What to watch for in Cal Poly’s football opener

Linebacker Nick Dzubnar will lead Cal Poly’s defense on Thursday night. By Owen Main

Tomorrow night, Cal Poly will play their opener at New Mexico State. After player a pair of games last season against FBS schools, the Aggies will be the only FBS opponent for the Mustangs this year.

This would have been a great no-pressure opportunity to upset an FBS team for the second time in three years. An FBS win could have been a great way to start a season in which Cal Poly has a less-brutal schedule than last year or next. With some improvements from key players, Cal Poly fans have high hopes for this season.

That said, this game has become important for another reason. With a good performance, Thursday night could be the start to a healing process between the team and its fans. If Cal Poly looks overmatched, distracted, or just not together on Thursday, the game could mean the beginning of a very long, tough season.

While I don’t know anything about New Mexico State, here are a few things to look for from Cal Poly as the teams prep for Thursday’s big game.

Chris Brown is running the show

For the beginning of this game, at least, Chris Brown will be under center for Cal Poly’s triple option. Brown had a number of exciting games last season. Against Fresno State, Brown came in for Vince Moraga and rushed for a few touchdowns. Brown struggled against Yale and Colorado State, but played well against Northern Colorado and put up a record-breaking game in the Battle for the Golden Horseshoe, rushing for almost 200 yards.

Sophomore slotback Kori Garcia will be one of the Mustangs getting a big chance this season. By Owen Main

Next man up

With five players suspended indefinitely, Cal Poly will have to rely on some greenhorns at key positions. Particularly interesting could be the play of true freshmen Alex Suchesk and Lance Mudd behind Kori Garcia and Kenny Mitchell at slot back. Both Suchesk and Mudd have enticing speed and breakaway ability, but freshmen and guys without a ton of game experience are prone to make mistakes.

These mistakes could be things that we don’t see — a missed back-end block that doesn’t end up making a difference. It could also be something obvious and meaningful. A fumble. A missed block that leads to a sack. A wrong cut on a pass route.

I won’t say that any of those things will happen on Thursday, rather that they are possible.

The offensive line is also not the most experienced group. They’ll have a chance to prove themselves on Thursday.

With inexperienced players, a fan has to take the good with the bad. More good than bad probably gives Cal Poly a good chance to win.

Can the defense stay dominant?

Last season, Cal Poly’s defense was nothing short of special. Sullivan Grosz and Johnny Millard are gone, but Nick Dzubnar and Cameron Ontko are big-time playmakers. Tim Walsh’s bend-but-don’t-break defense never really had a great chance to prove itself in the FBS games last year because of special teams miscues.

Two of the five suspended Mustangs were defensive backs, so it’s possible the Mustang secondary could be challenged by any kind of solid Aggie passing attack. The defense may have to take a few more chances than normal if the Aggies move the ball consistently. All that said,  Cal Poly will not lose this game because of their defense.

Special Teams improvement?

Cal Poly’s special teams last year was not good. If they had made a pair of routine plays, the Mustangs would have probably made the playoffs.

Walsh has had his team focused on special teams early and often in practices during camp. Junior kicker Stephen Pyle will handle both punting and placekicking duties. As a placekicker, it remains to be seen whether Pyle can be as reliable as Bobby Zalud.

For a long time, Walsh has talked about scoring touchdowns, not field goals. His theory will be tested this year.

A fast start will be important

Against FBS schools last year, the Mustangs’ early mistakes — especially on special teams — overshadowed decent overall play. Additional play-makers would have helped in both of those games. The Mustangs are down at least one big play-maker, but others will get the chance to show their mettle.

If Cal Poly can get an early lead and hang-in to the second half, their triple option might be able to salt the game away. If the Mustangs are going to get a win, they’ll need a few heroes. It’s just a matter, now, of figuring out who.