Colorado State University Athletics
Potato Bowl Blog: Day 2
12/19/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
By Grant Larson
Athletics Communications
Photo Gallery / Additional Videos / Bowl Central
BOISE, Idaho – Following the Rams’ near-comeback against the Boise State Broncos on Oct. 15, players and coaches told themselves in the locker room that they would be a different team moving forward. They carried that chip on their shoulders through a shutout win over Fresno State, a #FarewellHughes blowout victory over New Mexico, and the dismantling of the conference champion San Diego State Aztecs.
#TearEmAsunder @IDPotatoBowl pic.twitter.com/Tiik5lNNHg
— CSU Rams Football (@CSUFootball) December 20, 2016
“We said in that locker room that we weren't going to lose the rest of the season,” Head Coach Mike Bobo said. “We weren't able to do that. We lost to Air Force, but I think we've been playing with the mindset that when we step on the field, because of the work we do during the week and the preparation that we do, we ought to expect to win. The guys are starting to play like that.”
The Rams, now preparing for their fourth consecutive bowl game, returned to Boise this week and have been inspired by the surroundings that they pinpoint as the turning point of their season.
“The point we started seeing a lot of success was the game here - the end of the Boise State game,” quarterback Nick Stevens said. “We had a lot of success and efficiency and explosiveness on offense. I think from there we kind of took off offensively. I'm not sure what happened, but things just started to click.”
On Monday, the team held a two-hour practice and were then able to enjoy a night at Wahooz Family Fun Zone. The evening featured a “Bowling for Charity” competition, in which the Rams beat the Vandals, securing a donation of 200 pounds of beef and 600 pounds of potatoes for the Boise Rescue Mission. The players then received game cards which they could use in the arcade and for laser tag, before enjoying an Italian buffet dinner.
Anthony Hawkins with the spare, and @young_ruizjr4 is feeling it! #PotatoBowl #CSUvsIDHO pic.twitter.com/ajkt7P1Iuv
— CSU Rams Football (@CSUFootball) December 20, 2016
The Rams will be back on the practice field early Tuesday morning for their third practice in Boise, before hitting the slopes for an afternoon of tubing and winter sports at Bogus Basin. Follow @CSUFootball on Twitter for more information, pictures and videos from our bowl trip.
