Spartans facing another huge challenge vs. Ducks
When San Jose State visits Autzen Stadium today to face 20th-ranked Oregon, the energy will be palpable and the odds of winning supremely low. In two games this season, the Ducks have averaged 60 points, winning by an average of 41 points.
For a young, inexperienced team, that environment can incapacitate or embolden — and the Spartans will be pushing hard to channel the latter.
In the Spartans’ two losses, it took until halftime for them to wake up. But facing the Ducks in Eugene is something different that SJSU coach Brent Brennan is keenly aware of.
“I’ve been there. I’ve coached against those teams. I know what it looks like and feels like to be in that stadium,” Brennan affirmed, “And it’s going to be an incredible challenge for our team.”
When the Spartans’ defense finally awoke against Washington State, it was able to hold back the Cougars in the second half and grab three interceptions. Unfortunately, SJSU’s offense did not provide a counterbalance.
“I thought the challenge against our defense was our offense,” Brennan said. “We were so ineffective offensively that it put our defense
at a disadvantage.”
Some offense must show up against the Ducks or the outcome will be much worse than the 31-0 loss to Washington State.
Three keys the Spartans can control:
1. SETTLE IN QUICKER >> Those who have truly competed know that once you have settled in, the crowd noise goes away and the real focus kicks in.
Early in each of the Spartans’ losses, the moment was too big. Against UC Davis, they were “deers in the headlights.” Versus the Cougars, their blind, nervous energy was causing mistakes. When the Spartans finally settled down, they were competitive.
For the players, it’s the initial game contact that wakes you up from the faux readiness. But how, or if, the coaching staff manages to get engaged from the onset is where it must earn its keep.
2. DON’T OVERTHINK IT >> If you’ve observed a professional showman simultaneously sing, play an instrument, dance and interact with an audience, it’s fascinating to notice what the mind can do all at once.
But on the field, if you’re thinking about not turning the ball over, assignments, technique or not making a penalty, that’s just less time left to synthesize things in real time.
How has practiced and prepared is, again, where the staff earns its keep. If the fundamentals occur naturally, it’s easier for the players to trust the process and let it fly.
3. COUNT YOUR LUCKY STARS >> For many teams and companies, the 80/20 rule (the Pareto principle) applies. In this case, 20 percent of the production comes from the star performers and the 80 percent are in support.
Many of the players who are producing are the same ones from last year: Tyler Nevens, Montel Aaron, Bailey Gaither, Josh Oliver, Dakari Monroe, the linebackers and on and on. Tailor to your playmakers on both sides of the ball. Use the 80 percent to support the 20 percent so they can do their thing.
But for this Saturday, it will be about showing more signs of life to salvage the season, because beating the more talented Ducks is too much to ask for.
“We’re going to try and get our team not to look at the entirety of it,” Brennan said. “Just play this play and take a deep breath. If something good happens, play the next play. If something bad happens, play the next play.”