San Jose State brings a pass heavy offense to Austin, led by Walker Eget. Danny Scudero and Leland Smith are the WRs that will be all over the place this weekend. Jordan Pollard leads the defense.
Walker Eget
This is the signal caller for the Trojans, and he is going to be slinging the ball around Saturday. San Jose State threw the ball 64% of the time last Saturday, and I can’t imagine that’s changing against a better defensive line. Eget went for 300 yards on Saturday, but also turned the ball over three turnovers, including two INTs. The Texas secondary should have chances to make plays on the backend on Saturday, and we will see if they can get on the board for turnovers this season.
Nov 29, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose State Spartans quarterback Walker Eget (5) throws against the Stanford Cardinal in the fourth quarter at CEFCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
Danny Scudero
This was the star of the Trojans’ loss to Central Michigan. Scudero, the Sacramento State transfer, totalled 189 yards and a score on Saturday. He is coming off a 664 yard season for Sacramento State and took the step up to the FBS level this year. At 5’9”, 174 lbs, he is a shifty, fast WR that will absolutely be the main target for Eget on Saturday. They like to move him all over the field and it will be a fun, unique challenge for the Texas secondary to pin him in.
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Leland Smith
Leland Smith had the other score for the Trojans to go along with 50 yards in his debut for San Jose State. The Houston, Texas product and Purdue transfer has a homecoming this weekend, and I’m sure is ready to make a statement. He is the much more physically imposing WR, standing at 6 ‘4”, 215lbs, which will make him an interesting matchup for Malik Muhmmad and company.
Jordan Pollard
This is the overwhelming leader both on and off the field for this San Jose State team. He went for 15 tackles on Saturday against Central Michigan, and went for 115 total tackles in 2024 for the Trojans. This is the player Arch Manning will have to lay eyes on before every snap and the OL will have to work up to if they want to shield him off from slowing the Texas run game. #1 for San Jose State will make an impact in this game, but can Texas limit him?
Sep 20, 2024; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars running back Dylan Paine (30) carries the ball for a touchdown against San Jose State Spartans linebacker Jordan Pollard (10) in the second at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Washington State Cougars won 54-52 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
Jalen Apalit-Williams
Apalit-Williams is the leader of the secondary, a group that played very well against Central Michigan in Week 1. 8 tackles and a PD for Apalit-Williams, and he will likely be the guy facing Ryan Wingo the most. That will be a very interesting matchup to watch, because it should still be one Texas can take advantage of on the outside. The San Jose State secondary has plenty of talent, and it’s led by Apalit-Williams.
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Mata Hola
Finally, a front line player for San Jose State, that I’m sure is wanting to prove they can hold better at the point of attack. Hola racked up five tackles last Saturday, and he will be on the field consistently this Saturday. He’s had a winding college career, starting at Utah State before moving to Snow College and then finding his way to San Jose State in 2023. He’s slowly increased his role every year for the Trojans and now is a consistent starter for this team, and will be a big focus for the Texas OL.
Nov 29, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose State Spartans defensive lineman Mata Hola (94) celebrates with defensive lineman Gafa Faga (50) against the Stanford Cardinal in the first quarter at CEFCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: San Jose State players to watch: Walker Eget, Jordan Pollard and more
