Colorado State University Athletics
Football game notes: CSU vs. UNLV, Nov. 14
11/9/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 9, 2015
Prior to Saturday's game vs. UNLV, CSU will recognize 26 seniors. The class has been part of one of the most successful runs in school history, currently vying for a third consecutive bowl berth and winning season. For many, their freshman season saw a record of 4-8, and prior to that came three consecutive 3-9 campaigns. A win would not only send the seniors out on a high note, but would also be the 16th home win over the past four years, tied for a program best. CSU also won 16 home games from 1925-28, 1999-2002 and 2000-03.
CSU's 26 players being recognized are: Cole Anderson, Sam Carlson, Kivon Cartwright, Jose Cerriteno, DeAndre Elliott, Nu'uvali Fa'apito, Jordan Finley, Martavius Foster, Jesse Haas, Justin Hansen, Joe Hansley, Terry Jackson, Cory James, Nick Januska, Blake Jones, Joe Kawulok, Craig Leonard, Trent Matthews, George Maumau, SteveO Michel, Kevin O'Brien, Jasen Oden, Jr., Kevin Pierre-Louis, Davon Riddick, Willie Udofia and Steven Walker.
MAINTAINING POSSESSION OF THE BOOT
CSU earned border bragging rights for the third consecutive season with its 26-7 victory over Wyoming last Saturday. It marked the first time since 1999-2002 that the Rams have won the Border War in at least three consecutive seasons, and the first time they've won back to back games in Laramie since winning five in a row from 1993-2001.
All-time, CSU is 57-44-5 in the series that dates back to 1899. CSU has won 15 of the past 23 dating back to the start of the Sonny Lubick Era, in 1993.
WINNING ON THE ROAD
CSU is 2-1 this season on the road, and since the 2013 season has won eight of its past 12 true road contests. It marks the Rams' best stretch since winning nine of 12 from 2001-03. Prior to the Rams' current run, they had lost 10 true road games in a row and 21 of 22.
FLIPPING THE FIELD
CSU has one of the best weapons in college football in punter Hayden Hunt, a three-time Ray Guy Award candidate. The junior ranks fourth nationally, averaging 46.3 yards per punt. The Rams' team net punting average of 43.3 leads all of college football. Of Hunt's 41 punts this season, 11 have gone at least 50 yards (26.8 percent), 19 (46.3) have been marked down inside the 20-yard line, 14 have been fair caught (34.1) and just one has been a touchback (2.4). Among punters ranked in the top 10 for punting average, Hunt ranks first for touchbacks and punts inside the 20, and third for fair catches.
Last week at Wyoming, Hunt had a booming punt that traveled 67 yards in the air, being marked down at the 5-yard line. Three plays later, the Cowboys turned the ball over. Hunt has had three other punts land inside the 5 - vs. Air Force on 10/17, Hunt had a punt downed at the 1, which resulted in a quick punt and CSU touchdown; at UTSA on 9/26 his first punt traveled 56 yards and went out of bounds at the 2-yard line, setting up a safety two players later; vs. Minnesota (9/12) he had a 73-yard punt downed at the 2-yard line. It was the eighth-longest punt in school history, and the longest since Pete Kontodiakos on Sept. 29, 2012. For his efforts, Hunt was named the Ray Guy Award Player of the Week on Sept. 14.
OFF THE BOARD
Wyoming was held without a point for the first 57:35 Saturday, the longest CSU has kept an opponent from scoring since at least 2002. The score came after CSU had built a 26-0 advantage and had subbed in its defensive reserves. CSU's last shutout came in 1997 against Hawai'i.
MATTHEWS FORCING TURNOVERS
Senior safety Trent Matthews has been part of 14 career turnovers, and three of them came in Saturday's win at Wyoming. During the Cowboys' first possession, Matthews recovered a loose ball that was stripped by Deonte Clyburn. CSU put three points on the board following the turnover.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, Matthews intercepted a Nick Smith pass, and on the next drive, recovered a Smith fumble. CSU forced four turnovers in the game, the most since Nov. 22, 2014 vs. New Mexico. Clyburn and Tyree Simmons' forced fumbles were their second of the season, respectively, while Terry Jackson's recovery was the first of his career. Sophomore linebacker Kiel Robinson added a career-most two sacks, the first being a strip-sack recovered by Jackson and the second stopping the Cowboys on 4th-and-5.
CAPTURING HARDWARE
Three weeks after defeating Air Force to reclaim the Ram-Falcon Trophy, CSU won the Border War over Wyoming for the third consecutive season. It marks the second consecutive season that CSU has won two of its three traveling trophies. Additionally, head coach Mike Bobo becomes CSU's third-ever coach to win two rivalry games in his first season (Leon Fuller in 1982, Sonny Lubick in 1993).
BOWL GAME SURGE
With three regular-season games remaining, the Rams have their eye on a late-season push for a third consecutive bowl game appearance. In order to become eligible, CSU will need to win at least two of its final three games - a similar situation to other years in recent memory.
In 2013, CSU needed to win three of its final four games to become bowl eligible, doing exactly that and qualifying for the New Mexico Bowl. In 2008, CSU won its final two games after a 4-6 start to the season; in 2005, the Rams qualified for the Poinsettia Bowl by winning their final game; and in both 2001 and 2003, CSU needed to win its final two regular-season contests. The Rams haven't played in three consecutive bowl games since qualifying for one in each season from 1999-2003.
STRONG RUN GAME
Running backs Dalyn Dawkins and Jasen Oden, Jr. are among the best backs in the league, combining for 1,073 yards and six touchdowns on 234 carries. Dawkins has 499 net yards and two scores, also catching 18 passes for 143 yards. In a start at Wyoming, he totaled a career-most 140 yards. Oden has found the end zone five times (four rushing), leading CSU with 574 yards.
MATTHEWS ADDS TO THE RUN GAME
Adding to the duo of Dalyn Dawkins and Jasen Oden, Jr. is freshman running back Izzy Matthews. Matthews has seen extended time over the past two weeks, getting 25 carries. Against San Diego State (10/31), Matthews had a team-most 58 yards. Last week at Wyoming, he finished with 55, including two scores - the first multi-score game of his career.
TO BATTLE
When the Rams are able to hold onto the ball, they have a good chance of winning the ballgame. CSU is 3-0 when winning the turnover battle, committing just one turnover against Air Force and Wyoming and zero at UTSA. Despite trailing the turnover battle 23-12 this season, CSU's opponents have scored just 39 points off of turnovers, compared to 37 for CSU.
OPENING STATEMENT
CSU has scored on its first possession three times this season. The Rams have won all three games. Fast starts have been consistent for the Rams, who are out-scoring opponents 95-40 in the first quarter, trailing just once. During the Rams' first three games of the season, they allowed zero points, three total first downs and 65 net yards through the first quarter.
START TO FINISH
For the second time in the past three games, and third time this season, the Rams did not trail. CSU scored 5:26 into its contest at Wyoming and jumped out to a 26-0 lead before the Cowboys got on the board. Overall, CSU has led in all but one contest this season (Boise State, 10/10).
BRYAN'S DEPENDABLE LEG
Freshman Wyatt Bryan has made at least one field goal in all nine collegiate games he has played in, including seven in a row dating back to Sept. 26. Bryan made two field goals in last week's win at Wyoming, and a week prior nailed a 44-yarder (career long) against San Diego State to give the Rams a 10-7 lead.
Bryan is 11-of-15 on the year, including a 37-yarder as regulation expired, sending the Rams' game against Minnesota (9/12) into overtime.
CONSECUTIVE GAMES WITH A RECEPTION
All-America wide receiver Rashard Higgins leads the Rams with 40 receptions on the season. He has now recorded a catch in all 34 collegiate contests he has played in. Just eight active FBS receivers have hauled in a catch in more consecutive games. Following in his footsteps, sophomore wide receiver Xavier Williams has caught a pass in all 22 of his collegiate contests.
FIELD-POSITION GAME
CSU's has the third-best offense in the Mountain West (404.3 yards per game), and while a lot of that is due to the playmakers on offense, some of the credit goes to the kick returners. CSU is averaging 25.83 yards per return, 10th-best nationally. Four of the Rams' returns have gone for at least 30 yards, with two going 50 or more.
STANDING TALL ON 3RD DOWN
Opponents have converted on just 31.1 percent of third-down opportunities (37-of-119), which ranks 20th nationally. Conversely, CSU's offense has converted at a 44.1-percent rate (60-of-136; 31st in NCAA FBS). Last year's season figure of 49 percent was a school record. CSU also ranks 35th nationally, converting 61.5 percent of fourth-down conversions.
DO OR DIE
While the Rams are among football's best on third down, when they've been presented with a fourth-and-short, they've been even better. CSU ranks 23rd nationally, converting 10-of-15 fourth-down opportunities. The Rams were 2-for-2 at Wyoming, including going for it at their own 37 on the first series of the game. The move paid off and CSU scored a touchdown later in the drive.
A week prior vs. San Diego State (10/31) and backed up to its own 30, CSU elected to call a fake punt on 4th-and-5. The ball was snapped to linebacker Deonte Clyburn, who ran down the sideline for 13 yards and the first down.
BEHIND THE LINE
CSU is averaging 7.4 tackles for loss per game, the 22nd-best average in the country. While the defense's explosiveness is impressive, the Rams' offense line is equally notable. CSU's offensive line also ranks 18th nationally, allowing 4.78 tackles for loss per game, and 26th with 1.33 sacks allowed per game. CSU did not allow a sack against San Diego State (10/31), and on the season has allowed just 12 in nine games, fourth-fewest in the Mountain West and second among teams that run a balanced offensive attack.
NO SHORTAGE OF PASS-CATCHING TARGETS
No team nationally has logged more career receiving yards than CSU, and only Cincinnati has more touchdown receptions. CSU's quarterbacks are throwing to targets - wide receivers, tight ends, running backs and fullbacks - who have accounted for 632 career receptions (7th) for 8,428 yards (1st) and 68 touchdowns (2nd).
CSU returned its top four pass catchers from 2014 and 10 of the 12 players who caught at least three passes last season. The wide receiver corps alone has logged 456 career receptions for 6,415 yards and 50 touchdowns.
WILDCAT LEONARD
Junior quarterback Craig Leonard made his season debut vs. San Diego State (10/31), rushing twice for 15 yards from the wildcat formation during the Rams' first drive of the second quarter. He was again used four times (16 yards) at Wyoming (11/7).
Prior to the recent time, Leonard had played in just three career games with one rush for nine yards (11/9/14 vs. Hawai'i).
CONSISTENT KEVIN
Linebacker Kevin Davis is among the Mountain West leaders with 10.5 tackles for loss on the season (sixth). Dating back to 2014, he had at least shared a tackle for loss in 10 consecutive games through CSU's contest vs. San Diego State (10/31). The junior totaled exactly 1.5 tackles for loss in each of the Rams' first six games this season.
Davis leads all Rams with 72 tackles on the season, including a career-high 13 vs. Boise State (10/10). His 8.0 tackles-per-game average ranks eighth in the MW.
MAKING HOLLYWOOD PLAYS
Wide receiver Rashard Higgins has recorded three 100-yard receiving games in 2015, in addition to five touchdowns catches (fourth in MW). Nine weeks into the season, Higgins leads the Mountain West and ranks 22nd nationally with 6.25 receptions per game. His 83.4 receiving yards per game average ranks second in the conference (28th nationally), while his 13.34 yards per catch ranks 11th.
Higgins scored a touchdown in the first four games he played in this season, and 18 different games throughout his career, totaling a school-record 28 career touchdowns. For his career, he is averaging 94.4 yards per game, and has 100-plus yards in 15 of them.
NOT YOUR AVERAGE JOE
Wide receiver Joe Hansley is tied for the team lead with five touchdowns, including two during an Oct. 17 victory over Air Force. For his career, Hansley has tallied 129 career catches for 1,742 yards and 11 touchdowns. The senior is two touchdowns, 11 receptions and 142 yards away from cracking CSU's career top 10 lists.
IN THE (RED) ZONE
CSU is 11-of-13 in the red zone over the past three games, scoring seven touchdowns and four field goals. On the season, the Rams have scored during 86.1 percent of drives that reach the red zone, good for 46th in the nation.
BENDING, BUT NOT BREAKING
CSU's opponents have started drives in Rams territory four times this season, scoring just six points. Boise State's second drive of the game started at the CSU 12-yard line after a turnover, but the Broncos had to settle for a field goal after gaining just one yard. Earlier in the season, Minnesota started a drive at the 27-yard line before fumbling, Colorado started at the 35 but missed a field goal and Utah State began a drive at the 8 before being held to a field goal.
EARLY AND OFTEN
CSU scored in three quarters against Wyoming, and on the season has put points on the board during 28 of 36 quarters.
COORS LIGHT COACH'S SHOW
The Coors Light Coach Bobo Coach's Show occurs every Wednesday at C.B. & Potts on Elizabeth Street. The show can also be heard on CSU's flagship radio station, ESPN 105.5. The final show will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 24 (moved up one day due to Thanksgiving).
THURSDAY-NIGHT TV
Thursday Night Football will have to take a backseat for Rams fans. Fans in the region have two opportunities to get an inside glimpse of CSU football. Todd Romero and former CSU and NFL standout Joel Dreessen co-host STATE of the Rams on Altitude, from 6-6:30 p.m. Following that, from 6:30-7 p.m., the Rams Report is back for its second season on ROOT SPORTS.
COMING HOME IN 2017
After five decades playing at Hughes Stadium, the Rams will bring football back to campus beginning in 2017. The new, $220 million on-campus stadium will hold 41,000 people, and will be located on the heart of campus, at the intersection of Pitkin and Meridian (Hughes Stadium is located approximately three miles west of campus). The state-of-the-art, multi-purpose stadium will have the ability to be used by multiple sports teams and will have an alumni center and academic space built in. Site prep began in May, and a groundbreaking ceremony took place prior to the Rams' contest against Minnesota on Sept. 12. More information, including a webcam on the construction site, can be found at www.stadium.colostate.edu.
More notes in PDF
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ENTIRE WEEK 10 GAME NOTES (PDF) Colorado State vs. UNLV - SENIOR NIGHT
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 | 5 p.m. MT
Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium | Fort Collins, Colo.
Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 | 5 p.m. MT
Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium | Fort Collins, Colo.
- Tickets
- TV: ROOT SPORTS
- Radio: ESPN 105.5 FM
- In-Game Twitter Updates
ABOUT COLORADO STATE
- Under the guidance of first-year head coach Mike Bobo, formerly the OC at Georgia.
- Has won 15 of its past 20 home games. A win Saturday would tie the best four-year mark in school history.
- Is 3-0 this season when winning the turnover battle. CSU forced three fumbles and intercepted a pass in last week's win at Wyoming.
- Junior Hayden Hunt ranks fourth nationally, averaging 46.3 yards per punt. CSU as a team leads the country with a 43.3 net punting average.
- The team's experienced pass catchers lead the nation with 8,364 career yards combined. Kicker Wyatt Bryan has made seven consecutive field goals dating back to Sept. 26.
- 2014 consensus All-American Rashard Higgins is averaging 83.4 receiving yards per game. The junior has five touchdowns.
- Opponents have converted just 31.3 percent of third-down opportunities, ranking the Rams' defense 20th nationally.
- CSU ranks 22nd (offense) and 18th (defense) for team tackles for loss, led by Kevin Davis' 10.5.
- CSU is out-scoring opponents 95-40 in the first quarter, and has held the lead in eight of nine games this season.
- Led by first-year head coach Tony Sanchez, who previously built a powerhouse at Las Vegas' Bishop Gorman High School
- Is 3-6 on the season, including 2-3 in Mountain West play and 1-3 on the road.
- Is coming off of a blowout victory over Hawai'i, 41-21, in which two players rushed for at least 100 yards and another had 100 yards receiving.
- QB Blake Decker was 15-of-24 in the win, throwing for 258 yards including touchdown passes of 75 and 85 yards.
- Has surrendered just two fumbles this season, and zero by a running back, the fewest in the country. Overall, UNLV has a 18 turnover margin, 19th-best in the NCAA FBS, and is led by Tim Hough's three interceptions.
- Is averaging 209.3 rushing yards per game (26th nationally).
- WR Devonte Boyd has six touchdown receptions this season, totaling 610 receiving yards.
- K Nicolai Bornand is 12-of-14 on field-goal attempts this season, including perfect from inside 40 yards.
- Leads the MW and ranks 11th nationally, allowing opponents to convert on fourth down at just a 27.8-percent rate.
- CSU and UNLV played every season from 1996-2012, but did not play the past two seasons when the Mountain West formed two divisions.
- CSU won the most-recent meeting, a 33-11 victory in Fort Collins in 2012.
- The Rams have won five in a row in Fort Collins, and overall are 8-4 against the Rebels at Hughes Stadium.
- Three of CSU's six losses to UNLV were by one possession, including a 38-35 defeat in 2011 in Las Vegas.
- The Rams' 48-23 victory in 2007 snapped their 13-game losing streak, which began the previous season.
- In the series, CSU has two winning streaks of six games (1996-2001 and 2003-2008).
- Kivon Cartwright is the Rams' only player to face UNLV more than once. As a freshman in 2011, he caught two passes for 50 yards, including a long of 45. He also had two catches for 10 yards in 2012.
- WR Joe Hansley had one reception for 18 yards and one rush for 30 in the Rams' 2012 win over UNLV.
- SteveO Michel recorded his first career sack in 2012 against UNLV.
- Freshman Trent Matthews had four tackles and two pass breakups in CSU's 2012 victory over UNLV.
- Then a defensive player, Nu'uvali Fa'apito had five tackles as a freshman in 2012 against UNLV.
Prior to Saturday's game vs. UNLV, CSU will recognize 26 seniors. The class has been part of one of the most successful runs in school history, currently vying for a third consecutive bowl berth and winning season. For many, their freshman season saw a record of 4-8, and prior to that came three consecutive 3-9 campaigns. A win would not only send the seniors out on a high note, but would also be the 16th home win over the past four years, tied for a program best. CSU also won 16 home games from 1925-28, 1999-2002 and 2000-03.
CSU's 26 players being recognized are: Cole Anderson, Sam Carlson, Kivon Cartwright, Jose Cerriteno, DeAndre Elliott, Nu'uvali Fa'apito, Jordan Finley, Martavius Foster, Jesse Haas, Justin Hansen, Joe Hansley, Terry Jackson, Cory James, Nick Januska, Blake Jones, Joe Kawulok, Craig Leonard, Trent Matthews, George Maumau, SteveO Michel, Kevin O'Brien, Jasen Oden, Jr., Kevin Pierre-Louis, Davon Riddick, Willie Udofia and Steven Walker.
MAINTAINING POSSESSION OF THE BOOT
CSU earned border bragging rights for the third consecutive season with its 26-7 victory over Wyoming last Saturday. It marked the first time since 1999-2002 that the Rams have won the Border War in at least three consecutive seasons, and the first time they've won back to back games in Laramie since winning five in a row from 1993-2001.
All-time, CSU is 57-44-5 in the series that dates back to 1899. CSU has won 15 of the past 23 dating back to the start of the Sonny Lubick Era, in 1993.
WINNING ON THE ROAD
CSU is 2-1 this season on the road, and since the 2013 season has won eight of its past 12 true road contests. It marks the Rams' best stretch since winning nine of 12 from 2001-03. Prior to the Rams' current run, they had lost 10 true road games in a row and 21 of 22.
FLIPPING THE FIELD
CSU has one of the best weapons in college football in punter Hayden Hunt, a three-time Ray Guy Award candidate. The junior ranks fourth nationally, averaging 46.3 yards per punt. The Rams' team net punting average of 43.3 leads all of college football. Of Hunt's 41 punts this season, 11 have gone at least 50 yards (26.8 percent), 19 (46.3) have been marked down inside the 20-yard line, 14 have been fair caught (34.1) and just one has been a touchback (2.4). Among punters ranked in the top 10 for punting average, Hunt ranks first for touchbacks and punts inside the 20, and third for fair catches.
Last week at Wyoming, Hunt had a booming punt that traveled 67 yards in the air, being marked down at the 5-yard line. Three plays later, the Cowboys turned the ball over. Hunt has had three other punts land inside the 5 - vs. Air Force on 10/17, Hunt had a punt downed at the 1, which resulted in a quick punt and CSU touchdown; at UTSA on 9/26 his first punt traveled 56 yards and went out of bounds at the 2-yard line, setting up a safety two players later; vs. Minnesota (9/12) he had a 73-yard punt downed at the 2-yard line. It was the eighth-longest punt in school history, and the longest since Pete Kontodiakos on Sept. 29, 2012. For his efforts, Hunt was named the Ray Guy Award Player of the Week on Sept. 14.
OFF THE BOARD
Wyoming was held without a point for the first 57:35 Saturday, the longest CSU has kept an opponent from scoring since at least 2002. The score came after CSU had built a 26-0 advantage and had subbed in its defensive reserves. CSU's last shutout came in 1997 against Hawai'i.
MATTHEWS FORCING TURNOVERS
Senior safety Trent Matthews has been part of 14 career turnovers, and three of them came in Saturday's win at Wyoming. During the Cowboys' first possession, Matthews recovered a loose ball that was stripped by Deonte Clyburn. CSU put three points on the board following the turnover.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, Matthews intercepted a Nick Smith pass, and on the next drive, recovered a Smith fumble. CSU forced four turnovers in the game, the most since Nov. 22, 2014 vs. New Mexico. Clyburn and Tyree Simmons' forced fumbles were their second of the season, respectively, while Terry Jackson's recovery was the first of his career. Sophomore linebacker Kiel Robinson added a career-most two sacks, the first being a strip-sack recovered by Jackson and the second stopping the Cowboys on 4th-and-5.
CAPTURING HARDWARE
Three weeks after defeating Air Force to reclaim the Ram-Falcon Trophy, CSU won the Border War over Wyoming for the third consecutive season. It marks the second consecutive season that CSU has won two of its three traveling trophies. Additionally, head coach Mike Bobo becomes CSU's third-ever coach to win two rivalry games in his first season (Leon Fuller in 1982, Sonny Lubick in 1993).
BOWL GAME SURGE
With three regular-season games remaining, the Rams have their eye on a late-season push for a third consecutive bowl game appearance. In order to become eligible, CSU will need to win at least two of its final three games - a similar situation to other years in recent memory.
In 2013, CSU needed to win three of its final four games to become bowl eligible, doing exactly that and qualifying for the New Mexico Bowl. In 2008, CSU won its final two games after a 4-6 start to the season; in 2005, the Rams qualified for the Poinsettia Bowl by winning their final game; and in both 2001 and 2003, CSU needed to win its final two regular-season contests. The Rams haven't played in three consecutive bowl games since qualifying for one in each season from 1999-2003.
STRONG RUN GAME
Running backs Dalyn Dawkins and Jasen Oden, Jr. are among the best backs in the league, combining for 1,073 yards and six touchdowns on 234 carries. Dawkins has 499 net yards and two scores, also catching 18 passes for 143 yards. In a start at Wyoming, he totaled a career-most 140 yards. Oden has found the end zone five times (four rushing), leading CSU with 574 yards.
MATTHEWS ADDS TO THE RUN GAME
Adding to the duo of Dalyn Dawkins and Jasen Oden, Jr. is freshman running back Izzy Matthews. Matthews has seen extended time over the past two weeks, getting 25 carries. Against San Diego State (10/31), Matthews had a team-most 58 yards. Last week at Wyoming, he finished with 55, including two scores - the first multi-score game of his career.
TO BATTLE
When the Rams are able to hold onto the ball, they have a good chance of winning the ballgame. CSU is 3-0 when winning the turnover battle, committing just one turnover against Air Force and Wyoming and zero at UTSA. Despite trailing the turnover battle 23-12 this season, CSU's opponents have scored just 39 points off of turnovers, compared to 37 for CSU.
OPENING STATEMENT
CSU has scored on its first possession three times this season. The Rams have won all three games. Fast starts have been consistent for the Rams, who are out-scoring opponents 95-40 in the first quarter, trailing just once. During the Rams' first three games of the season, they allowed zero points, three total first downs and 65 net yards through the first quarter.
START TO FINISH
For the second time in the past three games, and third time this season, the Rams did not trail. CSU scored 5:26 into its contest at Wyoming and jumped out to a 26-0 lead before the Cowboys got on the board. Overall, CSU has led in all but one contest this season (Boise State, 10/10).
BRYAN'S DEPENDABLE LEG
Freshman Wyatt Bryan has made at least one field goal in all nine collegiate games he has played in, including seven in a row dating back to Sept. 26. Bryan made two field goals in last week's win at Wyoming, and a week prior nailed a 44-yarder (career long) against San Diego State to give the Rams a 10-7 lead.
Bryan is 11-of-15 on the year, including a 37-yarder as regulation expired, sending the Rams' game against Minnesota (9/12) into overtime.
CONSECUTIVE GAMES WITH A RECEPTION
All-America wide receiver Rashard Higgins leads the Rams with 40 receptions on the season. He has now recorded a catch in all 34 collegiate contests he has played in. Just eight active FBS receivers have hauled in a catch in more consecutive games. Following in his footsteps, sophomore wide receiver Xavier Williams has caught a pass in all 22 of his collegiate contests.
FIELD-POSITION GAME
CSU's has the third-best offense in the Mountain West (404.3 yards per game), and while a lot of that is due to the playmakers on offense, some of the credit goes to the kick returners. CSU is averaging 25.83 yards per return, 10th-best nationally. Four of the Rams' returns have gone for at least 30 yards, with two going 50 or more.
STANDING TALL ON 3RD DOWN
Opponents have converted on just 31.1 percent of third-down opportunities (37-of-119), which ranks 20th nationally. Conversely, CSU's offense has converted at a 44.1-percent rate (60-of-136; 31st in NCAA FBS). Last year's season figure of 49 percent was a school record. CSU also ranks 35th nationally, converting 61.5 percent of fourth-down conversions.
DO OR DIE
While the Rams are among football's best on third down, when they've been presented with a fourth-and-short, they've been even better. CSU ranks 23rd nationally, converting 10-of-15 fourth-down opportunities. The Rams were 2-for-2 at Wyoming, including going for it at their own 37 on the first series of the game. The move paid off and CSU scored a touchdown later in the drive.
A week prior vs. San Diego State (10/31) and backed up to its own 30, CSU elected to call a fake punt on 4th-and-5. The ball was snapped to linebacker Deonte Clyburn, who ran down the sideline for 13 yards and the first down.
BEHIND THE LINE
CSU is averaging 7.4 tackles for loss per game, the 22nd-best average in the country. While the defense's explosiveness is impressive, the Rams' offense line is equally notable. CSU's offensive line also ranks 18th nationally, allowing 4.78 tackles for loss per game, and 26th with 1.33 sacks allowed per game. CSU did not allow a sack against San Diego State (10/31), and on the season has allowed just 12 in nine games, fourth-fewest in the Mountain West and second among teams that run a balanced offensive attack.
NO SHORTAGE OF PASS-CATCHING TARGETS
No team nationally has logged more career receiving yards than CSU, and only Cincinnati has more touchdown receptions. CSU's quarterbacks are throwing to targets - wide receivers, tight ends, running backs and fullbacks - who have accounted for 632 career receptions (7th) for 8,428 yards (1st) and 68 touchdowns (2nd).
CSU returned its top four pass catchers from 2014 and 10 of the 12 players who caught at least three passes last season. The wide receiver corps alone has logged 456 career receptions for 6,415 yards and 50 touchdowns.
WILDCAT LEONARD
Junior quarterback Craig Leonard made his season debut vs. San Diego State (10/31), rushing twice for 15 yards from the wildcat formation during the Rams' first drive of the second quarter. He was again used four times (16 yards) at Wyoming (11/7).
Prior to the recent time, Leonard had played in just three career games with one rush for nine yards (11/9/14 vs. Hawai'i).
CONSISTENT KEVIN
Linebacker Kevin Davis is among the Mountain West leaders with 10.5 tackles for loss on the season (sixth). Dating back to 2014, he had at least shared a tackle for loss in 10 consecutive games through CSU's contest vs. San Diego State (10/31). The junior totaled exactly 1.5 tackles for loss in each of the Rams' first six games this season.
Davis leads all Rams with 72 tackles on the season, including a career-high 13 vs. Boise State (10/10). His 8.0 tackles-per-game average ranks eighth in the MW.
MAKING HOLLYWOOD PLAYS
Wide receiver Rashard Higgins has recorded three 100-yard receiving games in 2015, in addition to five touchdowns catches (fourth in MW). Nine weeks into the season, Higgins leads the Mountain West and ranks 22nd nationally with 6.25 receptions per game. His 83.4 receiving yards per game average ranks second in the conference (28th nationally), while his 13.34 yards per catch ranks 11th.
Higgins scored a touchdown in the first four games he played in this season, and 18 different games throughout his career, totaling a school-record 28 career touchdowns. For his career, he is averaging 94.4 yards per game, and has 100-plus yards in 15 of them.
NOT YOUR AVERAGE JOE
Wide receiver Joe Hansley is tied for the team lead with five touchdowns, including two during an Oct. 17 victory over Air Force. For his career, Hansley has tallied 129 career catches for 1,742 yards and 11 touchdowns. The senior is two touchdowns, 11 receptions and 142 yards away from cracking CSU's career top 10 lists.
IN THE (RED) ZONE
CSU is 11-of-13 in the red zone over the past three games, scoring seven touchdowns and four field goals. On the season, the Rams have scored during 86.1 percent of drives that reach the red zone, good for 46th in the nation.
BENDING, BUT NOT BREAKING
CSU's opponents have started drives in Rams territory four times this season, scoring just six points. Boise State's second drive of the game started at the CSU 12-yard line after a turnover, but the Broncos had to settle for a field goal after gaining just one yard. Earlier in the season, Minnesota started a drive at the 27-yard line before fumbling, Colorado started at the 35 but missed a field goal and Utah State began a drive at the 8 before being held to a field goal.
EARLY AND OFTEN
CSU scored in three quarters against Wyoming, and on the season has put points on the board during 28 of 36 quarters.
COORS LIGHT COACH'S SHOW
The Coors Light Coach Bobo Coach's Show occurs every Wednesday at C.B. & Potts on Elizabeth Street. The show can also be heard on CSU's flagship radio station, ESPN 105.5. The final show will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 24 (moved up one day due to Thanksgiving).
THURSDAY-NIGHT TV
Thursday Night Football will have to take a backseat for Rams fans. Fans in the region have two opportunities to get an inside glimpse of CSU football. Todd Romero and former CSU and NFL standout Joel Dreessen co-host STATE of the Rams on Altitude, from 6-6:30 p.m. Following that, from 6:30-7 p.m., the Rams Report is back for its second season on ROOT SPORTS.
COMING HOME IN 2017
After five decades playing at Hughes Stadium, the Rams will bring football back to campus beginning in 2017. The new, $220 million on-campus stadium will hold 41,000 people, and will be located on the heart of campus, at the intersection of Pitkin and Meridian (Hughes Stadium is located approximately three miles west of campus). The state-of-the-art, multi-purpose stadium will have the ability to be used by multiple sports teams and will have an alumni center and academic space built in. Site prep began in May, and a groundbreaking ceremony took place prior to the Rams' contest against Minnesota on Sept. 12. More information, including a webcam on the construction site, can be found at www.stadium.colostate.edu.
More notes in PDF
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/ FootballInside the Offensive Linemen Room | Colorado State Football | Rams Live
Thursday, May 14
Inside The Tight End Room | Colorado State Football | Rams Live
Monday, May 11
Inside the Quarterback Room | Colorado State Football | Rams Live
Friday, May 08
Inside the Nickelback Room | Colorado State Football | Rams Live
Tuesday, April 28