Photo credit: sjsuspartans.com

By: Ana Kieu

San Jose State University offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven is in his second season. It’s the first time in three years anyone can make that claim.

Put it another way. Spartans quarterback Josh Love has learned three different offensive schemes in his four-plus seasons as a Spartan.

Through the early stages of fall camp, many veteran offensive players have said how much more comfortable or second-nature the offense is to them compared to a year ago. Hopefully, that familiarity turns into more points.

“There’s no question those guys are playing faster with the concepts we’ve had in since last year. It’s knowing the signals, going through the coaching, the repetition. Those guys are able to really focus on the finer details whereas some of the young guys are still not playing as fast, because they don’t understand it. But the guys who have been here have a high level of understanding,” said McGiven.

The 2018 Spartans scored 49 more points than the previous Spartan group, but this year’s squad believes it is capable of much more. With eight practices in the books, the core of the offensive scheme is installed. Going forward, it’s practice, refinement, execution, and the added tweak or wrinkle for the unexpected surprise.

The offense will be on display Saturday, August 10 at 5:30 p.m. in the team’s first scrimmage of the fall inside CEFCU Stadium. McGiven hopes to see at least three things come out of the scrimmage.

“When we get into those scrimmage situations, I like to see a clean operation. Everything that is under our control pre-snap — no procedure penalties, turnovers, all those things besides the scheme that can cost you the game. You like to see it clean from that standpoint. And, I anxious to see the development of the young guys, see who can make plays and can push the starters,” McGiven said with the implicit understanding the offense will score points.

There is no charge to attend the August 10 scrimmage. Parking is available across the street in the Park & Ride Lot at 7th & Humboldt Streets.

Tickets for the San Jose State season opener with Northern Colorado on Thursday, August 29 at 7:00 p.m. and all home games are available at www.sjsuspartans.com/tickets.