During Theder's assistant days with then Stanford head coach John Ralston, the veteran offensive coordinator helped design some of the original blueprints of an offense Bill Walsh would later make famous.
So it would stand to reason that not only will the Spartans' defense know what to expect from the Hawaii offense, but they will have a pretty good idea how to attack any defensive scheme UH coordinator Don Lindsey devises.
"They have an excellent system designed by a veteran coordinator in Roger Theder, who was around when the West Coast offense was born," Lindsey said. "Roger knows what he's doing with an offense.
"They've got the little answers to about anything you try to throw at them. If you play it this particular way, then they automatically go to something else.
"I look at them and they scare me to death. But I'd probably look at St. Louis High and feel the same way. Any time you can throw the football, you always have a chance."
The Spartans are doing an excellent job of throwing the football. Led by senior quarterback Carl Dean, San Jose State is sixth in the league and No. 22 nationally in passing.
San Jose State averages 252.3 yards a game through the air. Dean has hit 158 of 308 passes for 1,856 yards and six touchdowns. He also has thrown 10 interceptions, something that keeps him from being among the best in passing efficiency.
His go-to receiver is Windrell Hayes, who has 45 receptions for 628 yards and three touchdowns. In all, San Jose State has seven receivers with at least 16 catches.
One of their downfalls has been a poor running game. The Spartans are ranked 98th nationally, averaging only 104.9 yards a game.
"But those can be misleading numbers," Lindsey said.
"One reason they might a have a low average running is because they fall behind so early. When you're playing catch-up all the time, you're going to be passing more.
"My biggest concern is the health of our team. Morrie Roe is our only healthy end. If we can't put pressure on their quarterback, then it's going to be a long night for our defensive backs."
Benjamin can only hope he can put pressure on San Jose State's defensive backs. So far this season, the 1-8 Spartans have struggled mightily on defense.
The only team worse nationally is Nevada-Las Vegas. The Spartans are yielding a staggering 506.7 yards and 38.9 points a game. Unfortunately for the Rainbows, their offensive numbers are producing similar results. Hawaii is last in the league in total offense (274.8 yards a game) and scoring offense (13.3 points a game).
The Rainbows have run the ball better lately, but not being able to pass with any consistency has kept them from being formidable.
"We only have so many rushing plays that we run effectively," Benjamin said. "We can disguise them in different formations, but the tendencies are there.
"San Jose State also has tendencies on defense at certain points on the field. You can study these all you want, but unless you can execute against them, it doesn't matter what we know."
Benjamin knows the Spartans run a similar 3-4 defense to that of UNLV. The defensive front isn't the best around, but the linebackers are quick and the defensive backs are skilled.
Former UH player Jacob Malae is the leading tackler for the Spartans. The talented linebacker has 81 tackles, including a sack and a caused fumble.
"He looks really good on film," Benjamin said. "And our receivers are going to have a tough time breaking away from their defensive backs.
"Formation-wise, their defense is similar to UNLV's with an odd man over the center. I just hope we can get our passing game in shape because we're going to have to score some points to win."