Football: San Diego Mesa Preview
PALM DESERT, Calif. – College of the Desert football opens its American Mountain League schedule tomorrow afternoon when they travel to take on San Diego Mesa at 1 p.m.
Last week:
College of the Desert fell 48-42 in a shootout with Antelope Valley, despite scoring 29 third-quarter points and generating nearly 500 yards of offense.
San Diego Mesa was doubled up by Palomar, 42-21, as they surrendered 21 points in the third quarter.
How they match up:
| College of the Desert (0-3) | San Diego Mesa (2-1) |
| Offense | Offense |
| Pts/gm: 25.7 | Pts/gm: 28.7 |
| Yds/gm: 369.0 | Yds/hm: 389.7 |
| Pass/gm: 245.3 | Pass/gm: 191.3 |
| Rush/gm: 123.7 | Rush/gm: 198.3 |
| 3rd Down: 20-56 (36%) | 3rd Down: 10-42 (24%) |
| Defense | Defense |
| Pts/gm: 48.7 | Pts/gm: 30.0 |
| Yds/gm: 524.7 | Yds/gm: 391.3 |
| Pass/gm: 329.0 | Pass/gm: 249.7 |
| Rush/gm: 195.7 | Rush/gm: 141.7 |
Coach's Preview
The offensive side of the ball has been a strength early in the 2015 season for the Roadrunners, and they will look to continue that success Saturday afternoon. The ability to properly execute, while also limiting drive-killing mistakes, are big keys that head coach Jack Steptoe will be looking for in order to keep the success rolling.
"Our guys have to keep executing the offense the way it was designed to work," said Steptoe. "All of our guys need to know their assignments, and limit mistakes and penalties."
The turnover battle is always of the utmost importance, especially against a team that forces so many like in San Diego Mesa—they have already forced 11 total this year.
"We'll be continuing to practice daily ball drills to protect the ball from fumbles, as well as interceptions," said Steptoe.
After getting into a throwing frenzy last week against Antelope Valley, coach Steptoe comments that they will be looking to return more to their 60-40 balance of pass-to-run.
"We try to have a balanced attack, but sometimes, based on the defenses we face, they can dictate to us either to run or pass more per game."
On the defensive side, coach Steptoe's Roadrunners will be looking to build on a strong fourth quarter performance in which they allowed just six points. To improve upon their early season performance, coach Steptoe cited a need to "trust each other and communicate, while limiting explosive plays."
One of the biggest pluses on defense last week came in the way of forcing three Antelope Valley turnovers, which, to coach Steptoe, "is their job."
"Offense scores points, defense wins games; we have to make them make mistakes and win the turnover game."
College of the Desert will be looking to pick up their first win of the season, while also getting a good jump into American Mountain League play. And, as coach Steptoe said, getting that first victory hinges on his players confidence.
"We have to know and believe that we can win."