It is not everyday that a San Jose State defender gets compared to the number one cornerback of the defending NFC Champion Carolina Panthers.
Cornerback Andre Chachere made two interceptions Saturday against Portland State. He is the first Spartan to pick off multiple passes in one game since current Panthers cornerback Bene Benwikere did in 2013.
The former Spartan was watching his old teammates play on Saturday and commented on Twitter about the play by Chachere, “keep reppin that number right young fella! Gotta get three though.”
Both Chachere and Benwikere wear the number 21 on their uniforms and both are the number one corners for their respective teams.
“I was not expecting to see that, usually I text him after the game and tell him how I did,” Chachere said. “When he saw it and tweeted it to me I thought that was pretty cool.”
Chachere’s football influence is not only through his former teammates who are now in the NFL, but through his father Derrick Chachere. The elder Chachere played seven years in the Arena Football League, five with the San Jose Sabercats.
“My dad, every since I was born, has been playing football,” Chachere said. “He got me into it and I have been playing since I was eight years old.”
Chachere said his dad is his football world, he talks to him before and after games and he looks up to him for advice on how to improve.
“When I was young we used to watch those little tapes that he had of his games,” Chachere said. “We watched on those old VHS tapes and it was amazing watching the great athlete that he was.”
He said he talks to his dad and little brother before every game as his pregame ritual to prepare for the game.
“The day before a game I go out and buy at least two or three Pedialytes,” Chachere said. “I got to drink all of those and then game day I wake up, come to the stadium and play some pump up music and watch a little film on the other team.”
Before every game he tells his teammates to just go out and dominate, they have prepared all week and game day is the chance to show what they are made of.
“My best friend of the team is number 10 Maurice McKnight, we came in together and we are as close as they get,” Chachere said. “We (the defense) are all a pretty chill group.”
On Saturday, Chachere’s two interceptions each helped change the game when Portland State was gaining momentum.
“That was the greatest feeling ever, knowing that we got the ball back for the offense,” Chachere said. “On the second one I saw Maurice tip the ball and it landed right in my hands and I took off thinking touchdown and I ran out of gas at the end.”
Previewing matchup against Utah
This Saturday the Spartans will welcome the undefeated Utah Utes to CEFCU stadium for the second home game of the season. The Utes are on the fringe of a national ranking this season.
“They are off to a great start and we will need to be at our best against them,” Caragher said. “
It will be the first time SJSU will host a Pac-12 opponent since Stanford came to town in 2006.
The biggest question will be if SJSU can effectively run its newly confident offense against the stout Utah defense?
Utah is coming off of a disappointing offensive performance against in-state rival BYU where they committed six turnovers. Despite this, the Utes still pulled out a 20-19 victory in large part because of its defense.
“The one thing that jumps out to you about them is the defensive line,” Caragher said. “They are very athletic and they look like tight ends and slot receivers at 290 or 300 pounds.”
Injuries
The Spartans will be without linebacker and defensive captain Christian Tago for the third straight week. Meanwhile, Tago is making significant improvement through his rehab.
Defensive back Brandon Monroe (concussion) and offensive lineman Nate Velichko (leg) are also out for Saturday’s game.
Attendance at CEFCU Stadium?
While the crowd was lively and loud through the first quarter last Saturday, by halftime, the student section had scarcely any fans left when the Spartans took a 28-14 lead into the locker room.
It is expected that there will be a large showing on the Utah fans’ side of the stadium this Saturday, so SJSU will have to be well represented to counter the rival fan base.
The game will be nationally televised on the CBS sports network.
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