Spartans must slow down Hawaii’s potent offense
SAN JOSE >> Kicking off Mountain West conference play, San Jose State faces 4-1 Hawaii and its 23rd-ranked offense today at CEFCU Spartan Stadium.
The Rainbow Warriors are averaging 500 yards and 41.6 points a game in what’s been a Cinderella surprise so far — one that not even their staunchest supporters saw coming after a 3-9 showing last season.
The 0-3 Spartans are ranked 120th offensively, averaging 308.7 yards and 20 points per game, but the numbers aren’t telling the whole story in this matchup.
Hawaii is favored by 13.5 points, which would imply an interesting game is afoot and someone is recognizing some Spartan momentum.
Though Spartan head coach Brent Brennan will deny any momentum even after a respectable showing two weeks ago against No. 19 ranked Oregon, there are good signs
UP NEXT
Hawaii (4-1) at San Jose State (0-3), today, 4 p.m., Spectrum
emerging.
Since the second half of the Spartans’ loss to Washington State, San Jose’s defense has been formidable. Against the Ducks, the Spartan defense attacked and confused the Oregon offense to make things far more difficult than anyone expected.
But against Rainbow Warriors head coach Nick Rolovich’s new run-and-shoot offense, the Spartans face something completely different from what they experienced last year in a demoralizing 37-26 loss at Hawaii.
Warriors QB Cole McDonald is the difference. McDonald leads the nation with 20 passing TDs and 1,759 passing yards.
“I think (Rolovich’s) version of the run-and-shoot is interesting because it has an element it hasn’t had before and that’s
running the quarterback.” said Brennan. “And Cole’s a really good runner and a really great dual-threat player. Obviously that’s a great challenge for us.”
The must-do’s for the Spartans:
QBS JOSH LOVE AND MONTEL
AARON MUST HOLD THE FORT >> Brennan has been clear it will be a two-quarterback game for the Spartans. It’s a concern that he and offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven are trying to turn into an advantage.
Against Oregon, Love commandeered the offense well enough to keep a near 50/50 time of possession against the Ducks. That’s a huge plus to keep up against Hawaii.
For the Rainbow Warriors, it’s a big concern, because in their only loss, Army controlled the ball and basically kept Hawaii’s offensive touches to a minimum. THE OFFENSIVE LINE MUST SHOW UP AGAIN >> If the Spartan offensive line can run block as well as it pass protects, the Spartans have a fighting chance.
“I thought in pass protection they did a really nice job at Oregon against a fantastic group. They were blocking good players .. and they’re growing and getting better.” said Brennan. “Obviously, I’m hoping we definitely settle in on the run game and find some ways to run the football. We need to.”
There’s hope Spartan running back Tyler Nevens can play, but Malik Roberson and a crew of freshmen backs can break out if the offensive line holds their run blocks.
THE SECONDARY HAS TO BE
TECHNICAL AND THE DEFENSE PHYSICAL >> Leading the nation with nine TD receptions and 623 receiving yards is Hawaii slot receiver John Ursua — a small, quick and tough receiver in the mold of Danny Amendola or Julian Edelman.
The only way the Spartans can disrupt Hawaii’s quartet of receivers is to mix good pressman and press-ball technique in that first 5-yard zone. Easier said than done. Being smart and punishing against the runand-shoot is a must.