Was it just fun while it lasted for San Jose State’s senior quarterback, Blake Jurich? When he threw for three touchdowns and completed 88% of his passes in the opening game, it looked like Jurich would matter. Another positive showing came in a beat down against the far superior Auburn. The bucket deep ball accuracy he showed against SEC completion looked like a good sign. Jurich appeared to be a big pocket passer with a nice arm that could generate draft buzz.
Unfortunately, the senior quarterback unraveled against Minnesota on Saturday. Blake Jurich committed three turnovers—two interceptions and a fumble—and was sacked twice. The really damning part was that a few of the turnovers were cringe worthy to anyone watching. The messy low-lights included when he tripped dropping from center, and the fumble in which the ball just slipped out of his hand and fluttered to the ground.
By Matt Harmon
This was such a poor showing that the San Jose coaching staff actually yanked Jurich for a junior, Joe Gray. It seems like a quick hook, but coach Ron Caragher never sounded fully enthused about committing to Jurich in the preseason. It sounds like the coaches will at least evaluate the position, and consider a change to Gray. Blake Jurich looked as if he was building up some steam after two weeks. Now, he looks like he might be out of a job. If he keeps the job, he’s shown the potential to turn it around.
Other Conference Notes:
– Boise State’s Matt Miller continues to get better. He did not have to carry the offense with Jay Ajayi having one of his monster games. However, Miller has been coming up clutch in big moments, and moving the chains.
– Don’t worry too much about Devante Davis’ one catch and zero yardage stat line. UNLV endured some dreadful quarterback play.
– Hawaii endured another loss on Saturday to Colorado. No draftable prospects have emerged from that team either.
– Dominic Rufran carried the Wyoming passing game against Florida Atlantic. The senior receiver took two catches for big time yards after the catch—including an 88 yarder on a middle of the field route.
– Quinn Kaehler turned in yet another disturbing performance. He threw two interceptions and constantly looked bothered against this Pac-12 defense. With Ezell Ruffin out for this game, Kaehler clearly struggled to find a consistent option to throw to.
– Crusoe Gongbay, New Mexico State’s running back carried the offense against their in-state competitor. Gongbay average 8.7 yards per carry and totaled 139 yards. He is a quick runner in space, and displayed some nice lower body drive to run through tackles.
– Seniors, Josh Quezada and Derron Smith really stood out in Fresno State’s first win. Quezada ran well in a tandem, totaling over 100 yards from scrimmage and a score. Smith looked much more comfortable after another game following his moving to strong safety.
– It’s tough to keep harping on one player, but San Jose State’s Travis Raciti was again having some point of attack issues. He was a big part of why the team let Minnesota run all over them.
– Utah State’s Ronald Butler had a nice game with Chuckie Keeton out. Butler caught a touchdown to put his team ahead, and won several contested passes.
– Boise State really harassed the quarterback, Terrance Broadway. Senior pass rusher Beau Martin had a few nice moments, and was a part of some of the waves of pressure.
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