1. Expect the unexpected: I don’t mean trick or gadget plays (although there may be a few of those) but I mean in terms of formations and personnel groupings. The team is trying everything and anything to be successful. Some will be to try and find a spark, some will be out of necessity due to depth and injury.
2. Run the ball: A big factor for the offense’s struggles during the Cowboys three-game losing streak is that they haven’t been able to run the ball, or at least do so when it mattered. San Diego State’s defense is good, but not dominating. A lot of pressure will be taken off true freshman quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels if the Cowboys can run the ball.
3. Offensive line: I probably should have put this at the top. Simply put, this unit needs to play better — much better. Whether its run blocking, pass protection or staying still until the ball is snapped (way too many false start penalties in recent games) things have to get better here. It won’t be easy against San Diego State defensive coordinator Rocky Long’ 3-3-5 scheme. No matter the defense, the offensive line has to play better.
A side note here: Don’t be surprised if there is another new starter at offensive guard. Senior Zack Kennedy, a backup all season, took a lot of snaps with the starters this week in practice and looked pretty good.
4. Defensive diversity: This goes back a little bit to my first point. Because of ankle injuries to inside linebackers Brian Hendricks and Gabe Knapton and a lack of depth along the defensive line, the defense will have to do some different things with some different personnel groupings. Even if Hendricks and Knapton play they won’t be 100 percent.
5. Secondary resolve: The one unit on defense that is in tact is the secondary, and that unit played its worst game last week in the 52-0 loss to No. 22 BYU. The Cougars are the most prolific passing team in the conference, and San Diego State is second. This unit must bounce back , and in particular not give up big plays. A pass rush would help from the front seven, but nonetheless, the DBs must put last week behind them and play better.
Hoping to board a flight for San Diego here soon. Will touch base with you once I’m there. Hope you join me with the live blog from Saturday’s game beginning at 7 p.m. MST. The link is http:wyomingcowboysblog.com/2009/11/10/uw-san-diego-state-live-blog/
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