Posted by: Pete Roussel on November 5, 2012

Third-year San Jose State head coach Mike MacIntyre is turning heads.

The Spartans are 7-2, just two years removed from a 1-12 season.

Despite losing to Utah State earlier this season, MacIntyre reiterated today that his team is still alive for the WAC championship.  Utah State has yet to play LA Tech, who will travel to San Jose State to end their regular season.

MacIntyre attributed the success that his team is having this season to the practice environment his players have created.

He said, "One thing that we do a good job of, is that our guys concentrate and practice hard all week.  People say, 'Well, everyone practices hard.'  Yeah, but there's a difference.  Our kids are focused, they're thinking, and they're enjoying practice.  They really are enjoying practice.  When you do that, it ends up showing up on Saturdays.  It's funny; it's like osmosis.  It just shows up because they're so ready."

MacIntyre added, "Eventually, all those fundamentals and all those things that we've taught them, they're more precise than the other team.  And they're good enough athletes to make plays."

As a former Dallas Cowboys assistant from 2003 - 2006, it's possible that Arkansas graduate Jerry Jones would endorse MacIntyre, but Jeff Long likely has more experienced head coaches interested in the job.

Don't be surprised, however, if MacIntyre emerges as a candidate for several jobs in the coming months.

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