6 Group of Five contenders for New Year’s Six Bowls
By Andrew Tineo
San Jose State Spartans
If it’s not Nevada that showcases the Mountain West in January to the college football world, it might be the San Jose State Spartans.
Returning for a sixth season, is quarterback Nick Starkel, after passing for 2,174 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2020. The Spartans offense as a whole is not extremely dynamic, but was efficient and led them to a 7-0 regular season.
The Spartans rushing attack was below average but returns all five starters along the offensive line, headlined by All-MWC left tackle Jack Snyder. Tyler Nevens returns and should be starting in the backfield.
The Spartans return 11 starters on defense, a unit that was a consensus top-30 unit a season ago. DE Cade Hall is the clear leader of the unit and brings along defensive end Viliami Fehoko and Kyle Harmon, who both were outstanding a season ago.
The Spartans need to be better in the turnover category, as they were +2 in 2020. Although not a terrible mark, the number needs to be higher for a chance to make a New Year’s Six bowl.
The Spartans get challenged early, with a road game against USC on September 4. The Spartans avoid Boise State and get Wyoming at home. Nevada will be the final hurdle to overcome.
San Jose State Head Coach Brent Brennan’s first three years in San Jose were not the most delightful, going 8-29. However, with a season like last year, the expectation of the program is at a near all-time high. If the Spartans can go 11-1, their chances of a New Year Six bowl are very high.