SAN JOSE — San Jose State coach Ron Caragher said Monday that quarterback Kenny Potter to be able to play Saturday when the Spartans (1-2) visit Iowa State.

Potter had to leave last Saturday’s game against Utah in the third quarter with a bruised right leg. He was replaced by freshman Josh Love in the 34-17 loss to the Utes.

Love did a nice job standing in for the injured Potter, completing 11 of 21 pass for 184 yards and a touchdown. He also threw an interception.

Caragher was asked if there was any chance Love’s performance could create a quarterback controversy, and the answer was no.

“Kenny Potter is our quarterback,” Caragher said. “He’s proven over the course of a year he can make a lot of things happen with his legs and with his arm.”

Caragher said Potter is expected to return to practice on Wednesday.

While Love may not be starting anytime soon, Caragher was encouraged by Love’s ability to lead the team on scoring drives against what Caragher believes is one of the Pac-12’s best defenses.

“Josh got some playing time against a quality opponent and it’s always good to know what he can do,” Caragher said. “Football is such a physical sport and he may be called upon somewhere down the road. If Kenny gets nicked, Josh now has that confidence.”

Utah’s physical front seven racked up 10 sacks against San Jose State. It was a performance unlike anything Caragher has ever seen in his career as a coach or player.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been around a game that featured that many sacks from one team in a game,” Caragher said. “We have to do a better job and it’s not just on the linemen. Running backs, tight ends, wide receivers being able to get open. It’s a combination of things that we need to clean up so our quarterback has time.”

Iowa State (0-3) shouldn’t be as formidable as Utah. The Cyclones are 0-3, including a loss to FCS opponent Northern Iowa and blowout defeats against Iowa and TCU. Iowa State has given up a combined 83 points in its last two setbacks.

Caragher said the Cyclones’ defense is better than it has shown. He cited the tough matchups against the good offenses of TCU and Iowa.

“It’s not a matter of if, but when they get things going in the right direction,” Caragher said. “They’re a Big 12 school with Big 12 talent and we certainly know they’re a formidable foe. Playing on the road in a Power 5-type stadium will be challenging.”

Caragher places a big importance on this final non-conference matchup, as it could be a deciding factor whether or not SJSU makes it to a bowl game.

“As we’ve seen sometimes, it’s a battle to get to that sixth win, and sometimes even a sixth win doesn’t guarantee a postseason berth,” Caragher said. “We know how important a win here is in the big picture.”