Three things I learned in Cal Poly’s win over San Diego

Cal Poly beat the University of San Diego 41-14 on Saturday behind 100-yard rushing performances from Andre Broadous and Deonte Williams. Photos and interviews will be posted tomorrow. Here are three things I learned about this year’s Cal Poly football team.

1) Andre Broadous will keep the triple option efficient.

Mustangs quarterback Andre Broadous is experienced and makes consistently solid reads out of the triple option. The senior rushed for 113 yards and two touchdowns and also passed for 135 and two more touchdowns. He was in complete control of the tempo and pace of the game. While any other stars offensively will have to be developed over the season, Deonte Williams showed a glimpse of what the rest of the offense may be capable of.

2) While the triple option is still the play, the fullback won’t be the focus.

While the Cal Poly offense moved the ball to the tune of 458 yards of total offense, the fullback, Akaninyene Umoh, was held to 38 yards on 12 carries — only 3.2 yards per carry. Umoh, however, did show a side of the fullback position we haven’t seen much lately when he caught a seven yard touchdown pass. Umoh will be an option, but he will not get anywhere near the number of carries we saw from Jordan Yocum or Jake Romanelli.

Yes, Cal Poly is still running the triple option, but their offense has the potential to be dynamic and spread around. The days of 40 fullback dives may be over.

3) The defense is still physical. VERY physical.

Cal Poly’s defense has always been known for its physical play and tackling in the front seven. You can add this year’s safeties to the group now. The Mustangs are thin at cornerback due to injury, but any receiver running across the middle for a pass will be well-advised to keep their heads on a swivel.

Running backs who get to the “second level” may also get a surprise when they run into Alex Hubbard or Dave Douglas.

Pictures and post-game audio should be posted by tomorrow.