Spartans boast stingy defense

San Jose State's defense has come in for plenty of kudos from opposing coaches, and with good reason,

The Spartans are allowing around 16 points a game, which is a big reason why they are 6-4 heading into Saturday's game at Nevada.

One of hte big names on the defensive unit is Jarron Gilbert, who plays both defensive end and defensive tackle.

Gilbert leads the nation in tackles for loss.

"He is playing as good as anybody in the country," San Jose State coach Dick Tomey said. "He's been a tremendous player for us. He and Carl Ihenacho have created a lot of big plays for us."

"He's a phenomenal football player," said Derek Dooley, Louisiana Tech coach. "He's really strong."

TRICKERY ABOUNDS

Wide receivers Vinny Perretta and Tanyon Bissell threw scoring passes in Boise State's win over Utah State.

In the second period, quarterback kellen Moore threw a lateral to Bissell, who threw a 57-yard strike to Jeremy Childs for a score. late in the third quarter, Perretta took a handoff, faked an end around before zipping a 17-yard pass to Childs to give the Broncos a 35-14 lead.

Boise State coach Chris Peteresen said the plays have been in the playbook for a while, and that sometimes don't get used. When that happens they just carry over into the following week.

BRONCOS PILE UP PENALTIES

For the third straight game, Boise State was penalized more than 10 times in a game.

Despite the penalties, Boise State racked up a pretty impressive 49-14 win over Utah State last weekend.

"Obviously (we're not working) enough," Petersen said. "We're always talking about them. Some are on us, some the kids play hard and sometimes things happen out there and some shouldn't be called."

AGGIES UNSURE OF QB

Utah State coach Brent Guy said he wasn't prepared to name a starter for this week's game against Louisiana Tech.

Dionde Borel was pulled midway in the second quarter against Boise State in favor of Sean Setzer, who came on to throw for 226 yards and two scores.

Guy said they were putting the game plan in for Lousiana Tech, and that would determine which quarterback gives them the best chance to win.

"Diondre is multi-dimensional," Guy said. "Sean played well. I don't think Diondre was the same quarterback after getting the ball knocked out of his hands."

Guy said Setzer has a sore left shoulder, but is all right to play. The Utah State coach didn't rule out playing both quarterbacks, either.

HAWAII REACHES .500

At 5-5, Hawaii has concluded its road schedule this year, and has home games against Idaho, Washibgton State and Cincinnati left.

The Warriors will be favored against Idaho and Washington State, and if they take care of business in tose two games, they will get to seven wins and qualify to play in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl.

The Warriors have a bye this week, and some of the coaching staff will be recruiting on the mainland, while the rest of the coaches will be recruiting on the islands.

The Warriors are looking like the old run and shoot Warriors in recent weeks, and it's all because of quarterback Greg Alexander, who carried Hawaii past Nevada two weeks ago.

Alexander completed 26 of 32 for 288 yards and two scores. he also rushed for one score.

"He's coming so far at quarterback," coach Greg McMackin said. "It started the second half of your (Nevada) game. We're really excited. We're where we need to be."

"Alexander is the type of quarterback they are used to having out there," New Mexico State coach Hal Mumme said. "They were mpre like the old Hawaii."

MAINLAND WORK HELPED

After its loss to Utah State two weeks ago, Hawaii's football team stayed on the mainland and trained at UTEP for its game at New Mexico State.

"I definitely do (think it helped)," McMackin said. "We were a little sluggish the week before. I'm not taking anything away from Utah State. We got our legs back. We were able to adjust to teh time change and we were around the kids all the time."

Hawaii sent a few tutors on the trip, as the players missed more class than during a normal week. McMackin said the Warriors will do the same thing next year between the Washington State and UNLV games.

- Contact Darrell Moody at dmoody@nevadaappeal.com, or by calling (775) 881-1281