By Chadd Cripe
ccripe@idahostatesman.com

San Jose State quarterback Kyle Reed was the Spartans’ third-stringer going into the season opener against UC Davis. He came off the bench in the third quarter, led a comeback victory and won the starting job.

He struggled last week at New Mexico State — 50 passing yards and three interceptions — but he has completed 69.4 percent of his passes and scored a team-high four rushing touchdowns.

“It’s been a learning experience all the way,” Reed said. “… Going into the season, I knew I had some obstacles to overcome. The coaches just kept telling me to keep working. It paid off. I never got down on myself. Things just turned around in my favor.”

Reed is a transfer from Cal. When it was clear he wouldn’t be the starter or the backup for 2007, he left. His first call: San Jose State.

“I was recruited by them (out of high school),” Reed said. “I always showed respect to coach (Dick) Tomey because I always liked him as a person and as a coach.”

Boise State defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox was on the staff at Cal when Reed arrived. On Friday night, they will go head to head.

“He’s always been a humorous guy,” Reed said. “He always used to joke around in practice. It will be exciting to play against him.”

For Reed and the Spartans, this week’s game gives them a chance to validate their 5-2 start and take control of the WAC race.

“This really means a lot to us, just like I know it does to Boise even though they’ve been there before,” Reed said. “Every year counts. This is a big game for both of us.”