Talking SJSU football ain’t easy. It’s an art form that requires your nose to be nailed to the grindstone. Matt Weiner’s “Get Smart” column is here to prepare you for all tailgates and watch parties with unique and interesting tidbits that are bound to make you sound smart, sophisticated and interesting. If you bring up any of these three topics and no one’s intrigued, find new friends.
It’s A “W.I.P.”
Word to the wise, if you want to sound smart talking football, make sure to key in on the offensive line. Which fits perfectly with the Spartans as their bodies up front have been a huge storyline with three of five spots occupied by players who’ve never taken a meaningful college football snap before.
The inexperience showed against Portland State as 11 tackles for loss were allowed and quarterback Chevan Cordeiro was sacked seven times. Against Auburn, an opponent far superior upfront, the SJSU football team was able to get things going in the right direction.
Cordeiro was sacked three times and six tackles for loss were tallied. The biggest difference was the team lost 22 yards instead of 71 yards against Portland State.
With that said, there are still cracks in the armor, specifically the rushing attack led by running backs Kairee Robinson and Shamar Garret.
Robinson, Garrett and Isaiah Hamilton combined for 49 yards on 15 carries against Portland State. A week later, Robinson, Garret and Kenyon Sims went for 31 yards.
“I think they are growing. To use a Silicone Valley term they are a W.I.P., they are a ‘work in progress,’” said SJSU head coach Brent Brennan (for more fodder check out Coach’s Corner).
Brennan’s statement is spot on. Work needs to be done.
Spartans can’t climb to the top of the mountain like they did with running backs going for 50-60 yards per game. During the 2020 season, SJSU rushed for a plentiful 132.5 running per game. Getting back to that number will also open up space for wide receivers Elijah Cooks, Justin Lockhart and Charles Ross to feast on secondaries through one-on-one coverages.
The Uncut Gem of SJSU Football
Let it be known that what I’m about to present to you is an uncut gem unlike any other. I’m willing to put my life into this beauty like I’m Howard Ratner, let’s just hope I don’t get popped point blank in a jewelry store over it.
Word on the streets this article by Sports Illustrated revealed that Pitt could tell which plays Western Michigan was going to be run before the ball was snapped.
“The first resulted in their only touchdown of the half— a 22-yard pick-six from Marquis Williams. Williams said he saw Western Michigan’s top wideout, Corey Crooms move across the formation and into the slot. From there, he was able to recognize the play and jump Crooms’ route.
“Pre-snap, they were moving Crooms to the slot a lot of the time and when they put him on the hash and he scoots in a little bit, it was a high alert,” Williams said. “It was the next series on first down, so I knew it was coming, Erick Hallett knew it was coming. We were ready for it coming and we accomplished it.”
This is how it played out:
It’s incredibly relevant for the Spartans as they’ve picked off four passes this season, two each against Portland State and Auburn. None have been more important than Jordan Cobbs’ snare deep into the fourth quarter during the season opener.
The interception curbed a potential game-ending drive from taking the place. Earlier in the game, Kenyon Reed made a snag deep into Spartan territory that would’ve almost definitely resulted in points.
Interceptions were also how SJSU stayed within arms reach of Auburn:
Tre Jenkins tallied a pick earlier as well.
Having a roster replete with ball hawks, mixed in with an offense that has a proclivity to show their hands could be a recipe for parties in the end zone.
All Too Sneaky
The next and final step to getting smart is pointing out the ‘lowkey guy.’ This is someone who just lit an opposing team up, despite being hardly talked about in the preseason by the media.
No offensive player fits this description better than sophomore wide receiver Charles Ross.
He led all receivers with five catches and 89 yards, with 40 of those coming on a reception down the sidelines to open a drive that ended in a field goal deep into the fourth quarter.
Those following SJSU football have almost definitely caught wind of the Nevada transfer duo Elijah Cooks and Justin Lockhart. What some might have forgotten is that they’re not the only receivers to come to SJSU from Nevada. Ross arrived in sunny San Jose the summer of last year, but suffered a season-ending injury against Wyoming on Oct. 30.
Ross is the harbinger of the idea that offenses can be built through a ‘plug-and-play’ mentality.
There you have it. You’re now armed with enough SJSU football artillery to be an intellectual menace at any tailgate or watch party you attend this Saturday.