Category: Mountain West Football

Matt’s Monday Mailbag: An Early Look Into San Jose State Football’s 2024 Slate

Matt’s Monday Mailbag: An Early Look into San Jose State Football’s 2024 Slate.

Matt’s Monday Mailbag: An early look into San Jose State football’s 2024 slate

SJSU reporter Matt Weiner weighs in on questions from Spartan Nation.

Follow @Mattweiner20 & @MWCwire

A way too early look ahead

Nicolas Sarabia (@sjrugby): “Given our current roster and next years schedule, what’s the early predictions for next seasons record?”

I have SJSU going 4-8 in year one of the Niumatalolo era. There are just too many guys to replace — nine potentially on offense, including quarterback — and the Mountain West slate could be dangerous. That said, I do think the Spartans will upset a woeful Stanford at home and use that win as proof they could return to bowl games heading into the 2025 campaign. 

Keep in mind, my prediction comes to you a couple of months before the 2024 Spring Game. 

Here goes:

Sacramento State – W

Kennesaw State – W

Washington State – L

Stanford – W

Air Force – L

Colorado State – L

Fresno State – L

Boise State – L

Nevada – W

UNLV – L

Wyoming – L

Oregon State – L

Nov 19, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Navy Midshipmen head coach Ken Niumatalolo looks on during the second quarter against the UCF Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Hamilton (@MattHamilton19): “What does our QB room look like presently? Is Butter excited about the new OC?”

SJSU’s quarterback room features its new commit Dorian Hale, Jay Butterfield, Tyler Voss, Walker Eget, Anthony Garcia and Alonzo Contreras.

Craig Stutzmann, the Spartans’ newly minted offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, told me Butterfield is excited to learn his “Spread-N-Shred” offense at Niumatalolo’s introductory press conference. But that was before Hale, a bounce back from Sacramento State, committed to SJSU. So I wouldn’t be surprised if Butterfield’s initial excitement has decreased. Or, maybe, the added competition lit a fire under him.

Jenni Steele (@JenniSteele): “What can you tell us about the new OL coach?”

Nothing at the moment because no official announcement has been made. But once it is, I’ll do an in-depth look on that and all future staff hirings.

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Matt’s Monday Mailbag: An Early Look into San Jose State’s 2024 Slate

Matt’s Monday Mailbag: An Early Look into San Jose State’s 2024 Schedule

Matt’s Monday Mailbag: An Early Look into San Jose State’s 2024 Slate

SJSU reporter Matt Weiner weighs in on questions from fans.

Follow @Mattweiner20 & @MWCwire

Matt Hamilton (@MattHamilton19): “What does our QB room look like presently? Is Butter excited about the new OC?”
SJSU’s quarterback room features its new commit Dorian Hale, Jay Butterfield, Trevor Voss, Walker Eget, Anthony Garcia and Alonzo Contreras.
The Spartans’ newly minted offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Craig Stutzmann told me Butterfield is excited to learn his “Spread-N-Shred” offense at Ken Niumatalolo’s introductory press conference. But that was before Hale, a bounce back from Sacramento State, committed to SJSU. So I wouldn’t be surprised if Butterfield’s initial excitement has decreased. Or, maybe, the added competition lit a fire under him.
Nov 19, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Navy Midshipmen head coach Ken Niumatalolo looks on during the second quarter against the UCF Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

Nicolas Sarabia (@sjrugby): “Given our current roster and next years schedule, what’s the early predictions for next seasons record?”

I have SJSU going 4-8 in year one of the Niumatalolo era. There are just too many guys to replace — nine potentially on offense, including quarterback — and the Mountain West slate could be dangerous. That said, I do think the Spartans will upset a woeful Stanford at home and use that win as proof they could return to bowl games heading into the 2025 campaign. 
Keep in mind, my prediction comes to you months before the 2024 Spring Game. 
Here goes:
Sacramento State – W
Kennesaw State Owls – W
Washington State Cougars – L
Stanford – W
Air Force – L
Colorado State – L
Fresno State – L
Boise State – L
Nevada – W
UNLV – L
Wyoming – L
Oregon State – L
Jenni Steele (@JenniSteele): “What can you tell us about the new OL coach?”
Nothing at the moment because no official announcement has been made. But once it is, I’ll do an in-depth look on that and all future staff hirings.
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Ken Niumatalolo Must Prove He Can Succeed Without Triple-Option

San Jose State head coach Ken Niumatalolo must prove he can succeed without triple-option.

The idea that San Jose State could be in a 2024 New Year’s Six Bowl is hard to picture – scratch that – it’s unfathomable. SJSU has finished in the Associated Press Top-25 poll once and may not return nine of its 10 All-Mountain West honorees from last year. 

And yet, newly minted SJSU head coach Ken Niumatalolo said that was his goal in his introductory press conference Tuesday afternoon. 

But Niumatalolo’s lofty goals shouldn’t be the topic of conversation right now. Rather, the focus needs to be on whether or not Niumatalolo can build a sustainable winner in San Jose without the triple-option. 

Sep 10, 2022; Annapolis, Maryland, USA; Navy Midshipmen head coach Ken Niumatalolo walks through the bench during the first half against the Memphis Tigers at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

He used it as a head coach for 15 years at Navy en route to winning 109 games – 55 more than any other coach – and from 2015-19, was selected as American Athletic Conference coach of the year three times as the Midshipmen finished in the Associated Press Top-25 poll four times. This was all done while recruiting smaller, less talented players who had to meet the Naval Academy’s high academic enrollment standards. Plus, players would have to serve after their playing career so he couldn’t recruit to offering players the chance to play in the NFL. 

The answer to this conundrum? Running the triple-option. 

But then came the 11 combined wins from 2020-22 which led to athletic director Chet Gladchuk Jr. relieving Niumatalolo of his duties. 

The downturn was a byproduct of the Navy being unable to offer NIL (name, image and likeness) deals, utilize the transfer portal and players weren’t granted an extra “Covid Year.”

Now at SJSU, Niumatalolo can access all of those. Except, he won’t be running the offensive scheme that he used to build his resume.

Inside the Spartans’ media room, while talking to Niumatalolo and his newly hired offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Craig Stutzmann, it was easy to believe he could adapt. Never mind the fact that SJSU may not return 10 of its 11 starters on the offense from last year.

Stutzmann beamed about the simplicity of his “Spread-N-Shred” offense and how excited SJSU’s quarterback room of Jay Butterfield, Anthony Garcia and Tyler Voss are to run it. 

The style is adapted from offensive mastermind June Jones’ “Run and Shoot” and has yielded success at Stutzmann’s stops at Division III Emory and Henry, Hawaii, Washington State and last year at Texas State. 

As TSU’s wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator, Stutzmann helped it rank top-15 nationwide in total offense (457.6 yards/game) and 12th in the country in scoring offense (36.7 points/game).

Stutzmann’s vision will balance with Niumatalolo’s and former SJSU offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Kevin McGiven’s who will move to wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator. On the surface, this can seem awkward. McGiven was foundational to previous SJSU quarterback Chevan Cordeiro’s success and has been the Spartans’ offensive coordinator since 2018. 

“I get it, it’s a difficult transition for him [McGiven]. You know, ‘What does it look like with the players, what does it look like for him [McGiven], what does it look like within the building?’” said Stutzmann, who worked with McGiven at Memphis in 2010. “ … I think Coach Ken even talked about it. Everywhere I’ve gone that we were successful – everybody – all the coaches were able to check their egos at the door.”

Therein lies the complexity of introductory press conferences. 

Everything seems fine now, but what’ll happen in the hypothetical scenario where SJSU’s new pieces aren’t gelling and McGiven doesn’t see eye-to-eye with Stutzmann? Will egos remain checked at the door?

Niumatalolo should hope so. 

While shepherding the Midshipmen to 10 bowl games and six bowl wins, he turned down opportunities at bigger programs. 

“I had several PAC-12 in-person interviews, a couple of BIG-10 in-person interviews, and when we [Navy] were humming, every year I would get two to three interviews and people didn’t even know,” Niumatalolo shared. “When I talked to people, some of them were very enticing. It was a lot of money. But I was at peace with my job so I wasn’t looking to go.”

Then, after he was let go in 2022, those opportunities decreased. 

Niumatalolo guessed that “some of it was because of the triple-option. ‘Could I do other stuff?’… I’ve also found in this world that most of it is like, ‘What’s the new hot toy?’ and I was doing really good at first and I was the new toy many people wanted to play with and then you start to lose and then it’s like, ‘Don’t forget about me,’” he joked. 

This past coaching carousel, Niumatalolo interviewed at San Diego State, but didn’t get the job. As a result, he was going to stay at UCLA for the second straight year and become its tight ends coach. 

Then SJSU AD Jeff Konya came into the picture and offered him an opportunity to replace Brent Brennan last week. “We asked the direct question and we weren’t really interested in being Air Force 2.0,” Konya said … “We’re going to be running a version of the air raid in the Spread-N-Shred. We are going to be a really fun team to watch.”

Programs that turned down or looked away from Niumatalolo are justified in doing so. But is that fair? Niumatalolo used the triple-option at Navy as a coach for 25 years out of necessity – not by choice. And he succeeded until college football’s changing landscape had other plans. 

But whether it was or wasn’t fair, Niumatalolo can now prove that he turned the triple-option into a success. Not, the triple-option turned him into a success.

His head coaching career and the Spartans’ continuing their unheralded boom may hinge upon it.

Matt’s Monday Mailbag: What should fans expect from Ken Niumatalolo?

Matt’s Monday Mailbag: What should fans expect from Ken Niumatalolo?

Matt’s Mailbag: Which SJSU Coaches Are Joining Brent Brennan in Tucson?

SJSU reporter Matt Weiner weighs in on questions from fans related to former SJSU head coach Brent Brennan leaving SJSU for Arizona

Follow @Mattweiner20 & @MWCwire

Who’s out? Who’s in?

Hello and welcome to Matt’s Mailbag™ your go-to destination for all pressing SJSU football matters.

Enough chit-chat. Let’s get into it.

Ricky Delgado (@RickyDe70535587): “How much of a leash would u personally give the new guy before hitting the panic button?”

Personally, I’m using one of those really long, retractable leashes. 

I’m not expecting much the first two seasons. Hopefully he could win 4-6 games so fans and the donor base don’t lose belief in him. But let’s face it. Niumatalolo is running a completely foreign offensive scheme with an offensive coordinator he’s never coached with before and several of SJSU’s best players have either graduated or hit the transfer portal. 

 

If he doesn’t make a bowl game by year three and players are leaving in masses because of him, then get that panic button. 

ksa (@ks_a49): “Are we screwed?”

No. Leadership transition is always a hectic thing. Those same players who hit the portal could realize they won’t find a better opportunity than SJSU and be back in San Jose by next fall. Plus, Niumatalolo has built a career on developing under-recruited talent and did so under stiff academic restrictions, too. 

Sep 10, 2022; Annapolis, Maryland, USA; Navy Midshipmen head coach Ken Niumatalolo walks through the bench during the first half against the Memphis Tigers at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Ricky Delgado (@RickyDe70535587): “Is it unfair to expect at least 7 wins this year despite a coaching change?”

Yes. He’s essentially starting from scratch and doesn’t even know what his entire staff will look like nearly a week out from February. 

Other than Sacramento State and Kennesaw State, I don’t have SJSU as a clear favorite over any other team. But let’s remember it’s January 22. Lot’s can change.

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Ricky Delgado (@RickyDe70535587): “How much change in culture do you anticipate? Coach Ken is not a carbon copy of Brennan but to my understanding, he amasses some of the same qualities.”

I think similar qualities start and end with an ambition to be a leaer and win football games. 

If SJSU was to make another Hawaii Bowl appearance, I wouldn’t expect Niumatalolo to run shirtless with swim trunks, Viper shades and a thick coat of sunscreen on his nose to announce it like Brennan did. 

Which isn’t bad. Maybe the Spartans could use someone who is more of a heavy.

King Tut (@KingByari): “I don’t know about this hire. Safe I guess but no splash. Offensively I know he is not bringing in triple option but that’s all he knows. We need a young splashy OC – who will our next OC be?”

Robb Silverstein (@RobbSilverstein): “Any realistic OC candidates in the mix yet?”

Drumroll please … the new offensive coordinator is Craig Stutzmann who comes to SJSU a year after guiding Texas State to a top-15 ranking nationwide in total offense (457.6 yards/game) and 12th in the country in scoring offense (36.7 points/game).

On paper it makes sense and offers hope that Niumatalolo can succeed without the triple option.

Sarah (@Smwallace06): “How many assistant coaches do you anticipate being back next year? And related, how many will they lose to Arizona/going with Brennan?”

Very hard to tell right now. But the only lock is OC Kevin McGiven who is now passing game coordinator/WR coach after Niumatalolo hired Stutzmann to become OC/QB coach. 

As of right now, Alonzo “Zo” Carter (SJSU associate HC/RB Coach/Recruiting Coordinator), Joe Seumalo (DL coach), Josh Oglesby (OL coach), Matt Adkins (TE coach) and Cullen Carroll (strength and conditioning coach) are following Brennan to Arizona.

Ozark (@Ozmosis711): “Who is our likely starting QB next season?”

Jesús Cano (@Jesus_Cano88): “Are we finally going to see the Jay Butterfield era?”

If Stutzmann doesn’t bring anyone in, it’ll be a battle between redshirt sophomores Jay Butterfield and Tyler Voss and true freshman Anthony Garcia. I’ve considered the job Butterfield’s to lose, but with a new OC/QB coach I think the playing field has evened out. Simply becomes whoever is best at running Stutzmann’s “Spread and Shred” offense will play.

Jenni Steele (@JenniSteele): “OL coach prospects?”

I’m curious to see if Stutzmann brings Jordan Shoemaker over from Texas State. In their first year together, that helped Texas State rank as a top-15 offense in the country in 2023.

Or, if he goes with Mark Weber who was on the same staff as him at UH in 2019 when the Rainbow Warriors posted the nation’s fifth-rated passing attack and at Washington State in 2020 when the Cougars had the Pac-12’s top red zone offense and third-best passing game.

Playa (@J_Rawwbante): “Do you expect to see additional incoming transfers anytime soon?”

100%.

Just need some time for Niumatalolo to put the rest of his staff together.

Connor Letourneau (@Con_Chron): “Why do you think Niumatalolo hadn’t gotten a head-coaching job yet?

I’m leaning toward AD’s feeling that he was too tied to the structure and triple option at Navy to deliver success elsewhere after he was let go in 2022. It could also be him not wanting to take a job for the sake of taking a job. 

If he stayed at UCLA for another season in 2024, his name could build buzz worthy of him getting looks he couldn’t have before in the 2024-25 carousel. 

Charles Myer (@CharlesMyer_UT): “Let’s go!! I love the hire, but truly hope he does not try to implement the triple option.”

Don’t worry he won’t, although, I am a bit disappointed. 

I think it’d be fun for the funding of a school that brands itself as cunning and progressive to rely upon an offense that’s conservative and old. 

Fake Matt Mumme (@FakeCoachMumme): “What is your grade for all of the new MWC coach hires this year?”

New Mexico (Bronco Mendenhall)- A

Boise State (Spencer Danielson) – A

San Jose State (Ken Niumatalolo) – Solid B 

Nevada (Jeff Choate)- B

Wyoming (Jay Sawvell) – B-

Matt Hamilton (@MattHamilton19): “I think it’s a great hire. Ten winning seasons and three-time coach of the year in the AAC. A year at UCLA gave him time to reflect and experience more growth. Could this actually be a great shot in the arm for our program?”

I think so. 

If Niumatalolo can adjust to a completely new set of circumstances, then he’ll succeed. I just don’t think fans will feel as attached to him as they did with Brennan – and that’s fine. Because at the end of the day, want to know how to make a fan and donor base like you? Win games. 

Karl (@Born_ont): “San Jose State University. I extend my sincerest wishes for nothing but the utmost success to you all. Congratulations on making a truly exceptional hiring decision for San Jose State University. I genuinely wish you all nothing but the very best of luck moving forward.”

Cue the Epic Handshake meme and photoshop a Spartan logo over Arnold Schwarzenegger and a Wildcat logo over Carl Weathers.

Ricky Delgado (@RickyDe70535587): “I’m assuming no Scott White at DC given the sudden transfers?”

Probably not. I don’t imagine him being promoted from special teams coordinator and linebackers coach from someone who didn’t initially hire him.

San Jose State head coach Brent Brennan reacts to a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Ricky Delgado (@RickyDe70535587): “What happened to the AD at Arizona?”

According to the Action Network’s Brett McMurhphy:

“Arizona AD Dave Heeke was fired for “financial & operational mismanagement, resulting in an athletic department financial ‘disaster,’ loss of major donors & mishandling of former coach Jedd Fisch’s contract.”

And according to 247 Sports’ Jason Scheer, “There is an audit on Arizona Athletic Department that will be released within the next week or so and the results were not good.”

If Arizona president Robert C. Robbins also gets fired, Brennan could lose his two most important supporters. Simultaneously Brennan better hope that no wrongdoing found in that audit could be deemed by the NCAA as ‘sanctionable.’

Chris Daniel (@ChrisDanielSRA): “1) When is the introductory News Conference, 2) Any word on which coaches are staying, 3) When will coach make his pitch to the players (and try to stop the portal hemorrhaging)?”

1) Not sure, but likely within the next week. 2) That list is mentioned above. 3) I believe that initial pitch was made Monday morning but likely to be an ongoing one. 

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Brock Purdy’s Younger Brother Chubba Decommits from SJSU and transfers to Nevada

Brock Purdy’s Younger Brother Decommits from SJSU and transfers to Nevada

The news of Brock Purdy‘s younger brother, Chubba, transferring from Nebraska to San Jose State lit up the Bay Area last weekend.

The idea of Chubba dominating on a Saturday followed by Brock on a Sunday was storyline gold. Seriously, what could be better than that?

But all those imaginations won’t become reality now that Chubba has decommited from SJSU and transferred to Mountain West-foe Nevada.

The news isn’t surprising after Chubba deleted his initial commitment post on Sunday, Jan. 21 — the same day SJSU announced the hiring of new head coach Ken Niumatalolo who will be taking over for Brent Brennan.

A former four-star from Gilbert, Ariz., Purdy played two years at Florida State, compiling 317 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, 147 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. Then, after transferring to Nebraska in 2022 for two years, he threw for 529 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions while also rushing for 353 yards and three scores. He was 0-4 as a starter.

Purdy’s commitment to Nevada also comes on the same day SJSU running back Quali Conley entered the transfer portal. 247 Sports’ crystal ball puts Conley’s chances at transferring to UA at 100%.

If Conley becomes a Wildcat, it could signify former SJSU associate head coach, running backs coach, and recruiting coordinator Alonzo “Zo” Carter joining Brennan in Tucson.

So now, if Niumatalolo doesn’t bring in a quarterback through the transfer portal, SJSU’s options are Oregon transfer Jay Butterfield, freshman Anthony Garcia, redshirt freshman Tyler Voss, and redshirt sophomore Walker Eget.

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Also noteworthy, is that Niumatalolo won’t be running his patented triple option offense at SJSU this season and, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, “is expected to target an offensive coordinator for some type of wide-open and pass-heavy system.”

Niumatalolo utilized the triple option in his 25 years of coaching at Navy. In his 15 years as a head coach from 2007-2022, he became the winningest head coach in program history, went to 10 bowl games, and from 2015-19 was a three-time recipient of the American Athletic Conference coach of the year award as the Midshipmen had four AP Top 25 poll finishes.

BREAKING: San Jose State to hire Ken Niumatalolo as next head coach

BREAKING: San Jose State to hire Ken Niumatalolo as next head coach

Ken Niumatalolo, the most successful head coach in Navy history, should be taking over San Jose State “within the next 48 hours” according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Niumatalolo’s hiring comes nearly a week after former SJSU head coach Brent Brennan left to become Arizona’s head coach to replace Jedd Fisch who departed to Washington.

Niumatalolo went to 10 bowl games in his first 12 seasons, and from 2015-19, he was selected as the American Athletic Conference coach of the year three times and led the Midshipmen to four AP-Top 25 poll finishes. But after going 11-23 in the three seasons that followed, Niumatalolo was let go after losing to rival Army on Dec. 10, 2022.

Niumatalolo, who finished 109-83 in those15 full seasons at Navy, then traveled westward and took up up a leadership role on Chip Kelly’s staff at UCLA in 2023 and was set to be the tight ends coach in 2024.

“He’s a voice for all of us,” Kelly told The Washington Post prior to the 2023 season. “He also meets with our coaching staff, and just talking about leadership, not talking about scheme, not talking about X’s and O’s, but has brought a lot of different stuff to our staff from that standpoint and has really made an impact.”

With Thamel also reporting that “Niumatalolo will not be running the triple option” at SJSU, there will be several conversations centered around the “X’s and O’s.”After all, Niumatalolo only ran the triple-option at Navy as a head coach and member of the offensive staff from 2002-07.

So if Niumatalolo won’t be running his coveted attack, what will he run? Furthermore, what will his staff look like? It hasn’t been determined which SJSU coaches will follow Brennan to Arizona.

But that shouldn’t distract how good of a hire— on paper— this is for SJSU.

Jeff Konya, SJSU’s Director of Athletics, found a proven winner that could convince fans and the donor base that the program won’t plunge back to irrelevance. Plus, Niumatalolo also understands the struggles SJSU is facing in the NIL space.

Because Navy players are considered federal employees, they aren’t able to rake in NIL deals, which put the program at a disadvantage behind other teams in the AAC.

“But even some of the lower-tier guys for us, we can’t compete with that,” Niumatalolo told ESPN back in 2022.

The hiring also illustrates how far SJSU has come pre and post Brennan era.

Brennan’s hiring in 2017 was a byproduct of potential candidates turning the job down out of the fear the tenure could be disastrous to the point where they’d never get another head coaching opportunity again.

So Brennan, then an outside wide receivers coach at Oregon State, got the gig and produced just three wins in his first two seasons. Then came an encouraging 5-7 season in 2019 followed by the prized 2020 Mountain West Championship.

From 2020-23, Brennan became the first SJSU head coach to make three bowl games and those three bowl appearances marked SJSU’s first time making three bowl games in the span of four years.

“I don’t know how long this will go,” Niumatalolo said in the above mentioned Washington Post article. “Chip and I have talked. I want to make one more run at it, and I feel like coming here has helped me from that perspective.”

And now Spartan Nation hopes Niumatalolo gained the “perspective” necessary to continue the program’s golden era.

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New Mexico vs. Air Force: Game Preview, Odds, How To Watch

New Mexico vs. Air Force: Game Preview, Odds, How To Watch Lobos take to the road to face the Falcons Follow @MWCwire Can New Mexico get a road win? Game: New Mexico Lobos vs Air Force Falcons Date: Saturday, January 20, 2024 Location: Clune Arena …

New Mexico vs. Air Force: Game Preview, Odds, How To Watch

Lobos take to the road to face the Falcons

Follow @MWCwire

Can New Mexico get a road win?

Game: New Mexico Lobos vs Air Force Falcons

Date: Saturday, January 20, 2024

Location: Clune Arena in Colorado Springs, CO

Time: 2:00 pm, MT

TV: CBS Sports Network

Stream: FuboTV — get a free trial

Radio:  77kob Albuquerque  96.3 FM Robert Portnoy/Hunter Greene

Overall Series: New Mexico leads 65-26

The upcoming Saturday matchup at Clune Arena between the New Mexico Lobos (15-3, 3-2 MWC) and the Air Force Falcons (7-9, 0-4 MWC) is anticipated to favor the team from Albuquerque.  

The New Mexico men’s basketball team aims for a third consecutive victory as they embark on a two-game road trip, starting Saturday at Air Force.

The game starts at 2:00 pm at Clune Arena and will air on CBS Sports Network and the Lobo Radio Network.

With a season record of 15-3 (3-2 in the Mountain West), the Lobos secured two impressive wins against ranked opponents – defeating No. 19 San Diego State and No. 16 Utah State. 

Currently holding a 7-9 overall record and a 0-4 standing in the Mountain West, Air Force is recovering from an overtime loss against Colorado State on Tuesday.

 The dynamic duo of Rytis Petraitis and Ethan Taylor leads the Falcons, each boasting an average of 17.2 points per game.

 Last season, the teams evenly split their two meetings, securing victories on their respective home courts, both in Albuquerque and Colorado Springs. 

 In the 2021-22 season series, the Lobos dominated, sweeping both encounters, including a 91-77 win at Clune Arena, where Jaelen House shone with a career-high 42 points.

Looking ahead, the Lobos will wrap up their two-game road trip with a Wednesday visit to San Jose State. The Bay Area game is scheduled for 9 pm MT (8 pm PT) and will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.

Offensively, the Lobos boast an average of 83.6 points per game, ranking 23rd nationally, with a commendable 47.2% shooting accuracy from the field. 

Their proficiency extends to a 33.4% success rate on three-point attempts (112 of 335) and a solid 68.1% from the free-throw line.

What makes this Lobo offense impressive is that. So far this season, the Lobos are the only team in the nation to have five different players post a 25-point game. (stat courtesy of UNM’s social media team) 

All five Lobo starters — House, Mashburn, Donovan Dent, JT Toppin, and Nelly Junior Joseph — have had at least one 25-point scoring game this season (courtesy Geoff Grammer Alb Journal) 

 As a collective unit, New Mexico excels in rebounding, securing an impressive 39.7 boards per game, and showcases their teamwork with 288 assists on the season, earning them the 31st spot in college basketball for passing prowess.

 However, they face challenges in ball control, averaging 10.4 turnovers per game and grappling with 19.1 personal fouls as a team.

On the defensive end, the Lobos demonstrate an ability to disrupt opponents, forcing 15.9 turnovers per game and drawing 19.2 fouls. 

Despite their defensive prowess, they currently hold the 228th rank in Division 1 for surrendering assists, conceding 230 on the year. 

New Mexico’s defensive efforts also reveal a 41.3% opponent field goal percentage (430 of 1,042) and a rebounding allowance of 35.4 boards per game.

 They exhibit a resistance to three-point shots, allowing only a 30.5% success rate, and position themselves at 122nd nationally in opponent points per game, holding them to an average of 69.3 points.

Air Force, currently 7-9 overall and 0-4 in the Mountain West, is coming off an overtime loss at Colorado State. 

In their most recent game, the Air Force Falcons suffered a defeat with a final score of 78-69 against Colorado State. 

Analyzing their performance on the court, Air Force allowed Colorado State to secure a total of 32 rebounds (10 on the offensive end). 

The Falcons displayed a 41.7% accuracy from beyond the 3-point line, making 10 of 24 attempts, and maintained a solid free-throw shooting percentage of 78.3% by converting 18 out of 23 attempts. 

Colorado State capitalized on 43.9% of their field goal attempts (25 of 57), while the Falcons concluded the game with a 41.1% field goal rate (23 of 56).

 In terms of three-point shots, the Air Force successfully made 10 out of 22 attempts, achieving a 45.5% success rate. 

They buried 13 of their free throw attempts at the charity stripe, boasting a 76.5% accuracy.

Noteworthy contributions came from Rytis Petraitis, who demonstrated a 54.5% field goal rate by making 6 out of 11 attempts. 

He also contributed seven rebounds 22 points in 35 minutes of play, and provided 5 assists.

As for their overall season performance,  Air Force holds a 7-9 win-loss record. The team averages 17.2 personal fouls per game and maintains a 68.3% free-throw shooting accuracy. 

Their offensive play includes 14.8 assists per contest (ranking 105th nationally) and a turnover rate of 12.7 times per game. 

Accumulating 1,080 points on the season (67.5 per contest), the Falcons secure an average of 31.1 rebounds per game. 

Offensively, they connect on 45.5% of their field goal attempts, earning them the 146th rank in college basketball.

Defensively, the Falcons allow opponents to shoot 35.5% from beyond the arc (113 of 318) and convert 71.5% of their free throw attempts. 

They surrender an average of 12.3 assists and allow 32.6 rebounds per game, earning them the 137th and 66th in Division 1, respectively.

 Air Force holds the 94th rank in points allowed per game, averaging 67.7. They force an average of 12.4 turnovers per game but allow opponents to shoot 43.8% from the floor (222nd in Division 1).

Rytis Petraitis and Ethan Taylor, averaging 17.2 points per game each, lead the Falcons.

In their recent victory against Utah State (99-86), the Lobos showcased a solid offensive performance, shooting 57.4% from the field. 

With 26 points on 91.7% shooting, Nelly Junior Joseph was a standout player and looked to be finally acclimating to this Ritch Pitino team as he has not even been in Albuquerque long, just October 25, and has had an adjustment period. 

Looking at season statistics, New Mexico averages 83.6 points per game, shooting 47.2% from the field. Defensively, they force 15.9 turnovers per game.

“I think we’re certainly better offensively than what we’ve been (most of the season),” Pitino said. “And obviously, to put up 99 in a league game is pretty good.”

After a loss to Colorado State (78-69), Air Force holds a 7-9 record. They commit 17.2 personal fouls per game and shoot 68.3% from the free-throw line.

Last season, the teams split their two meetings, each winning at home. However, the Lobos swept the 2021-22 season series, including a 91-77 victory at Clune Arena.

The Lobos will conclude their road trip on Wednesday against San Jose State at 9 pm MT (8 pm PT), with the game airing on CBS Sports Network.

The Lobos are one of the most talented teams in the Mountain West Conference; now, they must go on the road to win games they are expected to win. 

Succeeding away from home in the Mountain West this season will truly distinguish the contenders from the pretenders. 

The conference boasts remarkable strength this year, making it a highly competitive environment where any team can face defeat on any given day unless they approach each game with caution and intelligent play to win games!

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New Mexico Upsets No. 16 Utah State By Double Digits

New Mexico Upsets No. 16 Utah State By Double Digits Huge home Lobo win Follow @MWCwire Mountain West is tough New Mexico’s men’s basketball team secured its second consecutive victory against a ranked opponent by defeating No. 16 Utah State with a …

New Mexico Upsets No. 16 Utah State By Double Digits

Huge home Lobo win

Follow @MWCwire

Mountain West is tough

New Mexico’s men’s basketball team secured its second consecutive victory against a ranked opponent by defeating No. 16 Utah State with a score of 99-86 at The Pit in Albuquerque. 

In a standout performance, Nelly Joseph notched a season-high 26 points. Donovan Dent contributed 15 points and a career-high 14 assists, propelling New Mexico to a convincing 99-86 victory over No. 16 Utah State on Tuesday night.

With a well-distributed scoring effort, six Lobos players reached double figures, including Jaelen House, who added 14 points. 

The win ended New Mexico’s seven-game losing streak against the Aggies.

This victory followed New Mexico’s previous success against then-No. 19 San Diego State on Saturday, showcasing the team’s impressive back-to-back wins against ranked opponents.

The Lobos now boast a 15-3 overall record and a 3-2 standing in Mountain West play, while the Aggies’ overall record falls to 16-2 with a 4-1 mark in Mountain West play. 

Notably, Utah State experienced the end of their 15-game winning streak and a seven-game streak against the Lobos.

This marks the Lobos’ second consecutive “Quad 1” victory, a metric determined by an opponent’s NET ranking improving its resume for post-season action. 

The NET ranking is a crucial factor considered by the NCAA Selection Committee when determining team invitations to the NCAA Tournament in March.

Nelly Junior Joseph delivered a standout performance with a season-high 26 points, shooting 11-of-12 and contributing eight rebounds and five blocks. 

In consecutive matchups, the Pit welcomed AP Top 25 teams boasting star big men and flawless conference records. The Lobos emerged victorious for the second straight game in an impressive feat.

Lobo’s formidable big man, Nelly Junior Joseph, showcased dominance on Tuesday, tallying a season-high 26 points with an impressive 11-of-12 shooting, a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, along with eight rebounds, five blocked shots, and three steals. 

The UNM Lobos triumphed convincingly against No. 16 Utah State with a final score of 99-86, captivating an enthusiastic late-night crowd of 13,106.

Expressing his satisfaction, UNM Lobos coach Richard Pitino hailed the win as significant for the program, particularly achieving back-to-back victories against ranked teams. The Lobos’ offensive prowess was evident, with a remarkable 57% shooting accuracy, 21 assists, and a mere seven turnovers.

Pitino expressed his gratitude to the passionate fans, emphasizing the challenge of playing in a late-night game at 8:45 p.m. 

The impressive turnout of over 13,000 spectators added to the team’s momentum, making the Pit a formidable venue when the Lobos play well together. 

The Lobo fans, without question, are some of the nation’s most loyal fans showing up midweek on the late game, and it was louder than…. For sure! 

This writer’s Apple watch was measuring and warning of the sound levels at 95 decibels, and it was so loud you could not hear yourself speak. 

Donovan Dent contributed 15 points and a career-high 14 assists for his third double-double of the season. 

Dent’s remarkable 14 assists stand as the highest for a Lobo since Darrell McGee achieved 16 against BYU on January 5, 1989.

The Lobos showcased balanced scoring, with Jaelen House, JT Toppin, Mustapha Amzil, and Jamal Mashburn, Jr. each reaching double figures.

The game featured an impressive defensive display by the Lobos, who recorded 12 steals and 10 blocks. 

This marked the first occurrence of double-figure blocks and steals in a single game for UNM since the 2011-12 season.

The match saw a competitive first half, with the Lobos initially taking the lead and finishing the half with a 55-39 advantage.

 In the second half, they extended their lead to 20 points but faced challenges from Utah State, who managed to cut the margin. However, the Lobos maintained control and secured a 99-86 victory.

Noteworthy achievements included Dent’s exceptional 14 assists, the most by a Lobo in a game since 1989, and Joseph’s remarkable shooting performance.

 The Lobos also achieved consecutive wins against ranked opponents for the first time since 2011-12.

Head coach Richard Pitino expressed pride in the team’s performance, acknowledging the significance of back-to-back wins against ranked teams.

The Lobos will now embark on a two-game road trip, starting with a matchup against Air Force on Saturday in Colorado Springs. 

The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network at 2 p.m. MT

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San Jose State Coaching Search: Who Will Take Over For Brent Brennan

Who could take over Brent Brennan at SJSU?

Brent Brennan is leaving SJSU for Arizona. Who will take over?

SJSU reporter Matt Weiner weighs in on potential candidates to take over SJSU.

Follow @Mattweiner20 & @MWCwire

Who could replace Brennan?

It’s official: San Jose State seventh-year head coach Brent Brennan is heading to Arizona.

Which begs the question: Who will take over?

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, “SJSU is ready to execute a swift and targeted search where head coaching experience will be a preferred trait that they are looking for.”

If “preferred” really means ‘non-negotiable’ that may eliminate everyone on Brennan’s staff and even UNLV offensive coordinator Brendan Marion. This past season in the Sin City, Marion’s Go-Go offensive produced one of the Mountain West’s best passing attacks and college football’s best turnarounds.

Oct 1, 2022; Laramie, Wyoming, USA; San Jose State Spartans head coach Brent Brennan before the game against the Wyoming Cowboys at Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports

So who does that leave?

The top of that list may include former UNLV head coach and current Arizona State offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo.

Arroyo’s stint lasted just three seasons after he was let go following the 2022 season.

Although, it did seem premature.

The Rebels’ five wins were its most since 2017 and came after Arroyo compiled an 0-6 record in 2020 and 2-10 in 2021. Furthermore, it was a year before the world saw the talent of quarterback Jayden Maiava and wide receiver Ricky White III,  a 2023 All-Mountain West First Team selection.

An added plus is Arroyo’s SJSU connections. He was the quarterback at SJSU from 1998-200 and assistant coach from 2005-08. During that stint, he established a strong bond with Brennan, who was also apart of Dick Tomey’s staff. If Brennan gives SJSU AD Jeff Konya his blessing, that could put Arroyo above any other candidate.

Oct 16, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; UNLV Rebels head coach Marcus Arroyo is pictured during a game against the Utah State Aggies at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The next potential candidate is former Washington State and Hawaii head coach Nick Rolovich, who has an all time record of 33-33.

A former standout quarterback at UH, Rolovich went 28-27 in four seasons, 2-1 in bowl games at his alma mater and used a 10-5 record and Hawaii bowl win in 2019 to spring board his way to WSU.

His two-year stint in Pullman saw him go 5-6 and ultimately cut short after he and four members of his staff were fired for not getting the COVID-19 vaccine. With COVID-19 no longer a major factor, could he make his way to CEFCU Stadium?

Oct 16, 2021; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars head coach Nick Rolovich looks on during warm up ups before a game against the Stanford Cardinal at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

For now, those are two names Spartan Nation should keep an eye on. That list can certainly expand if SJSU poaches another head coach or considers hiring an assistant coach.

In that case, the list will include SJSU defensive coordinator Derrick Odum, offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven and running backs/assistant coach Alonzo “Zo” Carter. But with former Wildcats’ head coach Jedd Fisch taking his entire staff to Washington and current U of A defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen missing out on the head coaching job, anyone on Brennan’s staff could head to Tuscon.

The final name Spartan Nation should be aware of is Georgia defensive backs coach Donte Williams.

Williams was an assistant coach at SJSU from 2013-15 and finished 3-7 as USC’s interim head coach in 2021.

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Brent Brennan is leaving SJSU for Arizona. What did legacy did he leave behind?

Brent Brennan is leaving SJSU for Arizona. What did legacy did he leave behind?

Brent Brennan is leaving SJSU for Arizona. What did legacy did he leave behind?

SJSU reporter Matt Weiner weighs in on Brent Brennan leaving SJSU.

Follow @Mattweiner20 & @MWCwire

The news Spartan Nation always braced for, but never wanted to face

After seven years at San Jose State, head coach Brent Brennan is heading to Arizona to takeover for newly minted Washington head coach Jedd Fisch, according ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

 

Few can fault any Spartan fan who finds this news difficult to stomach.

Brennan was arguably the most successful only head coach in program history to lead SJSU.

He was the first head coach to make three bowl games which marked the program’s first time reaching three bowl games in the span of four years.

Each of those bowl appearances, however, forced SJSU fans to face the gutting reality they face today.

In 2020, after SJSU celebrated an undefeated regular season and won the Mountain West Championship, Brennan interviewed with Arizona for the head coaching vacancy before it went to Fisch.

And after SJSU went 7-5 in 2022 and made the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, Brennan interviewed for the vacancy at Stanford.

Then last month, Brennan was a finalist for the vacancy at Oregon State before it went to Beavers’ defensive coordinator Trent Bray.

That last one felt like a particularly close call.

For starters, Brennan was fresh off leading SJSU from the abyss of a 1-5 start to a 7-5 season that included a co-Mountain West Regular Season Title.

Furthermore, Brennan coached wide receivers at OSU from 2011-16. The ties ran so deep he named his dog after OSU’s mascot “Benny” and filled his current staff with former Beavers’ coaches like SJSU offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven, defensive coordinator Derrick Odum and defensive line coach Joe Seumalo.

So now the question is: Who will Brennan take to Tuscon?

Is it McGiven? Odum? Wide receivers coach Eric Scott? Running backs coach Alonzo “Zo” Carter?

After all, Fisch brought his entire offensive staff to Washington.

Better yet, who will take over for Brennan?

And who ever that head coach is will be the latest interwoven in the domino effect of Nick Saban retiring unexpectedly.

Let’s trace how wild this is.

On Jan. 10 Saban retired from Alabama. Then on Jan. 12 Kalen DeBoer leaves Washington to fill in for Saban. Which results in Fisch heading to Washington on Jan. 14. Now, on the lord’s day of Jan. 16, 2024, Brennan is heading to Arizona. A place he was a graduate assistant at under Dick Tomey in 1999.

Some Wildcat fans may see Brennan’s 34-48 overall record at a Group of Five, 0-3 bowl record and feel as is the resurgence is over. So much for winning as many games last year —10 — as it did from 2019-22. And so much for fleeing the formerly known PAC-12 for the BIG-12.

But those people should take a deeper look. Not just at how Brennan went 3-22 in his first two seasons. Rather, the resources he had to work with for what followed.

Brennan went to those three bowl games without an NIL presence, laughably outdated facilities until last August and a meager operating budget.

Those shortcomings are the results of the incompetency of previous administrations who treated deep-pocketed alums like ghostly afterthoughts.

The nadir came in the early to mid-2000s when SJSU academics and brass formed a coalition called ‘Spartans4Sanity’ that —insanely enough — campaigned and petitioned to axe the football team because of the money it was losing the school.

In other words, 34-48 and three bowl appearances, albeit zero wins, is pretty damn good.

U of A fans should at the very least give him a shot. SJSU fans, meanwhile, are left with mixed emotions.

What about SJSU players and recruits? On Sunday, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy’s younger brother, Chubba, announced he was transferring from Nebraska for SJSU. Does this mean he transfers elsewhere and a mockery is made of those great storylines and press?

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Beyond Purdy, who else will transfer or decommit?

Any starters transferring doesn’t bode well for a team that won’t return its starting quarterback, running back, four offensive lineman and safeties.

Though Brennan never said it outright, SJSU was as a stepping stone to a Power Five. If it wasn’t, he would’t have interviewed after his best seasons.

That’s not an indictment of a poor character. During his time at SJSU, Brennan hired a sports psychologist and got each player the meditation app “Headspace” because he knew the stresses that weigh on the minds of student-athletes.

Rather, Brennan using SJSU as a stepping stone is the indictment of a man with ambition, success and the agency to do what he feels is best for him.

Even if it that stone crumbles into debris and irrelevancy.