Each week I receive the privilege of reaching across enemy lines to gain a perspective from those almost perfect sports fans that cheer for a team other than the Razorbacks.
This week is no different as I had the pleasure of bantering with Vic Aquino from San Jose-based Mercury News.
If you ever visit the Silicon Valley and are witness to a ball getting hit, a goal being scored, an ace getting served, or even a hurdle getting … hurdled, you can rest assured Aquino is already on top of the event.
Arkansas fans are known for their loyalty (minus a few detracting warriors on ‘Twitter’) to the state’s flagship program which manages to sprinkle in the occasional successful football run.
However, when it comes to the San Jose State Spartans, you’ll find no more loyal fan than Aquino.
In fact, I would go as far to say he may be the most dedicated fan and journalist to any program in the nation, especially considering his team of choice owns a long streak of less than stellar seasons.
And, if I may stray away from the sports realm for but a second, you will not find a more courteous member of an opponent’s fanbase than this week’s participant, as evidenced by his mild praise to my ability to ask the hard hitting questions.
Let’s begin.
HitThatLine.Com: San Jose State has a 4–23 record under third-year coach Brent Brennan. Even the most adept football fan may have forgotten the Spartans were a long-time college football powerhouse.
Is Brennan the guy that can right this team back to national prominence, and with how much enthusiasm are his players behind him?
Victor Aquino: Thanks Peter, great questions. The jury is still out if Brennan is the right football person to bring the program back to prominence.
Especially with it being his third year, this season will be telling if he cannot pull out at least 3 to 4 wins minimally.
On the flip side, there is a definite vibe within the organization as everyone from players to majority of the administration stand behind him as he is actually a very genuine guy.
He is certainly a player’s coach, but, as everyone knows, it takes much more of the “it” factor than that to create a winning program.
HTL: Spartans’ fifth-year senior Josh Love has really progressed each season calling the plays under center.
Last year, the San Jose State offense ranked in the top 25% of all FCS schools. Arkansas’s defense is in a state of repair and allowed Colorado State far more points than anticipated by most.
Can this be enough of advantage to keep the game closer than expected (based upon the line from Vegas) and even sway it into San Jose’s favor?
VA: Even with your defense in a “state of repair,” is having Josh an advantage in and of itself? Simply, no.
Although, watching him against the Oregon Ducks last year he shined when most thought he could not or would not on the road in such a dynamic environment and against a higher tier team … and that was with a weaker offensive line.
If Josh cannot at least shine against you guys, the Spartans will not have that great of a chance at all.
HTL: The Spartans are traveling all over the nation this season, which must be a wonderful experience for the players.
As odd as this may sound, does the 2019 schedule of extensive voyages impact the team in any capacity?
Does it possibly place a chip upon the shoulders of the team?
Or perhaps can it foster the building of camaraderie and unification which might strengthen this group of athletes?
VA: One key thing everyone says and emphasizes here is brotherhood. A common claim of course, so the only real chip on their shoulder I could confidently say is they all back and support each other like family.
Again a really common thing to hear, but I have seen and felt it first-hand, so they will be falling back on that when they enter your big beautiful stadium and crowd!
That said, the amount of travel like that for college players is taxing regardless of what anyone says. If pros get taxed with their entourage and such, think about how it is with college athletes.
HTL: Why will San Jose State leave Fayetteville with its second victory this Saturday?
VA: Realistically? They will not. Fantasy-wise? If Josh Love and the running game totally kick in, AND if the defense can keep you guys notably under 500 yards of offense, then there is a good chance.
HTL: Why will Arkansas win this first ever match-up at home?
VA: Reputation, culture and program for one. Even in whatever state Arkansas may be in, there is a talent gap where the Razorbacks have the advantage.
Plus, relatively-speaking, Colorado State is roughly the on the same talent level as San Jose State. Both were predicted to be towards the bottom of their divisions.
HTL: Score prediction?
VA: 49-17, Razorbacks. I’m horrible at score predictions.
HTL Bonus Question: Pick a favorite — Dick Tomey or Mike MacIntyre?
VA: I’m partial to Dick Tomey. He left a great legacy here, and the SJS program really cherished him. He was around the program up to his last days. RIP and God rest his soul.
Also, on the aspect of MacIntyre, many of his players spoke highly of him as a great coach who prepared the players well.
SJS’ only biggest winning season this century so far was under McIntyre when the Spartans were 11-2.
I’d personally like to thank Mr. Aquino for his gracious persona, his time, and his professionalism. It truly was my honor
And you state you are horrible at score predictions, however, this Hogs fan hopes you are your most accurate on this one.
Best of luck to your team on the game this Saturday as Arkansas hosts San Jose State in Razorback Stadium at 6:30 p.m., although I did notice your tribute for the outstanding quality of my questions faded pretty quickly.
Find Mr. Aquino on Twitter, show him some love, and give him a follow @vicaquino22.
Fans, you can watch the game on the SEC Network while you listen to it online at HitThatLine.com or on your favorite HitThatLine.Com radio affiliate.
Writer’s note: Arkansas’ vs Arkansas’s? See the “Arkansas’s Apostrophe Act of 2007.” You are welcome.
Go HOGS!!!
Find me on Twitter @PeterMorganWPS.
