As gratified as the Warrior football coaching staff was with the team's dramatic come-from-behind victory over San Jose State last week, the sketchy play of the special teams unit in that game hasn't been forgotten — least of all by assistant coach Jeff Reinebold.

Reinebold, who coaches the punting team, was particularly disturbed by a breakdown late in the second quarter that allowed the Spartans to enter the half with momentum on their side.

Leading 14-0 with 1:21 left in the half, the Warriors punted in hopes of pinning the Spartans deep in their own territory. But Spartan punt returner Dwight Lowery received the ball at the SJSU 16-yard line and returned it for a touchdown. (He would return an interception for another score early in the third quarter.)

"That can't happen," Reinebold said. "We were lucky to win but we've got to learn from the experience. We have to recognize that every punt involves a high change in field position.

"They couldn't move the ball as long as their arm but we gave them an opportunity to feel like they had a chance," Reinebold said.

The unit will get the chance to address its deficiencies as the team takes its first bye week.

"We've got to play better," said head coach June Jones. "Our special teams (have) got to improve."

Reinebold said the team as a whole needs to sharpen its execution as it prepares for the toughest part of its schedule.

A pair of bye weeks bookend a home game against New Mexico State on Oct. 28. The rest of the schedule consists of Fresno State, Nevada, Boise State and Washington. Fresno State and Boise State are unbeaten in Western Athletic Conference play.

Reinebold said the bye week gives the team a chance to recover from injuries and catch up on academic work interrupted by three road trips. It also allows the team to stage its annual scrimmage for redshirts and reserves Thursday.

"It's not a joke," Reinebold said. "It's an opportunity for them to show what they can do in a game-like situation. Some of them will need to make plays for us down the stretch."

STRAP IT OR SHUT IT

Jones hasn't taken kindly to commentators, both lay and professional, who have criticized quarterback Colt Brennan for his recent run of interceptions and for the team's offensive misfirings.

"I don't think they know what they're talking about," he said. "They must never have put on a jock."

TICKETS GOING FAST

About 4,000 tickets remain for the Warriors' Nov. 23 home game against WAC rival Boise State at Aloha Stadium.

INJURY UPDATE