San Jose St. has nowhere to go but up this season
SAN JOSE >> San Jose State coach Brent Brennan’s first season was undeniably tough. A 2-11 record speaks for itself, but let’s face it, the Spartans have had only three winning seasons this century, so it’s not as if expectations were high for the new regime.
What’s a reasonable expectation for Year Two?
It says here the Spartans must at least double last year’s win total — and, realistically, more than double it. The program
needs it and the university appears to be banking on it.
Since the Spartans were national leaders in some dubious statistical categories a year ago — most turnovers (42), least offensive time of possession, and the second-worst run defense — there is only one direction to go.
The keys to greater success, the first ones being some very low-hanging fruit:
1. LIMIT THE TURNOVERS >>
It’s the most-often-heard phrase in all of football. The Spartans far outpaced all FBS teams in the nation in this eyesore of a category.
Without immediate improvement, there will be unnecessary pressure on a defense that doesn’t need it right now. It could also be a sign of other lingering problems; mainly, do they have the right personnel to compete?
2. STOP THE RUN
>> Last year, teams ran and ran and ran some more. Expect more of the same until the Spartan defense can prove otherwise.
Defensive success will begin and end with the linemen and the likes of Boogie Roberts, Sailosi Latu and Bryson Bridges. But help might come from freshmen E.J. Ane and Cade Hall. Freshman energy on both sides of the trenches has been an underlying theme coming out of camp.
3. COURSE CORRECTION BY BRENNAN >>
The show belongs to Brennan, and he seems to be holding the reins even tighter this year.
While he’ll trust the youth and energy of his assistants, including first-year offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven with the play calling, he should trust his gut immediately if something isn’t right and call it out.
It’s a moving chess game out there and in the end, all eyes are on Brennan to make it right this year.
4. KEEP UP SPECIAL TEAMS PLAY >>
The kicking game last year was a bright spot with Bryce Crawford and now-departed punter Michael Carrizosa. Crawford is confident he’ll continue with his solid field goal game in his senior year. The rest of his young kicking crew looks good as well.
5. USE JOSH OLIVER MORE >>
At 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, the senior tight end is on the radar of opposing defenses. The next step is to make teams fear him.
His athleticism and physicality is something to take advantage of and the Spartans should ride him out in his senior year.
6. KNOW YOUR IDENTITY, KEEP YOUR IDENTITY >>
The way the Spartans recruited in the offseason was to get bigger in the trenches and bigger in the running game.
So it seems we should expect some form of power game. If the Spartans can establish that, there’s a better chance of moving out of mediocrity.
7. KEEP THE BROTHERHOOD >>
It’s been an internal mantra from Brennan on down to his assistants and down to the players, and they’ve been in lockstep about the importance of this bond.
It’s something you keep through thick and thin, and it will be interesting to observe through tough times. More importantly, brotherhood is selfless, and I’ll be curious to see if any more untimely, self-serving celebrations rear up again. One cost them a victory last season.
8. BRING IT ALL AGAINST PAC-12 TEAMS >>
Games
2 and 3 are road games against Washington State and Oregon, and very likely losses.
In short, the Washington State passing attack will go after the young Spartans secondary and the nationally-ranked Oregon Ducks will just be bigger and faster all around.
The Spartans need to show grit and fight in these games. Get some stops, play up, be aggressive and offensively, earn some points. If there’s such thing as a good loss, it will come from these games.
Noting the Fresno State Bulldogs last year; their historic ascent started with losses to Washington and Alabama, where they played tough and showed signs of what was to come.
9. BEAT UC DAVIS CONVINCINGLY >>
It starts today, and it should be a victory — and a solid one at that. If SJSU only eeks out a win, it won’t be a good sign.