Three Lessons from San Jose State

1. The defensive and offensive lines will be the deciding factors in every game. Early on San Jose State was stronger up front, they were stopping the Beavers from getting any push either way. The more concerning of the two was the defensive line losing up front against a Mountain West opponent. There were some rumbles in the crowd about their inability to stop them but as the game wore on the Beavers finally started knifing into the backfield. That finally started to force some off target throws. Kyle Peko again did a nice job up the middle and coach Sitake did a nice job of mixing up pressures from other personnel.

On the offensive side things were less dire to open but they didn't really take over until the later stages of the game, when they were opening gap after gap for Storm Barrs-Woods to barrel through. The hope would be that they can start that domination earlier before exhausting the defense, but the strong play was good to see. Against a more talented bunch in Stanford though, that success will be much harder to come by. A more consistent performance will be needed for that game, but if they can maintain drives there will be a chance.

2. Larry Scott III has been quiet, just as he should be. I haven't seen Scott's number called too often and that is a good thing to see. He has the skills to be a superb corner and he seems to have developed some of the consistency he has needed in order to be the top cornerback. Treston DeCoud has done pretty well for himself too, having a long pass break up in every game so far. The secondary as a whole has actually played well, no opponent has gone for over 200 yards yet (though Michigan was clearly getting their work done on the ground). They are still avoiding the massive confusion that had plagued the Beavs in the past, so that is quite the improvement either way.

3. The passing game continues to need work and it starts with Seth Collins. This is not meant to be a shot at Collins, he has actually been pretty solid, especially as a youngster. The main play that represents this, and that he can go from is his interception from late in the 1st half. He rolled out as the play seemed to call for and it appeared that Villamin was breaking open in an intermediate area in front of him. I don't know where he was in his progression and I understand not being willing to risk the pass that there, but the choice needs to be throwing it away instead of forcing it in to the impossible spot he attempted on the sideline. There are other misfires but those are going to happen with a young gun at qb. When they watch tape I'm sure they will point it out to him (though he probably knew himself). He will get better, but if it continues in the interim it is going to be tough in conference play. That said I trust that Andersen and co. will help get him to where he needs to be.