Volume 127 no 18 september 1, 2017

Wide receivers ready to prove themselves Volume 127, No. 18

Friday, September 1, 2017

PAGE 10

Inside The Lines Stevens looks for revenge PAGE 21

Hawkins settles into defense PAGE 8

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Inside The Lines Friday, September 1, 2017

When the Rams are on offense...

Colorado State

When the Rams are on defense...

Colorado State

7 - Nick Stevens, QB, 6-3, 215, Senior

91 - Jakob Buys, LDE, 6-4, 280, Senior

1 - Dalyn Dawkins, RB, 5-9, 185, Senior

94 - Darnell Thompson, NT, 6-4, 280, Senior

81 - Olabisi Johnson, WR, 6-0, 195, Junior

95 - Richard King, DT, 6-4, 275, Sophomore

4 - Michael Gallup, WR, 6-1, 200, Senior

43 - Evan Colorito, BUCK, 6-4. 245, Senior

8 - Detrich Clark, WR, 5-10, 180, Senior

52 - Tre Thomas, SLB, 6-2, 215, Junior

30 - Dalton Fackrell, TE, 6-4, 240, Senior

55 - Josh Watson, MLB, 6-2, 240, Junior

61 - Zack Golditch, LT, 6-5, 295, Senior

15 - Kiel Robinson, WLB, 6-2, 230, Senior

51 - Colby Meeks, LG, 6-3, 310, Junior

10 - Kevin Nutt Jr., LCB, 5-10, 190, Senior

77 - Jake Bennett, C, 6-3, 290, Senior

11 - Jordan Fogal, FS, 5-10, 181, Senior

72 - Nicho Garcia, RG, 6-5, 285, Junior

7 - Jamal Hicks, SS, 6-1, 185, Sophomore

60 - Trae Moxley, RT, 6-6, 330, Senior

14 - Anthony Hawkins, RCB, 5-10, 185, Sophomore

When the Buffs are on offense...

University of Colorado

When the Buffs are on defense...

University of Colorado

12 - Steven Montez, QB, 6-5, 225, Sophomore

52 - Leo Jackson III, LDE, 6-3, 275, Senior

23 - Phillip Lindsay, RB, 5-8, 190, Senior

9 - Javier Edwards, NT, 6-3, 350, Junior

4 - Bryce Bobo, WR, 6-2, 205, Senior

16 - Chris Mulumba, RDE, 6-4, 280, Junior

1 - Shay Fields, WR, 5-11, 185, Senior

95 - Derek McCartney, OLB, 6-3. 240, Senior

2 - Devin Ross, WR, 5-11, 180, Senior

20 - Drew Lewis, ILB, 6-2, 230, Junior

5 - George Frasier, TE, 6-2, 290, Senior

32 - Rick Gamboa, MIKE, 6-0, 240, Junior

76 - Jeromy Irwin, LT, 6-5, 300, Senior

96 - Tarran Hasselbach, OLB, 6-1, 235, Junior

68 - Gerrad Kough, LG, 6-4, 300, Senior

26 - Isaiah Oliver, LCB, 6-1, 190, Junior

79 - Jonathan Huckins, C, 6-4, 280, Senior

1 - Afolabi Laguda, FS, 6-1, 205, Senior

56 - Tim Lynott Jr., RG, 6-3, 295, Sophomore

25 - Ryan Moeller, SS, 6-1, 215, Senior

64 - Aaron Haigler, RT, 6-7, 290, Sophomore Lory Student Center Box 13 Fort Collins, CO 80523 This publication is not an official publication of Colorado State University, but is published by an independent corporation using the name ‘The Rocky Mountain Collegian’ pursuant to a license granted by CSU. The Rocky Mountain Collegian is a 6,500-circulation student-run newspaper intended as a public forum. It publishes four days a week during the regular fall and spring semesters. During the last eight weeks of summer Collegian distribution drops to 3,500 and is published weekly. During the first four weeks of summer the Collegian does not publish.

Corrections may be submitted to the editor in chief and will be printed as necessary on page two. The Collegian is a complimentary publication for the Fort Collins community. The first copy is free. Additional copies are 25 cents each. Letters to the editor should be sent to letters@collegian.com.

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8 - Trey Udoffia, RCB, 6-1, 185, Freshman editor@collegian.com Tatiana Parafiniuk-Talesnick | Managing Editor managingeditor@collegian.com Haley Candelario | News Director news@collegian.com Rachel Telljohn | News Editor news@collegian.com Allec Brust | Opinion Editor letters@collegian.com Justin Michael | Sports Director sports@collegian.com Colin Barnard | Sports Editor sports@collegian.com Randi Mattox | A&C Director entertainment@collegian.com Zoë Jennings | A&C Editor entertainment@collegian.com

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Inside The Lines Friday, September 1, 2017

Preventing explosive plays key in stopping CU

By Colin Barnard @ColinBarnard_

During this year’s installment of the Rocky Mountain Showdown, Colorado State’s defense will be tasked with one of the most explosive offenses on its schedule.

The Colorado Buffaloes are no stranger to putting up points against their northern rivals and will be looking to do so again.

Last season, the Buffs scored 44 points in a blowout victory over the Rams. What’s more, many of those play makers are back on an offense led by Phillip Lindsay.

The senior running back stands just 5-feet-8-inches tall.

But the tenacity with which he plays the game has made him one of the leaders on a very talented football team. CSU head coach Mike Bobo recognizes what Lindsay means to the Buffs.

“Phillip Lindsay is like the heart and soul of their football team,” Bobo said. “He plays with toughness, he plays with a swagger, some attitude…He’s muscled up, he hits the hole physical and runs with power, runs with speed and runs with vision…This guy

has a passion to play the game.

He’s got a fire. He’s their guy on offense to me. They play with that chip on their shoulder that he plays with.”

The Rams can’t focus their attention solely on stopping Lindsay, though. CU returns what Athlon Sports deems the third best receiving group in all of college football. Led by Shay Fields, Bryce Bobo and Devin Ross, the Buffs bring back their six leading receivers from a year ago.

The combination of rushing and receiving ability makes game planning against CU a difficult task. Both units can convert on explosive plays that change the game in an instant.

“The first thing that jumps off the film to me is how explosive they are on offense,” Bobo said. “They’ve got a number of receivers that can hurt you in a variety of ways. They’ve got speed, they’ve got great ball skills, they block for each other in the RPO (run-pass option).”

CSU was victim to the explosive play in the opening victory over Oregon State. They allowed a 39-yard touchdown pass and

75-yard touchdown run to the Beavers in what was a closely contested first half.

If one were to take out the long run, the Rams allowed just 89 yards rushing in what would be considered a very productive effort. But, Bobo realizes that it’s those very plays that can flip the script of an entire game.

“Sometimes we like to say ‘hey we played pretty good defense except for those explosive plays,’” Bobo said. “But those explosive plays count. We’ve got to do a better job of getting guys on the ground.”

The Rams are ready to move on from last year’s performance in the RMS. Throughout this week of preparation, players and coaches alike were focused on moving forward rather than looking back.

Though he’s only been here three years, Bobo understands CU’s previous success, including a national championship in 1990 and most recently a PAC-12 division title in 2016, makes the Buffs nationally relevant. Looking to win his first RMS, Bobo is excited for the opportunity to put CSU on the same national

Senior linebacker Josh Watson celebrates a forced fumble during the second quarter of action against the OSU Beavers.

PHOTO BY ELLIOTT JERGE COLLEGIAN

stage as their rivals.

“There’s a lot of prestige in the perception of Colorado, and Colorado State wants to be on that level,” Bobo said. “It’s a little

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bit of us trying to prove that we belong on that stage.”

Colin Barnard can be reached by email at sports@collegian.com.

The Rocky Mountain Collegian | September 1, 2017

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Inside The Lines

NFL bloodlines

Friday, September 1, 2017

For CSU running back, football runs in the family

By Eddie Herz @Eddie_Herz

CSU running back Dalyn Dawkins (1) runs up the field at Hughes Stadium during the border war against Wyoming. CSU lost 38-17 on Oct. 1, 2016.

PHOTO BY LUKE WALKER COLLEGIAN

Football is in Dalyn Dawkins’ blood.

The game has been a major part of the Colorado State running back’s life since he was a child. Plenty of successful football players began playing football at a young age - that’s almost a given. But, not many grow up with a relative who played in the NFL. Growing up, Dawkins had the luxury of having two relatives in the NFL. His father, Ralph, and uncle, Brian, each had multi-year NFL careers.

Ralph Dawkins signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent following his fourth and final season as Louisville’s running back in 1993. He was a member of the Saints’ special teams unit for three seasons before suffering a career-ending ACL injury. From then, Dawkins spent two seasons on injured reserve before retiring.

Ralph Dawkins’ real stardom came in college. As a four-year starter for Louisville from 19901993, Dawkins rushed for 2,159 yards and collected 1,667 receiving yards. He scored 29 touchdowns in his collegiate career.

While Dalyn’s father didn’t see much success in the NFL, his uncle Brian became somewhat of a household name during a 16year pro career as a safety. Brian Dawkins was a nine-time pro bowler and four-time first team All-Pro selection. He was drafted in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, the team he played his first 13 seasons with. Dawkins concluded his career with a three-year stint with the Denver Broncos.

Having a family history of football didn’t automatically make Dalyn Dawkins an elite college running back. But, the way his football-playing relatives molded him into the player he is today shows how big of a difference having a football family made. Of the many football influences in Dalyn Dawkins’ life, perhaps none was bigger than that of his father.

“I always wanted to play football because of my dad,” Dawkins said. “He pushed me out on the football field even when I was a kid.”

To say Dawkins started playing football when he was a kid is an understatement. The Louis-

ville, Ky. native practically started running plays when he was an infant.

The first time Dawkins saw action on a football field was in a flag football league as a 5-year-old coached by his father.

While Dawkins realized he had a passion for football at a young age, his father is the reason he knew so before even beginning kindergarten.

“I’d sit down and show him my clips of when I played when he was a baby,” Ralph Dawkins said. “He would be all eyes and all ears.”

Even when he was five, Ralph Dawkins began to challenge his son. Though there was no tackling in flag football, players were allowed to hit each other at the line of scrimmage in Dalyn’s league. So, Ralph would test Dalyn by lining him up against 8-year-old players on opposing teams. Some of the other coaches and parents took notice to this and didn’t approve. However, Ralph didn’t mind. He wanted to see what his son was capable of.

“The coaches thought I was crazy,” Ralph Dawkins said.

“One coach with an 8-year- old son told me not to do that but I told him it was fine. The kid took Dalyn down and when he got up I asked him if he was alright and he said, ‘Yeah I’m ready to go’ and then lined up again.”

This moment was when Ralph Dawkins became aware of one of his son’s major strengths: fearlessness.

“There was no fear in him since day one,” Ralph Dawkins said. “That’s when I knew he was going to be a tough ball player.”

Despite his grittiness and beneficial influence from his father, Dalyn still failed to shine on a football field for a lot of his early playing years. His “clumsiness”, as Ralph Dawkins described, actually led Dalyn’s father into believing that he had a future as a defensive player rather than running back.

“I wasn’t very good at first,” Dawkins said. “This was for the first couple of years I played.

Around the end of my 8-year-old or beginning of my 9-year-old season is when I got good.”

The time frame Dawkins was mentioning was during his first year playing tackle football.

This is when he was 8 years old.

At the beginning of the season, Dawkins had his heart set on being a running back like his father. With disbelief in mind, see DAWKINS on page 7 >>

Inside The Lines Friday, September 1, 2017

DAWKINS >> from page 6

Ralph warned his son that playing something other than running back was not the end of the world. By no means was Ralph a push over with his son. In fact, he was harder on Dalyn than he was his other players. However, Dalyn wouldn’t budge. Ralph gave him a chance to run the ball. To his surprise, Dalyn excelled.

“I gave him a shot and he earned one of the two running back spots that season,” Ralph Dawkins said.

The dedicated 8-year-old Dawkins made the most of his opportunity playing running back. He broke more and more tackles and made people miss as the season went on. This led to a drastic improvement at the beginning of next season. Now, dad was finally convinced. To truly test his talents, Ralph gave his son one final test.

“When we came out for that

9-year-old season no one could catch him,” Ralph Dawkins said.

“I thought, well, maybe these teams he was playing weren’t that good. So, I took him across town to play a really good team and said, ‘Let’s see what you got.’

They just couldn’t touch him.

From that moment on, I knew he was something special.”

From then on, the dominance in Dalyn’s running never stopped. But, even then, the constant critiques from dad that have made Dalyn the running back he is today didn’t let up.

“One thing I specifically remember that my dad taught me was the mindset of attacking people,” Dalyn Dawkins said. “If I didn’t finish a run or something, he would always say something.”

Beyond making sure Dalyn gave 100 percent on every play, there were specific weaknesses in Dalyn’s game that his father noticed. Subsequently, there was no hesitation in letting his son know.

During his early years at Trinity High School in Louisville, Dawkins wasn’t particularly great at catching the ball. He also didn’t have the necessary speed to breakaway from defenders downfield. It’s worth noting that Dawkins wasn’t awful at either of those things. But his father knew he could be great. Without his father’s mentoring, he would not have become aware of these weaknesses at such a young age.

Even after Ralph stopped coaching Dalyn in his preteen years, he didn’t take a backseat in helping Dalyn overcome his weaknesses. This happened a few years after Ralph was done coaching his son.

“When he addressed those deficiencies he was a complete back,” Ralph Dawkins said. “This happened early into his high school career. The only thing he had working against him was his size. But he couldn’t control that.”

From then on, Dalyn contin-

ued his success at running back.

Ralph’s work was done and Dalyn showed that in his play. Dawkins rushed for 1,479 yards and scored 18 touchdowns on the ground as senior at Trinity.

Flash forward to now and nothing has changed in terms of Dawkins’ effectiveness. In his two full seasons with the Rams since transferring from Purdue in 2014, Dawkins has been CSU’s leading rusher. He is fresh off a junior season in which he rushed for 919 yards, the ninth highest total in the Mountain West in 2016.

In addition to leading CSU during games, Dawkins’ overall work ethic has become a model for his teammates. It’s easy to believe that some of that work ethic is a result of his father encouraging him from a young age.

“Dalyn Dawkins is the standard of how guys work hard in practice,” head coach Mike Bobo said.

Even with a firm grasp on his

Senior running back Dalyn Dawkins beats an OSU defender around the edge for a touchdown in Saturday’s victory.

PHOTO BY JACK STARKEBAUM COLLEGIAN

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running capabilities, Dawkins still frequently talks to his father about football.

“I talk to him every game day basically,” Dalyn Dawkins said. “Every week we talk about what I have to do this game, my mindset, making the most of my carries.”

Four of the last five Colorado State running backs to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season with the Rams have at least been signed by an NFL team, if not drafted. If last season is an indicator, Dawkins is well on the way to doing so.

When asked about his son’s NFL potential, Ralph didn’t bat an eye.

“The biggest thing is people believing in the fact that he can play running back at his size,” Ralph Dawkins said. “If he can build off of what he did last year and the year before that I think he’ll get drafted.”

Eddie Herz can be reached by email at sports@collegian.com.

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Inside The Lines Friday, September 1, 2017

Hawkins relishing opportunity to play on defense

By Colin Barnard @ColinBarnard_

When Anthony Hawkins came to Colorado State to play football, wide receiver was his focus.

After all, the three-star recruit totaled more than 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns during his senior season while earning first-team All-District honors in the football-rich state of Texas.

Hawkins played in every game his freshman season, but struggled to contribute given the talented bunch of receivers ahead of him.

His freshman season ended and the Rams began preparations for their 2017 season. Approaching spring practice, one thing was certain for CSU football. The Rams had one of the most talented receiving groups in the Mountain West. Michael Gallup, Olabisi Johnson and Detrich Clark returned from 2016 while transfer Preston Williams and freshmen EJ Scott and Warren Jackson added promise to the future of the position.

On the other side of the ball, the Rams’ secondary was quite the opposite. Senior defensive backs Tyree Simmons and Jordon Vaden graduated, and some of those returning had yet to solidify themselves and the opportunity existed for someone to prove their talents at the position.

Hawkins was faced with a tough decision: continue to wait for an opportunity to open on offense or switch positions and make an immediate impact on defense. For Hawkins, the ability to get on the field was far more important than playing his natural position. Beginning in the spring, Hawkins began the transition from wide receiver to cornerback.

“It was a suggestion to get on the field,” Hawkins said. “I just wanted to do whatever I could to help this team out. Just being a team player, trying to be active, trying to become more involved.

I was not upset with the movement.”

Prior to the switch, Hawkins was not a stranger to the position. In high school, he got his feet wet playing the nickel position on passing downs, but he was far from an every-down defender, and the intricacies of the position were still foreign to him.

As a receiver, Hawkins ran forward. He was the one who made the cornerback backpedal and decide when to break off the route. Now a cornerback, it’s the complete opposite. Hawkins learned the unnatural skill of running backwards. As opposed to running at the cornerback, he is now the one backpedaling until the receiver makes a move.

As with any new skill, Hawkins had his ups and downs leading up to the season. But he

adjusted to the role reversal well enough to prove himself to the coaching staff.

“Only having six practices in the spring, there were moments where you thought this guy had a chance to be pretty good,” head coach Mike Bobo said. “Obviously at times it was new for him, just some mistakes on how to play leverage, and man, and zone. But the six spring practices and this whole fall camp, you see a guy that becomes more and more comfortable in trusting the coverage, trusting his assignment and playing in that coverage.”

Fellow cornerback Kevin Nutt matched that sentiment, noticing Hawkins’ comfort level increasing in the months leading up to the 2017 season.

“You can definitely tell he’s getting more comfortable at the position,” Nutt said. “He’s way more fluid at playing corner than he was in the spring. In the spring his hips were kind of tight, he wasn’t used to playing backwards. You can just tell he’s grown a lot since then.”

Since the end of 2016, Hawkins has gone from a player struggling to find his role on offense to one of the team’s starting cornerbacks at the beginning of the season.

The transition didn’t happen overnight. Hawkins put aside any pride attached to playing wide receiver and turned his attention to contributing in the

most feasible way possible. That starts with coaching and being a coachable player.

“He did a really, really good job of taking coaching to become one of our best corners,” quarterback Nick Stevens said. “You definitely notice him out there, he’s coming down and making plays. Being on the other side of the ball, (Anthony) can kind of be in that receiver’s mind.”

One of the biggest advantages Hawkins had at his disposal throughout the transition was learning from a former firstround draft pick. CSU’s cornerbacks coach Terry Fair was drafted No. 20 overall in the 1998 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions and went on to earn NFL All-Rookie honors in his first season. The University of Tennessee standout went on to play six seasons in the NFL and joined CSU’s coaching staff in 2015.

Hawkins relishes the opportunity to learn from someone as knowledgeable as Fair. During very game, every practice and every film study, Hawkins continues to be a student of the game.

“Having a first-round draft pick as a coach, it helps a lot,” Hawkins said. “Everything he says, I know he knows what he’s talking about because he’s been in that position. I actually got to watch his pro day, so I’m taking some of his drills, his techniques, his twists and running with (them).”

Anthony Hawkins (14) celebrates with a teammate during the 2016 season. Hawkins switched to cornerback for the 2017 season. COLLEGIAN FILE PHOTO

Though Hawkins is now an every-down defender, that does not stop him from using his skills learned as a receiver. In fact, it’s those very skills that Hawkins believes gives him an advantage over opposing receivers.

“It’s tendencies that I see, that I would see in myself,” Hawkins said. “Receivers have a tendency to raise up when they’re getting ready to break. Receivers always take a hard step one way when they’re going the opposite.

It’s little tendencies like that.”

It’s not just an intellectual advantage that Hawkins possesses from playing receiver.

Quickness and physicality are two necessary skills to excel at cornerback, and his experience as a route runner and blocker make the adaptation that much easier.

“The thing about Anthony, he’s always had the quick twitch, the short area quickness, and he’s physical,” Bobo said. “He was one of our most physical players last year offensively, he was one of the better blockers, really good short area quickness, and that has translated well to the defensive side of the ball. He’s shown a knack to make plays on the ball, and the comfort level will come with more repetition.”

Colin Barnard can be reached by email at sports@ collegian.com.

The Rocky Mountain Collegian | September 1, 2017

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Inside The Lines Friday, September 1, 2017

CSU wide receivers looking to take conference by storm

By Justin Michael @JustinTMichael

Colorado State head coach Mike Bobo is well respected around the country for being one of the elite offensive minds in college football and has been for some time.

Going back to his days as an offensive coordinator at Georgia, Bobo was viewed as a quarterback guru, having worked closely with now-NFL quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Aaron Murray.

Coming off one of the most successful seasons of his career as an offensive coordinator in 2014, in which the Georgia offense totalled 537 points in 13 games played, Bobo came to Fort Collins and adopted one of the truly elite wide receiving corps in the nation with Rashard Higgins and Joe Hansley.

Despite this, the CSU offense vastly underperformed in 2015 and ultimately finished the season 7-6. In 2016, after getting off to a slow start and rotating through Nick Stevens, Faton Bauta, Collin Hill and ultimately going back to Stevens at quarterback, the Rams produced one of the better passing offenses in the country during the second half of 2016.

Now one game into the 2017 season, it appears that the CSU

offense has carried over some of that 2016 momentum in the passing game. In the 58-27 victory over Oregon State last Saturday, the Rams offense produced 525 yards, 334 of which came through the air.

A large reason the Rams were able to consistently move the ball with their passing attack was the fact that Stevens consistently had multiple open targets to throw the ball downfield. In the game, Stevens completed passes to eight different players, four of which were wide receivers.

Senior wide receiver Michael Gallup finished the game with a team-leading 11 receptions for 134 yards. While it was Gallup that ultimately led the Rams in receptions and total yardage, the majority of his production came through screen passes and quick throws on the outside.

After the game, Gallup explained that in the initial game plan for OSU, he was primarily supposed to be a decoy to draw the defense in.

On the other side of the field, junior wide receiver Olabisi Johnson proved that he is just as big of a threat to opposing defenses and last year’s record-setting performance in the Potato Bowl was no fluke.

Any time the Beavers were able to blanket Gallup or contain the Rams top receiving threat,

Johnson was there to make a play for the Rams downfield. The Lakewood, Colo. native finished the week one victory with five receptions for 66 yards.

What stood out most about Johnson in week one was not necessarily his stat line, but the difficulty of the plays he was able to make and when he was able to make them.

Early in the second quarter, following a 75-yard touchdown run that gave OSU a 3-point lead, Johnson was able to open the offensive series with a 17-yard reception for a first down. The drive ended with a punt, but Johnson’s grab to begin the series was big for a team that had just given up the biggest play of the game.

A few series later with the game tied at 17-17, Oregon State recorded a 12-play, 41-yard drive that ended with the Beavers missing a 52-yard field goal.

After getting the ball back on their own 34-yard line, Johnson kicked off the drive with a 26-yard reception to bring the ball past midfield. What’s more, Johnson was mugged by the Beavers defender on the play and was still able to bring the ball in.

CSU ultimately capped this drive off with a touchdown and went on to hold the lead for the remainder of the game. The common factor in both of these

crucial moments in the first half was No. 81.

Nicknamed “the standard” by his teammates, Johnson is the type of player that always stands out on the field. Not because he is flashy with his words or celebrations, but because he is quite literally the standard for a competitor.

With a pair of wide receivers like Gallup and Johnson on the outside, it makes sense that Bobo likes to push the tempo and wear opponents down by consistently targeting these two athletic receivers.

“I think we’re just as explosive, if not more explosive than the guys from 2015,” Johnson said. “We have a lot of weapons, we have a lot of speed and guys have been in the program for a while.”

The dynamic duo of Gallup and Johnson have the ability to get open through a variety of ways. They can beat the defense over the top, they can catch the ball at the line of scrimmage and make you miss in the open field.

If you give them any sort of space in the middle, they are likely going beat you off the line and take advantage.

That being said, with great talent comes great expectations and attention from opposing defenses. Gallup and Johnson are likely going to face a lot of cover-

Junior wide reciever Olabisi Johnson reaches out for a pass during a CSU football practice. PHOTO BY JAVON HARRIS COLLEGIAN

ages that focus on shutting them down. According to them, this is where the “X-factor” of the 2017 passing offense comes in.

Listed at 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, Detrich Clark is not the type of player that is going to intimidate you pre-snap. When the speedy wide receiver takes off from the line of scrimmage though, he will immediately grab your attention.

After transferring to CSU from Eastern Arizona (JUCO), Clark played in all 13 games, starting four at wide receiver for the Rams last season. Despite having played quarterback during his junior college days, Clark was able to make the transition to wide receiver and find a way to make an impact for the offense.

Now heading into his second full season at the position, both Clark and his teammates expect the versatile wide receiver to make a bigger impact in 2017.

“I think they fly under the radar a little bit,” Gallup said of Johnson. “They are definitely going to get more exposure this year though.”

In 2016 Clark was certainly raw as a route runner, so the majority of his touches came through wildcat plays and quick screens. Having had an entire season and offseason to work on see WIDE RECEIVERS on page 11 >>

Inside The Lines Friday, September 1, 2017

WIDE RECEIVERS >> from page 10 the craft, Clark’s impact in the traditional passing game should be even greater in 2017.

“Detrich (Clark) is a speed guy and he knows how to hit a hole,” Johnson said. “When we’re running the wildcat or one of those formations specifically for Detrich, 90 percent of the time he is going to score a touchdown. I’ve seen it firsthand.”

Whereas Gallup and Johnson primarily make a living on the outside, Clark gives the Rams a speedy option to send across the middle. With so many options for the Rams to exploit opposing defenses with, the Rams wide receiver trio rivals that of just about any other group in the country.

The highest compliment an offensive group can receive would be one coming from the opposing defense. Having faced

them every single day in practice, starting safety Jamal Hicks made it clear that he would take his group of guys against any receiving corps the Rams will face this season.

“I feel like we have the best receiving corps in the nation,” Hicks said. “Going up against guys like Preston Williams, Bisi Johnson, Michael Gallup, Detrich Clark everyday kind of prepares you for anything.”

CSU will once again look to use their potent passing attack in Friday’s matchup with Colorado. After being held to only seven points in last year’s game, the Rams hope that a more experienced and versatile offense will make the difference.

Justin Michael can be reached by email at jmichael@ collegian.com.

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Wide reciever Detrich Clark evades an Oregon State defender on the sideline. PHOTO BY DAVIS BONNER

COLLEGIAN

Michael Gallup dives for a ball in the end zone against Oregon State. The Rams won 58-27. PHOTO BY JAVAN HARRIS COLLEGIAN

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The Rocky Mountain Collegian | Thursday, September 1 2017

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Inside The Lines Friday, September 1, 2017

Michael: CSU entering Showdown with confidence Justin Michael @JustinTMichael

Last year’s Rocky Mountain Showdown could only be described as embarrassing for Colorado State football.

After getting trounced 44-7 in a game where the Rams did not record a first down until the second quarter and ultimately resulted in the benching of starting quarterback Nick Stevens, it is safe to say the 2016 RMS was one of worst performances by this program in recent memory.

“It left a bad taste in my mouth,” Jamal Hicks said. Hicks, who made his collegiate debut as a true freshman in last year’s game, is one of the many players looking forward to a chance at redemption.

Throughout practice this week, one of the common themes on both sides of the ball was the importance of having a better showing against their in-state rival.

The team got on the right track by taking care of business against Oregon State last Saturday. Now, Friday’s matchup with CU offers a chance for the green and gold to exorcise the demons of 2016 and continue working towards the greater goals of the season.

“We kind of feel ourselves right now,” Hicks said. “We feel very confident. We just knocked off a PAC-12 team, so I feel like we can beat CU. I feel like everybody else believes we can beat CU, so why not us?”

Along with the benefit of already having gotten some of the cobwebs out by playing and winning a game, CSU is heading into the 2017 RMS with a different level of swagger. That confidence is warranted.

During the second half of last season, CSU was one one of the most explosive and efficient offenses in the country. Dating back to the the last two games of 2016, the Rams have now scored 50+ points in three straight games and could not look any different from the team that got thumped in Denver last season.

On top of that, while the performance was one of the worst of Stevens’ career, there were plenty of other factors for why the 2016 game resulted in a 37-point blowout - none more than the experience gap.

“Last year we were really young,” Hicks said. “I feel like we have a better understanding of what the coaches expect from us.

The team chemistry on defense is way different than last year. I feel like everybody bonds more. We trust each other more than we did last year.”

Jamal Hicks, sophomore safety, high fives a fan after the game against Oregon State on Aug. 26. PHOTO BY TONY VILLALOBOS MAY COLLEGIAN

Contrarily, Colorado was one of the most experienced teams in the nation in 2016. Highlighted by then-senior quarterback Sefo Liufau and one of the best defensive secondaries in all of college football, CU was a team that had grown together after three years of losing and the Rams were the first of many opponents to feel their wrath.

2017 is a different situation.

On offense, CSU is littered with veteran options under center, in the backfield and in the receiving corps. The biggest difference is on defense though, where CSU returned eight starters. That experience was evident in the victory over Oregon State.

When the Beavers came out in the first half and quickly put points on the board, primarily with explosive plays, CSU could have easily folded and let the Beavers dominate them offensively. Instead, they rallied and put together a dominant second half performance.

In the first quarter, OSU quarterback Jake Luton was able to connect with tight end Timmy Hernandez for a 39-yard touchdown. Then early in the second, running back Ryan Nall was able to bust through the heart of the CSU defense with a 75-yard touchdown run.

From that point on, the CSU defense only gave up one more touchdown in the game and it came after Olabisi Johnson muffed a punt, which resulted in the Beavers getting the ball on the CSU 23-yard line.

What was particularly impressive about the Rams defensive effort in the game was their dom-

inance in the turnover margin (+4). According to Hicks, this was the biggest factor in the win, highlighted by linebacker Tre Thomas’ pick-six in the third quarter.

That display of mental toughness and “bend, don’t break mentality” is what may ultimately be the biggest factor in the RMS this year. With both teams expected to light up the scoreboard on of-

fense, the game could very well come down to a single impact play or two.

If Colorado puts points on the board, the defense cannot lose focus or stop competing. As the Rams displayed in their victory over OSU, much can happen in the course of an entire game.

Ultimately, this is a game that most will not give the Rams a

chance to win, but this is very much a game that is up for grabs.

CSU has the talent and speed on both sides of the ball to compete with the Buffs. If they do not beat themselves, the Rams should compete from start to finish.

Justin Michael can be reached by email at jmichael@collegian. com.

The Rocky Mountain Collegian | September 1, 2017

15

16

Inside The Lines

Words from the Enemy

Friday, September 1, 2017

CU’s sports editor breaks down Rocky Mountain Showdown

By Colin Barnard @ColinBarnard_

For the first time in a long time, expectations for both Colorado State and Colorado are high heading into the Rocky Mountain Showdown. Collegian sports editor Colin Barnard spoke with CU Independent head sports editor Justin Guerriero to preview some of the bigger storylines of the game.

Colin Barnard: CSU’s offense could be one of the most explosive that the Buffs face this year. After losing so much talent on defense, how can the Buffs slow down CSU? Justin Guerriero: Colorado’s defense will have to prove itself every game this season. In 2016, despite the capabilities of CU’s offense, it was the defense that truly held things down in many of the Buffs’ important Pac-12 conference games. The Rams will face a Buffaloes defensive 11 that lost eight senior starters starters in addition to the departure of defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt, who now calls the shots on defense at Oregon.

Colorado will first and foremost need to stop the run. the Buffs’ defensive line is somewhat green; Leo Jackson III and Jase Franke have limited experience at defensive end and the Buffaloes’ likely starter at nose tackle, Javier Edwards, is a recent junior college transfer athlete.

That said, the Buffs return two exceptional linebackers in Rick Gamboa and Derek McCartney. Gamboa was thrust into a starting inside linebacker role in 2015 and that year led the team in tackles. Last season, he finished second on the team in that department. McCartney will serve as Colorado’s main pass rusher. He seemed poised to have a monster year in 2016 but an unfortunate ACL tear at Michigan ended his season prematurely.

But Colorado will also need to closely monitor Nick Stevens, who as a redshirt senior with a couple matchups against CU under his belt, could prove to be a real Buffalo hunter come this Friday. Colorado has a new face at cornerback in Trey Udoffia but other than that, safeties Ryan Moeller and Afolabi Laguda have proved themselves quite capable in the past and I have high expectations for them this year.

CB: Similarly, CU features one of the best receiving corps in the nation. Do you expect them to have success against CSU’s secondary?

JG: Quite frankly, yes. I do

expect CU’s wideouts to win a majority of their routes and do some real damage to the Rams’ secondary. Shay Fields, Jr., Devin Ross and Bryce Bobo all returned for their senior year and I expect them to do as much damage to opposing defenses as they did last year. Colorado’s depth at wide receiver runs deep.

Aside from the above three, Jay MacIntyre is a talented slot receiver. Kabion Ento is another senior that’s played a solid supporting role in the past and likely will this year, too. Finally, KD Nixon, Colorado’s highly touted freshman recruit from DeSoto, Texas, could really be impactful on Friday and as the season progresses.

The long story short is that Colorado has six wideouts that all require special attention. No matter what variation of them is on the field for a given offensive play, any one of them is capable of great things. The Rams gave up a reception of at least 15 yards to six different Oregon State wideouts in CSU’s big week one win.

If that is indicative of a problem in the secondary then I think the Buffs will exploit it very much so.

CB: Who are CU’s difference makers on offense and defense who can take over the game?

JG: Offensively, it has to be senior tailback Phillip Lindsay, a.k.a. the Tasmanian Devil. Lindsay embodies the spirit of the Colorado football team. Players routinely tell me that when he speaks, everyone shuts up. He’s fearless on and off the field and the Buffs are lucky to have him as a leader and role model for this important 2017 season.

On the field, Lindsay is the ultimate dual threat. He hits holes hard, has solid footwork and very easily can put yards between him and the nearest defender. However, Lindsay could be a real knockout punch to CSU’s defense in what he does in the receiving department.

Last year, Lindsay was third on the team with 47 receptions. He excels at discreetly leaving the backfield, getting open and turning what appear to be potential short gains into big chunks of yardage.

I have no doubt Lindsay will eclipse his 1,189 yards on the ground that he ran up last season. The Buffs have an experienced offensive line that will definitely bolster him.

On the other side of the ball, pay attention to junior defensive back Isaiah Oliver. He is the natural successor to former Buffs Tedric Thompson and Ahkello Witherspoon, both of whom are

Two CU players celebrate a play during the 2016 Rocky Mountain Showdown.

FILE PHOTO COLLEGIAN

now in the NFL and played a tight, aggressive style at defensive back. Oliver learned a lot from those guys and he plays a similar game; in 2016, he only started two games but was third on the team in broken up passes.

I look forward to watching Oliver and Stevens try to outsmart each other.

CB: The Rams beat up on Oregon State in their first game, giving them some added confidence.

Does not playing a game before the RMS hurt CU? JG: Head coach Mike MacIntyre thinks highly of the Rams and I think the Buffs certainly took notice of CSU’s win over Oregon State. I think it’s fair to say that playing a game already will give the Rams a bit of an edge. I say that mostly in regards to Colorado’s newcomers on defense. It would have been beneficial for them to play a game and iron out the kinks before the big rivalry game. Overall, I don’t think it’s a nail in the coffin for the Buffs, but I think the Rams are undoubtedly ready to play on Friday.

CB: The Rams boast a stable of four running backs who should all see playing time. Do the Buffs have enough depth on defense to hold up?

JG: That matchup will be the one I’ll be keeping my eye on.

Colorado has two linebackers, Drew Lewis and Tarran Hasselbach, that are new to the starting lineup, in addition to the defensive line. I think the Rams should pound the middle holes

hard early on in the game and force CU’s new defensive starters to prove their worth. The Rams averaged 4.4 yards per carry cumulatively vs. OSU last week. I could see the running backs averaging a similar number on Friday. Overall though, I do think CSU will have an advantage in its running backs vs. Colorado’s front seven on defense.

CB: Following such an outstanding season, what is the morale like in Boulder?

JG: Don’t get me wrong, the community of CU football fans was ecstatic following the team’s 10-win 2016 season. It was so satisfying to watch the Buffs beat Pac-12 powerhouse programs that had dominated them in the past. That said, Colorado’s disappointing loss to Washington in the Pac-12 Championship game followed by a similar story in the Alamo Bowl vs. Oklahoma State did dampen the mood a bit.

The Buffs lost eight starters on defense at the end of last season, so I think that combined with questions surrounding sophomore quarterback Steven Montez have lead some to believe that a regression from last season is inevitable. I certainly won’t be pouting if the Buffs win six, seven or eight games, but given the circumstances and a talented Pac-12 Conference, I think the bar is a bit lower for this team.

The players certainly will hear none of that though, as I suppose should and would be expected of them. Montez is

extremely confident in himself and he should be. As a freshman last year, he showed maturity way beyond his age in overall impressive performances vs.

Oregon and USC. He’s proven he can play at a high level, but nonetheless he still has areas he can improve in.

CB: Do CU fans view their rival as a legitimate threat?

JG: Well, last year’s game certainly drove a contingent of fans from the fence regarding that question, that’s for sure. Last season definitely got many people thinking that now schools like Oregon and USC are Colorado’s rivals. But I think intelligent Buffs fans realize that the CU will likely be playing closer games and fighting tougher battles this season, which applies directly to Friday’s game vs. CSU. The players certainly don’t overlook the Rams. They’re ready for a gritty game.

CB: What is your prediction?

JG: I think the Buffs will win this one, but by a smaller margin than last year. I simply think that Colorado’s wide receivers will wear out CSU’s secondary in a more damaging fashion that the Rams’ backfield potentially tearing up the Buffaloes’ defense. Colorado State is obviously hungry for a redeemer from last year and the Buffs are hoping to prove that #TheRise is just beginning. I’ll say the Buffaloes take this one, 34-21.

Colin Barnard can be reached by email at sports@collegian.com.

Inside The Lines Friday, September 1, 2017

17

The Lines 18 Inside Friday, September 1, 2017

Collegian sports pick-em’ Justin Michael Sports Director

Wisconsin vs.

Utah State

Colin Barnard Sports Editor

Elliott Jerge Chief Sports Photographer

Eddie Herz Sports Reporter

Wisconsin

Wisconsin

Wisconsin

Texas vs. Maryland

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Florida vs. Michigan

Michigan

Michigan

Michigan

USC

USC

USC vs. Western Michigan

USC

Michigan

USC

Wisconsin

Purdue vs. Louisville

Purdue

Louisville

Louisville

Purdue

Alabama vs.

Florida State

Alabama

Florida State

Alabama

Florida State

LSU vs. BYU

LSU

LSU

LSU

LSU

Virginia Tech vs.

West Virginia

Virginia Tech

West Virginia

West Virginia

Virginia Tech

Tennessee vs.

Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech

Tennessee

Tennessee

Tennessee

CSU

CU

CSU

CSU

CSU vs. CU

Inside The Lines Friday, September 1, 2017

CSU sells out of allotted showdown tickets

By Colin Barnard @ColinBarnard_

Colorado State has officially sold out it’s allotment of tickets for Friday’s Rocky Mountain Showdown (Sept. 1).

Of the 32, 727 total tickets sold to CSU fans, 10, 023 were purchased by students.

Total attendance for the rivalry game has increased in each of the last five seasons. Last season, the RMS drew its largest crowd since 2003 with just under 70,000 total fans. Coming into 2017, expectations for both teams are higher than recent memory. Given the excitement surrounding the game, attendance could realistically be around 70, 000 again.

As of Wednesday night, Colorado had sold a total of 35, 011 tickets, 9,829 of which were purchased by students.

The Rams originally opened the

19

Rocky Mountain Showdown Attendance History ■ 2016: 69,850 ■ 2015: 66,253 ■ 2014: 63,368 ■ 2013: 58,607 ■ 2012: 58,607

game as 8-point underdogs, but as of Thursday afternoon, the line had closed to 3.5 points. Tickets for the Rocky Mountain Showdown are still available for purchase through Ticketmaster and other resale sights.

Colin Barnard can be reached by email at sports@collegian.com.

CSU fans at the on-campus stadium Aug. 26. PHOTO BY ASHLEY POTTS COLLEGIAN

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20 Inside The Lines Friday, September 1, 2017

Depth, versatility will play key role in CSU’s success

By Colin Barnard @ColinBarnard_

While Colorado State’s starters proved their talent throughout Saturday’s 58-27 beatdown of Oregon State, the team’s depth and versatility played just as big of a factor. Especially on the offensive side of the ball, the Rams utilized second and third units throughout the day. In doing so, starters were able to rest, and the team did not lose any productivity when various players went out with injuries.

Of all the position groups, depth aided CSU most significantly on the offensive line. Before the game, the depth chart was littered with possibilities up front.

Head coach Mike Bobo deployed a three-tackle rotation throughout the contest, using Zack Golditch, Ben Knox and Trae Moxley at the tackle positions. Moxley also played inside at guard with Nicho Garcia, Jeff Taylor and Colby Meeks rounding out the position group.

When Knox went down with a leg injury, Bobo had plenty of options to plug into his role.

While the big uglies benefitted most from depth Saturday, four different ballcarriers received touches in the victory as well. When starters Dalyn Dawkins and Izzy Matthews were each “dinged up”, Rashaad Boddie and Marvin Kinsey Jr. provided a seamless transition for the CSU offense.

Boddie finished the game with eight carries for 56 yards, despite the bulk of his carries coming in the second half. Playing in his first game since tearing his ACL last winter, Kinsey also added eight carries for 35 yards and one touchdown.

On the outside, redshirt junior Trey Smith made his presence felt in the receiving corps while both Dalton Fackrell and Cameron Butler were productive at tight end. Senior wide receiver Michael Gallup led all pass-catchers in receptions (11) and receiving yards (134), but Smith and the tight ends made their presence felt as well.

Fackrell finished the game with a modest two receptions for 28 yards, but the Utah native displayed his athleticism by making a difficult catch in the open field. Butler also finished the game with two receptions, totaling 27 receiving yards in the process. Both of Butler’s grabs could make the highlight reel though, as he trucked an OSU defender for a first down with his first career reception and later scored his first collegiate touchdown.

Running Back Rashaad Boddie runs into Beaver territory on Aug. 26. PHOTO BY ELLIOTT JERGE COLLEGIAN

When the Rams travel to Denver to play Colorado in the annual Rocky Mountain Showdown on Friday Sept. 1, head coach Mike Bobo hopes to employ a similar strategy as he did in the victory over the Beavers.

Especially within the offensive line, where the Rams will likely be missing last Saturday’s starting right tackle, Ben Knox.

Though Knox is considered doubtful for the game, the ability to plug and play certain players on the line should ease his absence. One caveat is that Bobo wants to allow his linemen to play on one side of the line.

“You’d like to have guys set-

tle into a role, where they’re playing one side or the other,” Bobo said Monday. “You’d like to have depth where you rotate guys in there. You don’t like flipping guys as much from left to right, so we’re keeping Moxley on the left side where he’s left guard or left tackle. At the end of the day, you’re going to have injuries. You’re going to have people go down, people get hurt, so you better be able to do it all.”

Bobo acknowledged that he liked playing Moxley and Golditch on the same side.

When Golditch played left tackle and Moxley played left guard, the Rams were able to

run the ball most effectively.

While veterans like Golditch can handle playing both sides of the line, Bobo hopes letting players settle into a role will reduce some of the errors on the line moving forward.

“We had some busts and errors,” Bobo said. “We had some mental errors, and probably some of that is because (we changed) those guys around, but we wanted to play more guys because it was hot. I think that showed in the fourth quarter, we were able to finish the game.”

While it is probable that Knox will miss matchup with CU, running backs Dalyn

Dawkins and Izzy Matthews escaped week one with only minor bumps and bruises and are expected to play. Given the physicality of the position, having multiple options at running back is a must for Bobo and the Rams.

“You like having fresh guys, and it’s a physical game,” Bobo said. “Our guys kept hitting it up in there. It was good to have more than two because our guys got a little banged up.”

Colin Barnard can be reached by email at sports@ collegian.com.

Inside The Lines Friday, September 1, 2017

21

Nick Stevens eyeing redemption against CU

By Eddie Herz @Eddie_Herz

An easy interception into the hands of Colorado safety Tedric Thompson was the nail in the coffin for Colorado State quarterback Nick Stevens during the 2016 Rocky Mountain Showdown.

At that point, the game was all but over for CSU. The Buffaloes were already leading 34-0 in the third quarter and Stevens had thrown his second interception of the game. In more than two quarters of play, Stevens threw for only 31 yards and coughed up a fumble to go along with the two interceptions.

Head coach Mike Bobo had seen enough. Faton Bauta replaced Stevens for the rest of the contest. After starting 14 consecutive games for the Rams, Stevens became a backup.

“I definitely felt personally responsible,” Stevens said. “Obviously you wish things could be different, but you can’t blame him (Bobo) for that. At the end of the day I didn’t play well and what happened, happened.”

The future for Stevens was up in the air after his poor showing against CU. However, it was unknown at the time that last season’s RMS would be the lowest point of his career.

After backing up freshman Collin Hill and senior Faton Bauta for the next five games, Stevens reignited his success. Bobo once again named Stevens the starting quarterback against Boise State in mid-October after Hill went down with an injury. This time, Stevens didn’t let the chance slip away. The Rams have gone 5-3 overall since then and Stevens has thrown 22 touchdowns and only four interceptions.

Teammates have noticed a much improved Stevens heading into the 2017 RMS. “I think he is worlds better,” junior wide receiver Olabisi Johnson said. “He gets benched after the CU game which is tough but he kept his head up. Collin gets hurt and he came back in and had a great year. There aren’t a lot of guys out there that can do that. Nick kept his head up the whole time and I praise him for that. We all see how much Nick has grown. He has become such a big leader for our offense and for our team.”

Though Stevens was on the team during CSU’s 31-17 victory over CU in 2014, he did not play.

The first time Stevens played against the Buffaloes was in 2015.

Stevens threw for 282 yards and a touchdown while turning the ball over twice in that game.

Although he was effective, the Rams still lost the game 27-24 in overtime. Stevens is hoping that the third time against CU will be

Colorado State Quarterback Nick Stevens throws a pass to a receiver during the third quarter of action against the OSU Beavers. This is the Rams first game in their New On-Campus Stadium.

PHOTO BY ELLIOTT JERGE COLLEGIAN

the charm.

“I think it would mean a lot if we went out and won this game,” Stevens said. “We have something to prove and coach hasn’t won yet (against CU) and he’s wanting to change that. I think we have the team this year to do that.”

Beginning the season 2-0 against Pac-12 opponents would be a significant confidence booster for CSU. Winning every game is obviously important to Stevens, but given his performance last season, there is a chip on his shoulder.

“Human nature is when you don’t perform well you want to go out and redeem yourself,” Bobo said. “So I’m sure he wants

to go out and put a better showing than we had last year. We have to do the things that will help us be successful. I think he’s mature enough to know that’s going to help him perform better than he did last year.”

The Buffaloes have dominated the all-time series with the Rams, winning 64 of 88 contests and seven of the last 10 games.

Despite the fact that Stevens wants to bring home a victory to redeem himself, he also wants to win for CSU supporters.

Even though the quarterback grew up in California, the rivalry is just as significant to Stevens as it is to Colorado natives such as Olabisi Johnson. Stevens wants Rams fans leaving Denver happy

on Friday.

“I think we have to come out and really show up for our fans,” Stevens said. “You want to give them a good show and we have a lot of good momentum going right now. We don’t want what happened last year to happen again. The rivalry means a lot to all of us and we have to do our best to come out and have success.”

The Rams are one of 10 teams to have played a game so far in the 2017 season. In most cases, the first week of the season is the game in which a team knows the least about itself.

Game one almost always serves as a crucial time for players to get accustomed to the intensity

of regular season play. The difference between fall camp and four quarters of real football is immense.

On the other hand, The Buffaloes have yet to play a game so far this season. While CU’s core players haven’t played a snap together since February, CSU’s are fresh off a convincing victory over Oregon State.

Nick Stevens thinks this early action could be an advantage for the Rams.

“We are battle tested,” Stevens said. “I think it gives us a huge edge. We know that we’ve been to war together and we’re able to depend on each other.”

Eddie Herz can be reached by email at sports@collegian.com.

The Lines 22 Inside Friday, September 1, 2017

Michael: There’s no starting quarterback debate Justin Michael @JustinTMichael

The debate is over. Nick Stevens will be the starting quarterback for Colorado State this season, as the redshirt senior was able to silence the critics with a masterful performance in a 31 point beatdown of the Beavers on Saturday.

Throughout the contest, Stevens stood tall in the pocket and looked like the quarterback that Ram fans became accustomed to in the second half of 2016. Despite facing constant pressure throughout, Stevens finished the game 26-of-39 for 334 yards and three touchdowns.

Stevens did throw an interception in the first quarter, but in the veteran quarterback’s defense, he was absolutely leveled on the attempt.

“It felt like I wasn’t going to be able to breathe for another couple of hours,” Stevens said.

“Usually a hit like that takes some of the breath out of you, but it took every ounce of breath I have ever breathed.”

Beyond the stat line, what was most impressive about Stevens’ performance was his true grittiness and ability to lead under pressure. After getting the wind knocked out of him and

turning the ball over early in the game, Stevens could have easily crumbed. Especially when considering that the Oregon State offense was still very much in the game at this point.

Instead, Stevens picked himself up off the turf and proceeded to throw for more than 300 yards in a game for only the third time in his collegiate career. Even more the California native displayed excellent touch and arm strength throughout the game.

“It felt like I wasn’t going to be able to breathe for another couple of hours,” Stevens said. “Usually a hit like that takes some of the breath out of you, but it took every ounce of breath I have ever breathed.”

NICK STEVENS STARTING QUARTER BACK

On multiple big plays Saturday afternoon, Stevens was sliding in the pocket or being pressured by an Oregon State defender. None of it mattered.

Stevens stood his ground and consistently delivered strikes to the CSU pass-catchers.

“I thought Nick played outstanding today at the quarterback position,” head coach Mike Bobo said. “He showed a lot of toughness. (He) Got hit a lot early.”

Not only was he was accurate with the football but Stevens also displayed the ability to make smart decisions. Throughout Saturday’s victory, No. 7 progressed through his reads and distributed the ball all around the field to different targets.

In the game eight different players caught a pass for the Rams. Of those eight players, six finished with two or more receptions. Stevens completed a pass to four different wide receivers, two tight ends and each of the Rams running backs in the win.

While Stevens played a nearly perfect game Saturday afternoon, it should be noted that he got away with a bad red zone jump pass attempt that easily could have been intercepted.

The third-year starter owned up to the play though, acknowledging that he tried to do too much on the play. Stevens even had a sense of humor about it, joking that he should have trucked the defender and rushed the ball, himself.

Ultimately what should comfort CSU fans the most is how smooth Stevens was during

Colorado State Quarterback Nick Stevens throws a pass to a receiver in the second quarter of action against the OSU Beavers during the Rams’ first game in their New On-Campus Stadium.

PHOTO BY ELLIOTT JERGE COLLEGIAN

the crucial moments of the game. Whenever Oregon State was able to make a play and steal a little momentum, Stevens came right back at the Beavers with a big play of his own.

During the second half of the 2016 season, Stevens was one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the nation. Although it is early in the season, it appears that he is picking up exactly where he left off.

In what was the biggest game in recent memory, Stevens was as clutch as it gets. If there were any doubts about his ability to lead this team moving forward, they should be gone.

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Justin Michael can be reached by email at jmichael@ collegian.com.

COLLEGIAN.COM Friday, September 1, 2017

23

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle 23 “So that’s your game!”

24 Apparel 27 Accumulated, with “up” 28 Many years 29 With 63-Across, “Is there more?”

32 Decimated sea 33 Erato’s instrument 34 Assigns work (for), as students 36 Cite, with “to” 37 Religious subgroup Rocky Mt. Collegian 8/30/17 Sudoku40 “Norma __” 41 Union title?

42 Risky 43 “The Bourne Supremacy,” e.g.

To solve Sudoku 44the Hot spotspuzzle, each row, column and box must contain thesnack numbers 1 to 9.

46 Dunked 48 Barista’s offering 49 “Over the Rainbow” composer 950 Misspoke, say3 52 While lead-in 53 Cloudless 7 8 2 54 The Auld Sod 8 357 “SNL” 6 castmate of Gilda7and Chevy 458 Swellhead’s problem 3 1 59 Wet blanket

9

Across 1 Branch 5 Advisory group 10 Big name in luxury retailing 14 About 30% of Earth’s land area 15 More fitting 16 Thing with rings 17 Really bad béchamel?

19 Letters facilitating sorting 20 Unpaid stack for scofflaw Aaron?

22 Something to stretch out on 25 Comedian dubbed “Mr. Television” 26 Mitchell protagonist 27 Bone holders 30 With 61-Across, “Yer darn tootin’!”

31 Seaweed for sushi 32 Puts down 35 What happens at the end of a Manilow concert?

38 Most closely related 39 Educational period 42 Letters with Arizona or Maine 45 Made tracks 46 One of composer John Williams’ five 47 Harlem Renaissance writer Zora __ Hurston 49 Does some lawn maintenance

8 9 5 51 Furry creature that isn’t cool?

55 Bee in Mayberry, e.g.

Rocky Mt. Collegian 9 56 Convicted hastily and unfairly Yesterday’s solution ... or, in a way, like the four other 5 4 longest puzzle answers?

60 It requires some effort 8 61 See 30-Across 62 Confucius, by reputation 63 See 29-Down 64 Fashionista’s concern 65 __-how

Down 1 __ Cruces 2 Prefix with metric 3 Defunct space station 4 Conan, for one 5 Iraqi port 6 Dazzling style 7 Vince Gill’s “Look __” 8 Certain quadrilateral: Abbr.

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2

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To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

SUDOKU

1 9 2

Sudoku Solution

Yesterday’s solution

8 4 2 6 9 7 5 1 3

9 5 3 4 1 2 8 7 6

7 1 6 8 3 5 4 2 9

5 7 9 2 4 1 6 3 8

3 6 4 7 8 9 2 5 1

2 8 1 3 5 6 9 4 7

4 9 7 5 6 3 1 8 2

6 3 5 1 2 8 7 9 4

1 2 8 9 7 4 3 6 5

7 3 5

1

9 6 1 2 5

6 5 3

THE FOGDOGS RYAN GREENE

4 1 3 8 6

2

8 9 7 2

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THE FOGDOGS RYAN GREENE

CONTRA DANCE! Fun, friendly, affordable ($5 students), live music no partner or special clothes required!

Next Dance - Sept. 2 at Club Tico (City Park)

Dance 8-11Sudoku pm | Free lesson at 7 pm Solution Never heard of Contra? See our website FOTD.org for more information videos!

7 8 5 1 6 3 9 4 2

24 Friday , September 1, 2017 | The Rocky Mountain Collegian