In an exciting upcoming Mountain West Conference clash, the No. 13 Boise State Broncos (8-1, 5-0) are on the verge of extending their impressive winning streak to eight games as they face off against San Jose State (6-3, 3-2) this Saturday.
Football fans can catch the action live on CBS Sports Network, with the broadcast set to commence at 5 p.m. from the lively atmosphere of CEFCU Stadium.
The San Jose State Spartans, led by first-year head coach Ken Niumatalolo, are enjoying a perfect 4-0 home record this season, building on an impressive 14-2 mark at home over the last three seasons, showcasing their strength at CEFCU Stadium.
“This is the most important game of our season,” declared Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson, emphasizing the significance of the matchup during a press briefing on Thursday. “(Kicker) Jonah Dalmas spoke to the team this morning and echoed that sentiment.”
Danielson acknowledged the challenge ahead, recognizing Niumatalolo’s coaching talents: “We know it’s a big-time test. Coach Niumatalolo does a phenomenal job. They’re undefeated at home this year, and when Boise State comes to town, that place will be packed. We know we will face their best performance.”
Last year’s encounter ended dramatically, as the Broncos made a thrilling comeback in the fourth quarter to secure a 35-27 victory at Albertsons Stadium. Historically, San Jose State’s sole triumph over Boise State came during the 2020 Mountain West Football Championship.
San Jose State boasts a potent offensive strategy, currently ranking fifth nationally with an average of 332.3 passing yards per game. Senior wide receiver Nick Nash has emerged as a standout performer, leading the nation with 86 receptions and an impressive 13 receiving touchdowns, while also ranking second in receiving yards with 1,156.
“Nick Nash is the best receiver in the country,” proclaimed Danielson, backing his statement with statistics. “Our safeties have to do a really good job and be aware of his positioning at all times.”
The Spartans are known for their strategic gameplay, often controlling the tempo. Danielson noted, “They do a really good job mixing it up. They’ll slow the pace down, using the entire play clock, which creates a less-possession game than we’re accustomed to. We recognize the importance of executing well in all three phases.”
Boise State will lean heavily on their star tailback Ashton Jeanty, who was explosive last week, rushing for 209 yards and scoring three touchdowns in a decisive win against Nevada. Jeanty, currently a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy, has amassed 1,734 rushing yards and an astonishing 23 touchdowns this season, both figures leading the nation.
Who: No. 13 Boise State (8-1, 5-0) takes on San Jose State (6-3, 3-2) in a Mountain West Conference game
When: 5 p.m. Mountain time | Saturday, Nov. 16
Where: CEFCU Stadium | San Jose, California
TV: CBS Sports Network
Our prediction: Boise State 31, San Jose State 24
Betting line: -14
Live updates, highlights: Follow the game on Boise State On SI for live updates and big-play highlights throughout Saturday’s matchup
What strategies is Coach Spencer Danielson implementing to prepare the Boise State Broncos for the challenges posed by San Jose State’s strong home record?
**Interview with Coach Spencer Danielson of Boise State Broncos**
**Interviewer:** Coach Danielson, thank you for joining us today. The upcoming matchup against San Jose State sounds intense—what’s the team’s mindset heading into this game?
**Spencer Danielson:** Thank you for having me! The mindset is very focused. We understand the importance of this game; it’s the most significant one of our season. The guys are excited and ready to extend our winning streak, but we know we need to bring our best performance.
**Interviewer:** San Jose State has a strong home record and is led by coach Ken Niumatalolo, who you mentioned does a phenomenal job. What specific challenges do you anticipate facing this Saturday?
**Spencer Danielson:** They have a solid track record at home, and Coach Niumatalolo has built a competitive team. We know they will be ready to give us their best shot in front of a full stadium. Their strategic gameplay and ability to control the tempo will be a challenge for us. We’ll need to stay disciplined and execute effectively across all phases of the game.
**Interviewer:** Last season’s game was quite the thriller. What lessons has the team learned from that encounter that might help them this time around?
**Spencer Danielson:** That game taught us the importance of resilience and maintaining composure under pressure. The comeback was a testament to our character, but we need to be even more prepared this time. We can’t take any moments for granted, especially in a tough environment like CEFCU Stadium.
**Interviewer:** You’ve spoken highly of San Jose State’s standout receiver, Nick Nash. How do you plan to defend against him?
**Spencer Danielson:** Nick Nash is an exceptional talent and arguably one of the best receivers in the country. Our safeties will need to be hyper-aware of his positioning at all times, and we’ll use a combination of strategies to keep him contained. He can change the game, so we must prioritize our coverage.
**Interviewer:** With the broadcast live on CBS Sports Network, how important is it for your players to showcase their skills on such a stage?
**Spencer Danielson:** It’s a fantastic opportunity for our players to demonstrate their talent and hard work. Playing on national television adds an extra layer of excitement, but we always remind the team to focus on the fundamentals and their own assignments. If we execute our game plan, the rest will take care of itself.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Coach Danielson. Best of luck this Saturday!
**Spencer Danielson:** Thank you! We appreciate it. Looking forward to a great game!
