Jabari Bates has emerged as a reliable workhorse, rushing for 119 yards at Eastern Michigan, 163 yards on 27 carries against Cal Poly, and 94 yards on 19 carries versus Fresno State. Against UTEP, Viliami Teu exploded for 156 yards and two touchdowns, including a 67-yard scoring dash, showing the Spartans have multiple backs who can carry the load. Kicker Trajan Sinatra has been steady, hitting key field goals including a 49-yarder at Eastern Michigan and two second-half field goals at Hawai'i. Punter Trent Carrizosa remains an all-league candidate. The running game and special teams have helped shorten games and protect leads, especially when the passing attack struggles.

San José State has already logged over 5,700 travel miles this season, with trips to USC, Eastern Michigan, Hawai'i, and UTEP. The Spartans have handled the road reasonably well, winning at Eastern Michigan and Hawai'i and covering the spread in both. However, the upcoming game at Nevada is a short trip (190 miles), and the team has had eight days of rest. The remaining schedule features conference matchups where the Spartans will need to protect the football and lean on their defense to stay in games. The experience gained from early-season road tests should serve them well down the stretch.

The Spartans are 4-3 and 2-1 in Mountain West play, but the offense has not matched its explosive start. Weaver's interception issues (four against Fresno State) and the lack of a consistent No. 1 receiver have limited scoring. The return of Malachi Riley, who was slated to start last season before a Week 1 injury, has not yet translated into a breakout. If Weaver can recapture his early form and the running game continues to produce, San José State has the defense to contend in the conference. The biggest question is whether the passing game can avoid turnovers and convert red-zone opportunities. The next few games will reveal whether this team is a true contender or still a work in progress.