Colorado State University Athletics
Bowl Game Notes: CSU football vs. Idaho, Dec. 22
12/8/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
The Colorado State football team will play in its fourth consecutive bowl game, facing the Idaho Vandals in the 20th Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, Dec. 22 in Boise, Idaho.
POTATO BOWL MEDIA GUIDE (PDF) / BOWL CENTRAL
Colorado State vs. Idaho
Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016 | 5 p.m. MT
Albertsons Stadium | Boise, Idaho
- TV: ESPN
- Stream: ESPN3.com / WatchESPN app
- Radio: ESPN Radio / KARS 102.9 FM / KDCO 1340 AM & 104.7 FM
- Live Stats (TBD)
- In-Game Twitter Updates
ABOUT COLORADO STATE
- Head coach Mike Bobo is the only CSU coach to go to back-to-back bowl games in his 1st 2 seasons.
- CSU is competing in its 16th bowl game ever, including 4th in a row.
- 8 of CSU's 11 FBS opponents are playing in a bowl game.
- The Rams' offense is averaging 47.4 points and 520.6 yards over the past 5 games (4-1).
- CSU is 47-of-50 when reaching the red zone (6th in FBS).
- CSU has posted 6 shutouts in a half this season, including an entire-game shutout vs. Fresno State, the Rams' 1st since 1997.
- Since returning to the starting lineup, QB Nick Stevens is 98-of-137 (71.5%) for 1,414 yards and 14 touchdown and 1 interception.
- WR Michael Gallup is averaging 148.5 yards per game over the past 4 games, scoring 6 times.
- All-America P Hayden Hunt was 1 of 10 semifinalists for the Ray Guy Award.
- LB Kevin Davis ranks in the top 10 in the Mountain West for tackles per game (8.4) and forced fumbles (4).
- CSU has had 5 100-yard rushing performances over the past 2 games, including a pair by RB Izzy Matthews, who has scored 11 touchdowns in his last 7 games.
- The Rams' offensive line has allowed just 1 sack in the past 5 games and ranks 13th in FBS with 1.08 allowed per game this season.
- 27 players have made their CSU debuts this season, including 8 true freshmen.
ABOUT IDAHO
- Head coach Paul Petrino is in his 4th season at Idaho. After going 2-22 in his 1st 2 seasons, the Vandals went 4-8 in 2015, before winning 8 games in 2016.
- Idaho has won 7 of its last 9 games after beginning the season 1-2 (both losses were to top-25 teams).
- Idaho is playing its its 3rd ever bowl game. The Vandals won the Humanitarian Bowl (previous name of Potato Bowl) in 1998 and 2009.
- The Vandals rank 14th in FBS with a 8 turnover margin. Idaho has forced 15 interceptions, including 5 apiece by LB Kaden Elliss and CB Jayshawn Jordan. Elliss also has 3 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries.
- QB Matt Linehan ranks in the upper-third of FBS for passing yards (2,803) and completion percentage (61.5%). He has thrown 15 touchdowns to 10 interceptions.
- K Austin Rehkow leads the nation with 2.17 field goals made per game and ranks 13th with a 89.7% success rate.
- Idaho ranks 9th in FBS for kickoff return defense (17.39 yards allowed per return).
- On the flip side, Idaho is near the bottom of FBS for rushing offense (141.3 yards per game; 105th) and passing yards allowed (270.0; 112th).
- RBs Aaron Duckworth (615 yards, 4 TDs) and Isaiah Saunders (584 yards, 6 TDs) lead the Vandals' ground attack.
- Deon Watson (555 yards, 2 TDs) and Trent Cowan (532 yards, 6 TDs) are Idaho's top receivers.
- LB Tony Lashley has a team-most 99 tackles and 10 tackles for loss. DE Aikeem Coleman leads the Vandals with 8.0 sacks.
SERIES HISTORY
Colorado State is 4-3 all-time against Idaho, last meeting in 2010 in Fort Collins.
- November 15, 1969 - The first meeting between the Rams and Vandals was a 31-21 victory for CSU. The game was highlighted by top players on both teams. Idaho boasted the nation's top receiver in Jerry Hendren and the Rams had running back Lawrence McCutcheon closing in on the school's first 1,000-yard rushing season. McCutcheon went down with a season-ending injury, breaking his arm, but it was Rams' tight end Greg Sharpe who caught a late pass from quarterback Chip Maxwell for a touchdown to seal the victory. It would end up being the last victory for CSU coach Mike Lude.
- September 25, 1971 - In the second meeting between CSU and Idaho, the Vandals traveled to Spokane, Wash., to play their one and only game in Vandals history at Joe Albi Stadium, because their new stadium in Moscow had not yet been completed. After beginning the 1971 season 0-2 and only gaining 31 rushing yards in those contests, the Vandals rushed for 228 yards against the Rams and scored 10 points in the first quarter. That is all they needed as Lawrence McCutcheon's 80 yards rushing was not enough to grant the Rams any points in the 10-0 shutout.
- October 6, 1973 - In the third meeting and first in the state of Idaho, the Rams traveled to Moscow for a closely contested game against the Vandals. The Rams fell behind 23-9 in the first half, but CSU coach Sark Arslanian in his first season at the helm, guided his team to rally in the second half. It would take the accurate arm of CSU quarterback Jan Stubbe and 119 receiving yards from CSU Hall of Fame inductee Willie Miller to help the Rams to a 33-30 victory.
- November 6, 1976 - In the fourth meeting between the two schools and first in Fort Collins since 1969, the Rams fumbled six times, two inside the Idaho 5-yard-line, but still dominated in a 31-14 victory. A punt return by Harry Washington and two touchdowns by Mark Davis bolstered an offensive effort that saw both Davis and Ron Harris rush for more than 100 yards. The victory was the fifth in a row by the Rams in 1976.
- September 12, 1992 - It took 16 years until Idaho and CSU would meet again, doing so in 1992. Coach Earle Bruce's Rams took a 28-6 lead in the first quarter, but from that point on the Vandals took control of the game. Idaho racked up 390 yards passing and scored 20 points in the fourth quarter, including a 29-yard game winning field goal with 42 seconds remaining to beat CSU, 37-34.
- October 3, 2009 - Another 17 years later the Rams and Vandals met for the sixth time. Following an impressive 3-1 start to the 2009 season, the Rams took on the Vandals with thoughts of another bowl-bound season. CSU quarterback Grant Stucker passed for 297 yards and four touchdowns, but it was not enough. With less than 2 minutes remaining, CSU's Lou Greenwood scored a late touchdown to come within two points of tying the game, but Stucker's pass to convert the two points was intercepted, allowing Idaho to hold on, 31-29.
- September 25, 2010 - Nearly one year after their last meeting, the Vandals traveled to Fort Collins as CSU wore orange jerseys for the first time in nearly 70 years and avenged the close loss in Moscow a year prior. CSU's Raymond Carter became the first Rams' running back since Lawrence McCutcheon to gain 100 yards on both the ground and through the air in the same game. With freshman Pete Thomas at quarterback, CSU fought to presumably tie Idaho late in the game, but kicker Ben DeLine missed the point-after attempt and the Rams trailed by one point. After getting the ball back, CSU drove the field and DeLine kicked a 35-yarder as time expired to win the game, 36-34, and end a 12-game losing streak.
ON A ROLL
CSU is bowl eligible after winning four of its final five regular-season games, and doing so in impressive fashion. The Rams are averaging 47.4 points per game during that span (fourth-most in FBS since Oct. 16) and 520.6 yards of offense (seventh).
- CSU has scored at least 46 points in each of its last three contests, totaling a season-most 49 vs. New Mexico (11/19), before upping that the following week with 63 at San Diego State (11/26).
- CSU has totaled 500 yards of offense in three consecutive games, and during the five-game stretch is averaging 520.6 yards, including 274.4 on the ground.
- In its last four victories, CSU has not trailed.
- CSU has scored on 34 (32 touchdowns) of 54 full drives over the past five games (63.0 percent), including eight of 12 in their most-recent game at San Diego State (11/26).
- CSU punted just nine times during the month of November, second-fewest in the entire country.
- CSU's defense posted a shutout against Fresno State (11/5) - the Rams' first since 1997 - and has limited some of the top rushing offenses in the country below their season averages (New Mexico and San Diego State).
- Against New Mexico (11/19), CSU totaled a season-most 576 yards and averaged 11.1 yards per play (second-highest average in school history). The 412 rushing yards were the eighth-most in CSU history, and the best total in 15 seasons.
- Through seven games, CSU ranked 96th in FBS for scoring offense (24.6 points per game) and 75th for total offense (401.3). With its strong second half, CSU has moved up to 38th in both scoring (34.1) and total offense (451.0).
- Looking even further, CSU has won five of its last seven games, with its two losses being by a combined eight points.
8 RECOGNIZED BY MOUNTAIN WEST
The Mountain West announced its all-conference football teams on Nov. 29, with eight Colorado State players being recognized, including three first-team selections. Junior WR Michael Gallup, senior P Hayden Hunt and senior OL Fred Zerblis were named the best at their respective positions, earning first-time honors for the first time in their careers. In addition to the trio, OL Jake Bennett and LB Kevin Davis were named to the second team, while OL Nick Callender and Paul Thurston and QB Nick Stevens were named honorable mention.
OUT IN FRONT
CSU jumped out to a 7-0 lead just 2:25 into its contest at San Diego State (11/26), marking the seventh game in a row it has scored first. In six of those contests, the Rams have scored on their first drive. The only exception was on Nov. 5 vs. Fresno State when the Rams were stopped on 4th-and-1 from the Bulldogs' 11-yard line.
CSU is out-scoring its opponents 247-179 in the first half this season, including 172-62 over the past five contests.
SEEING RED
CSU has scored 47 of 50 times when reaching the red zone this season (opponents' 20-yard line). The season average of 94.0 percent ranks sixth in the NCAA FBS. The Rams began the season a perfect 16-for-16 before missing a field goal vs. Wyoming (10/1). CSU's other two times it did not score when reaching the red zone was during the Rams' final drive at UNLV (10/22), when they let the clock run out after reaching the Rebels' 1-yard line, and on the first drive vs. Fresno State (11/5), going for it on 4th-and-1 from the 11-yard line.
STEVENS IN COMMAND
After an early-season demotion, Nick Stevens (All-Mountain West honorable mention) has stepped back into the saddle and looks like a completely different quarterback. In his six starts since returning to action, Stevens is 98-of-137 (71.5 percent) for 1,414 yards - and most notably 14 touchdown passes and two rushing scores compared to just one interception. At Air Force (11/12), Stevens passed for a career-most 374 yards (third-most by a Mountain West quarterback this season) and completed 22-of-29 passes. A week later vs. New Mexico (11/19), he passed for two touchdowns and ran for two more while completing 90 percent of his passes and compiling a 293.8 quarterback rating (personal best; highest by a CSU quarterback since Garrett Grayson vs. Wyoming in 2014).
Stevens' season completion percentage of 65.5 percent would not only be a school record but also ranks 14th among all FBS quarterbacks this season. He ranks seventh for pass efficiency (165.7), 10th for yards per pass attempt (9.04) and 23rd for passing yards per completion (13.81). His 36 career touchdown passes already rank tied for eighth in school history.
Stevens was an All-Mountain West second-team performer in 2015, starting all 13 contests and passing for 2,679 yards and 21 touchdowns. The 2,679 passing yards were a CSU sophomore record and second-most in the MW in 2015. His 21 touchdown passes led the league and ranked fifth in CSU's all-time record book. He started the Rams' season opener vs. Colorado before losing his starting role to QB Faton Bauta, and a week later to freshman Collin Hill. He got a second chance vs. Utah State (10/8) when Hill suffered an ACL tear.
GIDDY UP, GALLUP
In his debut season, WR Michael Gallup is etching his name into CSU's single-game and single-season record books, while not only becoming the Rams' top receiver but also one of the nation's elite. The All-Mountain West first-team selection has posted four consecutive 100-yard receiving games, averaging 148.5 yards and 1.5 touchdowns per game over that span. Looking even further, since Oct. 2, Gallup is averaging 130.9 yards per game (fourth in FBS during that period) and 7.43 receptions (ninth). Prior to that date, he ranked 181st for receiving yards.
A look into Gallup's numbers:
- 1,164 receiving yards
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- Seventh Rams receiver (11th time overall) to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a season; currently ranks fifth in CSU single-season history and is on pace to finish third.
- His 1,164 receiving yards rank 20th in FBS, while his 97.0 receiving yards-per-game average ranks 18th.
- Has five 100-yard receiving games, including four in a row. At Air Force (11/12), he had 213 receiving yards (fifth-most in CSU single-game history).
- 70 receptions
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- Currently ranks fifth in CSU single-season history; on pace to finish third.
- His 5.8 receptions per game rank 31st in FBS.
- Hauled in 13 catches at Air Force (11/12), second-best in CSU single-season history.
- 11 receiving touchdowns
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- Currently ranks second in CSU single-season history, trailing only 2014 All-American Rashard Higgins, who led the nation with 17 that year.
- Figure ranks 16th in FBS.
- Has scored in seven consecutive games and nine of the past 10, including a three-touchdown performance in the Rams' regular-season finale at San Diego State (11/26).
GALLUP'S HISTORIC PERFORMANCE
Each week, junior WR Michael Gallup - a JUCO transfer from Butler County Community College - has become more and more of a star for the Rams' offense. Not only has he led the Rams in receiving yards each of the past nine games, but he continues to get better with each game.
His best performance so far happened to be one of the best overall performances in school history, catching 13 passes for 213 yards and a touchdown at Air Force (11/12). The 13 catches were second-most in school history - second only to Jeff Champine's 14 on Oct. 29, 1983 - and he became just the sixth Rams' receiver with 200-plus yards in a single game, a total which was the fifth-most ever and highest since David Anderson's 232 on Oct. 2, 2004.
RUNNING TRIO
A three-headed approach of junior Dalyn Dawkins, sophomore Izzy Matthews and freshman Marvin Kinsey, Jr. have split the rushing load this season to combine for 2,052 rushing yards (171.0 per game). CSU is the only team in the nation with three running backs with 500-plus rushing yards and at least three touchdowns apiece.
Each one has led the Rams in rushing at least once this season, and each is averaging more than 4.9 yards per carry. Against New Mexico (11/19), all three rushed for at least 100 yards, becoming the second trio in CSU history to accomplish that feat (first since 1997). A week later, in the regular-season finale at San Diego State (11/26), Dawkins and Matthews were again over 100 yards, and over the past five games, CSU is averaging 274.4 rushing yards per game). When Matthews and Kinsey, Jr. each scored twice at UNLV (10/22) in marked the first time since 1996 that two Rams running backs have scored twice in a game.
Dawkins:
- Team-most 802 net rushing yards (ninth in the Mountain West), averaging 5.5 yards per carry.
- Has three consecutive 100-yard rushing games, and four on the season.
- Has three rushing and one receiving touchdown this season.
- His 157 receiving yards rank fourth on the team.
- Led a similar rushing approach with 867 yards in 2015.
Matthews:
- Has rushed for 705 yards and a team-most 12 touchdowns this season. The 12 rushing touchdowns rank fifth in the Mountain West this season and are tied for seventh in CSU single-season history.
- Has scored in seven consecutive contests, totaling 11 scores during that span (four multi-score games).
- Has rushed for 100-plus yards in back-to-back contests.
- In 2015, posted 590 rushing yards and five scores. The yards total was the fifth-most ever by a CSU freshman.
Kinsey:
- As a true freshman, rushed for 546 yards, seventh-most ever by a CSU freshman, before tearing his ACL during an early December practice.
- Averaging a team-best 5.9 yards per carry, including 7.0 yards per rush in games in which he has at least 10 carries.
- Has scored seven times, including five times in the past five games.
- Had his first multi-touchdown game at UNLV (10/22) and his first 100-yard rushing performance vs. New Mexico (11/19).
HUNT CAN PUNT
All-America P Hayden Hunt was named one of 10 national semifinalists for the 2016 Ray Guy Award, presented annually to college football's most outstanding punter. A year prior, he was one of three national finalists and an All-American by several publications.
The All-Mountain West first-team selection holds a 44.3 gross punting average (17th) and 40.9 net average (10th), but his ability stretches far wider than long punts. Of his 50 punts this season, 24 (48%) have pinned opponents inside their 20-yard line, including 15 punts inside the 15 (30%), seven inside the 10 (14%) and three inside the 5 (6%). Hunt has just three touchbacks, and has not had a punt blocked. He has 15 punts of at least 50 yards, with a long of 66 vs. New Mexico.
Twice this season, Hunt has been named the Ray Guy Award Punter of the Week. He averaged 46.7 yards over seven punts in a Sept. 10 win over UTSA, that went out of bounds on the fly at the 6-yard line. He earned the weekly honor again on Oct. 17 after averaging 43.3 yards over seven punts at No. 15 Boise State, with two traveling 50-plus yards and four being marked inside the Broncos' 20-yard line. Most impressive, Hunt also performed three on-side kicks in a row, the first two of which were successful and led to CSU touchdowns during a 20-point scoring spree over 1:25.
As a junior in 2015, Hunt ranked fifth nationally, averaging 46.0 yards per punt, while the Rams' team net punting average of 42.0 ranked fourth in all of college football. Of Hunt's 52 punts as a junior, 15 went at least 50 yards (28.8%), 24 (46.2%) were marked down inside the 20-yard line, 18 were fair caught (34.6%) and just one was a touchback (1.9%). Prior to the start of 2016, he was named Preseason All-America by ESPN, Sporting News, Sports Illustrated and Athlon Sports.
HUNT CAN DO IT ALL
In addition to ranking among the nation's best for net punting average, senior Hayden Hunt, a two-time Ray Guy Award semifinalist and 2015 All-American, has also thrown for a first down, ran for a first down and successfully converted two on-side kicks.
During the Rams' annual media day in August, Hunt joked with writers that he was the team's 16th-string quarterback. He has since proven he may be higher on the depth chart, both at quarterback and other positions. In the Rams' non-conference finale at Minnesota (9/24), Hunt converted a fake punt for a 29-yard gain. He received the snap, but instead of punting, threw it across the middle to DB Braylin Scott - who hauled in his first career reception. The play came at a critical time in the game. Trailing by 14 in the fourth quarter, CSU faced 4th-and-5 from its own 30-yard line. Six plays after the fake punt, the Rams scored to cut the deficit to a single score with 6:24 to play. Two weeks later, in the second quarter against Utah State (10/8), Hunt lined up to punt from the Rams' 39-yard line, but instead of punting, rushed forward for a six-yard gain and a first down.
His two on-side kicks at then-No. 15 Boise State (10/15) were part of a 20-0 run during a span of 1:25 during the fourth quarter, nearly completing an epic come-from-behind victory. Hunt is also the team's holder for all field goals and point-after attempts.
DAVIS AMONG NATION'S BEST
For the second season in a row, LB Kevin Davis (All-Mountain West second team) is the Rams' leader in tackles, reaching 100 as both a junior and senior. Entering the Rams' bowl game, Davis has 101 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks - all team bests. He has also been part of six turnovers, including four forced fumbles. He is currently one of two players in the country with 100-plus tackles, at least three sacks, and a forced fumble, fumble recovery and interception.
Additionally:
- Davis' four forced fumbles rank second in the MW and 12th in FBS.
- Davis' 8.4 tackles-per-game average ranks eighth in the Mountain West and 62nd in FBS.
- Davis' 9.5 tackles for loss rank ninth in the MW.
In the season opener against Colorado (9/2), he posted a career-most 19 tackles - the most by a Rams defender since Max Morgan (20) at Utah State in 2013 and the most by a MW defender this season. A week later vs. UTSA (9/10), Davis stole the show by being in on four sacks, including three in the fourth quarter alone - one of which was a strip sack. He was named the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 10 after recording an interception and recovering a fumble in the Rams' come-from-behind victory over Utah State (10/8). In July, he was named to the Butkus Award watch list and in October was added to the Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list.
DAVIS EARNS DEFENSIVE ACCOLADES
Senior LB Kevin Davis earned his first Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honor on Oct. 10, being recognized after tallying seven tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery in the Rams' come-from-behind victory over Utah State (10/8), which featured a second-half shutout. He also added a quarterback hurry in the fourth quarter, flushing Utah State QB Kent Myers out of the pocket on 3rd-and-3 and forcing the Aggies to punt. CSU got the ball near midfield and scored the game-winning touchdown five plays later.
The fumble recovery was the second of Davis' career - in addition to a pair of forced fumbles this season. The interception was also the second of his career, with the other ironically coming in the fourth quarter of CSU's seven-point victory at New Mexico last November.
O-LINE GRADING OUT
CSU brought back an experienced offensive line which included four returning starters from 2015. After some early-season bumps, the line is fully clicking, allowing just one sack over the last five games. In fact, the Rams have allowed just 13 sacks all season (1.08 per game), an average which ranks 13th in all of FBS football. Additionally, the Rams' run game has taken giant steps over the past five games, rushing for 1,393 yards (278.6 average) and 18 touchdowns, averaging 6.2 yards per carry.
The Rams are led by a unit that includes four All-Mountain West honorees. Senior right guard Fred Zerblis earned first team honors, junior center Jake Bennett was named to the second team and left tackle Nick Callender and left guard Paul Thurston earned honorable mention.
BEHIND THE LINE
Despite starting an entirely new defensive line, the Rams' defense has totaled 78 tackles for loss (6.5 per game), a figure which ranks second in the Mountain West and 40th nationally. Twenty-two players have registered a tackle for loss this season, with 14 recording at least a half-sack. Of the 14 players, 11 of them had never recorded a sack entering 2016.
WINNING THE TURNOVER BATTLE
CSU has turned the ball over just 12 times this season, a figure which ranks eighth in the FBS. The Rams have three giveaways in the past seven games, and haven't lost the turnover battle once during that span. The Rams are 5-0 on the season when winning the turnover battle, and 9-0 under head coach Mike Bobo. When CSU didn't turn the ball over in back-to-back games - against Utah State and at Boise State (10/15) - it marked just the second time since 1999 that the Rams had gone back-to-back contests without a turnover.
The Rams have given up the ball 12 times through 12 games this season, compared to 26 at this point last season. The Rams' plus-one turnover margin ranks 52nd nationally, a vast improvement from the end of last season (117th).
STIFF COMPETITION
CSU's five losses this season have come to teams with a combined record of 45-17 (72.6%). All five are competing in bowl games this month, with four being ranked or receiving top-25 votes as recently as Nov. 4.
Overall, eight of CSU's 11 FBS opponents finished the season with a .500 or better record and will be playing in a bowl game, and the Rams' strength of schedule ranks 33rd in the nation (62-52, .544).
NO PROBLEM IN NOVEMBER
CSU became bowl eligible after winning three games during the month of November, continuing a recent trend. When the calendar flips to November, the Rams have turned it up a notch.
- 7-1 record in the month of November under Coach Bobo.
- 11 wins in their last 13 games in the month of November.
- 7 home wins in a row during the month of November.
- 4 wins in its last 5 road games during the month of November.
FIRST-TIME ACTION
Several players made their debuts in a win over Fresno State (11/5), upping the team's season total to 27 first-year players: DB Robert Awunganyi, WR Detrich Clark, TE Dalton Fackrell, LB Justin Falls, OL Salofi Gaoa, WR Michael Gallup, LB Anthony Giusti, K Tavis Guerra, WR Anthony Hawkins, DB Houston Haynes, DB Jamal Hicks, QB Collin Hill, DL O'Shea Jackson, LB Arjay Jean, DB Devin Jones, DL Richard King, RB Marvin Kinsey, Jr., LB Deshon Mayes, DL Toby McBride, LB Max McDonald, DL Justin Nunez, QB J.C. Robles, FB Nate Ryken, OL Jeff Taylor and WR Marcus Wilson have made their collegiate or Division I debuts; transfers QB Faton Bauta and OL Paul Thurston made their CSU debuts vs. Colorado.
CSU has had 22 players make their first starts this season, a figure which ranks tied for eighth in all of NCAA FBS.
FRESHMAN IMPACT
Among CSU's eight true freshman to play this season, many have made an immediate impact on the field.
- Robert Awunganyi - Has played in eight games, posting four tackles and a breakup.
- Anthony Hawkins - Has played in all 12 games (four starts), rushing 11 times for 81 yards (7.4 average) while catching two passes for 27 yards, including a touchdown.
- Jamal Hicks - Has played in eight games (four starts), posting 20 tackles, two breakups and an interception.
- Collin Hill - Started four games at quarterback before suffering an ACL injury, completing 75-of-129 passes (58.1 percent) for 1,096 yards and eight touchdowns.
- Arjay Jean - Has posted 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 11 games (one start).
- Marvin Kinsey, Jr. - Recorded 549 rushing yards and seven touchdowns before an ACL tear ended his season. The rushing yards total is the seventh-most ever by a CSU freshman.
- Toby McBride - Has 30 tackles and ranks fourth on the team with 6.0 tackles for loss and tied for first with 3.0 sacks. The 30 tackles are the most by a CSU true freshman since Shaq Bell (39) in 2010.
STAYING DISCIPLINED
CSU ranked 113th nationally in 2015, averaging 69.1 penalty yards a game. Just one year later, CSU has dramatically improved its ranking, averaging 50.58 penalty yards per game, a figure which ranks 48th nationally.
SUCCESS ON FOURTH DOWN
During the Rams' first touchdown drive at Boise State (10/15), CSU converted three fourth-down conversions, including a 19-yard scramble by QB Nick Stevens. On the year, CSU is 13-of-22 on fourth down (36th in NCAA FBS), while opponents are just 8-of-19 against the Rams' defense (30th in NCAA FBS).
INCREASING THIRD-DOWN EFFICIENCY
CSU has taken steps toward reversing its season-long struggle of moving the ball in third-down situations over the last four games. The Rams have converted 26-of-46 (56.5 percent) opportunities over that span, including 9-of-13 efficiency at Air Force (11/12). CSU has jumped 67 teams over those four games, ranking 59th in FBS (40.9 percent on the season) after ranking 126th entering its contest at UNLV (10/22).
NEW TARGETS
Of CSU's 52 offensive touchdowns this season, 30 have been scored by players who entered the season never before finding the end zone, including 20 by players who were not on the Rams' roster a year ago.
- WR Michael Gallup has a team-most 11 receiving touchdowns, all coming in the last 10 games.
- RB Marvin Kinsey, Jr. scored for the fifth time in five games at San Diego State (11/26) to up his season total to seven.
- WR Detrich Clark (4), WR Anthony Hawkins (1) and QB Collin Hill (1) have also scored their first career touchdowns this season.
- WR Marcus Wilson, a converted safety who made his collegiate debut in the season opener, caught his first career pass for a touchdown vs. Colorado.
- WR Robert Ruiz, who missed last season with an injury and had zero career receptions entering 2016, hauled in touchdown passes vs. Northern Colorado (9/17) at Air Force (11/12) and at San Diego State (11/26).
- Senior TE Nolan Peralta scored his first career touchdown vs. Wyoming. He entered the game with eight career receptions, and later in the year, vs. New Mexico (11/19), scored again.
- Additionally, WRs Olabisi Johnson and Elroy Masters, Jr. and TE Danny Nwosu each scored their second career touchdowns. Johnson added another score vs. Utah State (10/8).
What's more, the Rams' first nine touchdown passes were thrown by newcomers.
WATSON GETS THE MESSAGE
After recording just a single tackle in the season opener vs. Colorado (9/2), starting linebacker Josh Watson was told by defensive coordinator Marty English that he would need to earn his starting job back. Junior Patrick Elsenbast started in Watson's place during Week 2 vs. UTSA (9/10), but while splitting snaps with Elsenbast, Watson proved he belonged in the starting lineup again, posting eight tackles and a half sack.
Starting again vs. Northern Colorado (9/17), Watson set a career high with 10 stops, two being for lost yards. That mark lasted one week, as he posted 12 at Minnesota (9/24) - again with two tackles for lost yards - and a dozen again vs. Wyoming (10/1). Over those three games, he averaged 11.67 tackles. His biggest plays during that span both resulted in lost yardage. Late in the first half at Minnesota, the Gophers had 1st-and-goal from the 2-yard line. On first down, Watson and LB Kevin Davis stuffed Minnesota RB Rodney Smith for no gain, and after a 1-yard loss on second down, Watson tackled QB Mitch Leidner for a seven-yard loss on third down, forcing the Gophers into a field goal. Against Wyoming, Watson and LB Evan Colorito sacked Cowboys' QB Josh Allen for an eight-yard loss on 3rd-and-goal, forcing the Pokes to kick a field goal.
Watson ranks second on the team for tackles (80) and third for tackles for loss (7.5). His 6.7 tackles-per-game average ranks 21st in the Mountain West. He also has a team-high four quarterback hurries and 1.5 sacks.
BRAYLIN THE BALL MAGNET
Sophomore DB Braylin Scott recorded three interceptions in three consecutive games. One month into the season, he was one of 10 players nationally with three interceptions - including the only player to pick off a pass in three consecutive games. Scott's first career interception came late in the Rams' victory over UTSA (9/10), ending the Roadrunners' last-minute drive and sealing CSU's victory. A week later vs. Northern Colorado (9/17), Scott ended the Bears' opening drive with an interception that was returned 36 yards and led to a CSU touchdown. He recorded his third pick with 53 seconds left in the first half at Minnesota (9/24). His season total is tied for fifth in the Mountain West.
SECONDARY STEPPING UP
CSU replaced the majority of its secondary from 2015, including Trent Matthews and Kevin Pierre-Louis - who each played 48-plus games in their career - and DeAndre Elliott, who is now playing for the Seattle Seahawks. After allowing 1,046 passing yards through the first four games, opponents have passed for just 1,240 yards over the final eight of the regular season. Senior Tyree Simmons is the Rams' lone starting defensive back who returned from last year, giving junior Jake Schlager and several underclassmen - including true freshmen Robert Awunganyi and Jamal Hicks - chances to prove themselves.
PROLIFIC OFFENSE
CSU posted a season-best 63 yards against San Diego State (11/26), cruising past one of the nation's top defenses. San Diego State entered the contest ranked third nationally for rushing defense (147.9), eighth for scoring defense (16.9) and ninth for total defense (301.1). CSU scored on its first three possessions and six of its first seven to take a 42-24 halftime advantage.
- CSU's 63 points scored were a season most (surpassing the previous week's 49 vs. New Mexico) and the highest total since CSU scored 65 in the 2015 season opener vs. Savannah State.
- The 63 points were the most allowed by SDSU since 2008.
- CSU totaled 507 total yards (nearly 60 percent above SDSU's season average) and 291 rushing yards (nearly double).
- The win snapped SDSU's 10-game home winning streak - which was the fourth-longest active streak in the FBS.
- It was CSU's first win over SDSU since 2008, snapping a five-game losing streak to the Aztecs.
PUMP THE BRAKES
Heisman Trophy candidate RB Donnel Pumphrey, who is on pace to set the NCAA's all-time career rushing yards record, was averaging 168.6 rushing yards per game entering the Aztecs' contest vs. CSU (11/26). CSU limited the All-American to 53 net yards (2.9 yards per carry), however, his lowest rushing output since his freshman season (Dec. 21, 2013 vs. Buffalo; 2 carries for 2 yards).
All around, CSU's defense stymied San Diego State's high-powered offense, holding the Aztecs 5.5 points, 54.3 yards and 89.4 rushing yards below their season averages. The Aztecs entered the game ranked in the top 25 for scoring and rushing offense. They did not score in the third quarter, the first time in 18 quarters.
Over the past three games, CSU has faced three of the nation's best rushing offenses (New Mexico led the nation entering its contest vs. CSU, while Air Force ranked fifth and San Diego State ranked seventh). CSU held both New Mexico and San Diego State significantly below their season averages, out-rushing both of them.
RUIZ JOINS THE RECORD BOOKS
Senior WR Robert Ruiz, who earned a scholarship during fall camp prior to the start of the season, is CSU's third-leading receiving with 20 catches for 315 yards and three touchdowns (second-most on team). He's also made a name for himself with his punt returning, however, including a 91-yard score at San Diego State (11/26). It was the longest punt-return touchdown in school history, breaking a 90-year-old record - the oldest in school history.
100X3
Entering the Rams' game against New Mexico (11/19), a CSU running back had reached 100 rushing yards just twice all season, with both coming from junior Dalyn Dawkins. Dawkins was the first to reach triple digits against the Lobos, but this time he wasn't alone, as freshman Marvin Kinsey, Jr. (127) and sophomore Izzy Matthews (107) reached the century mark, both posting career highs. It was the second time in school history and first time since 1996 (vs. Tennessee-Chattanooga) that three backs have reached 100 rushing yards in a single game.
Dawkins and Matthews followed those performances up one week later at San Diego State (11/26), rushing for 103 and 104 yards, respectively. It was Dawkins' third consecutive 100-yard rushing performance.
CLARK EXPANDING HIS GAME
Playing in his first Division I season, WR Detrich Clark continues to expand his role with the Rams. Most of his success has come on end-around runs or wildcat formations where he has rushed 34 times for 244 yards (7.2 average) and three scores. Against San Diego State (11/26), he scored his first receiving touchdown and also threw his first touchdown pass. The high school quarterback received a handoff from QB Nick Stevens before throwing a touchdown pass to WR Michael Gallup in the back-right corner of the end zone.
FRESHMAN INTERCEPTION
True freshman Jamal Hicks picked off a San Diego State pass early in the second half (11/26), leading to a CSU score eight plays later. It was not only the first interception of Hicks' young career, but the first interception by a CSU true freshman since Jasen Oden, Jr. in 2012.
ROAD WARRIORS
CSU picked up road wins at UNLV (10/22) and San Diego State (11/26). Dating back to the 2013 season, the Rams have won 12 of their last 19 true road contests - their best stretch since the 2001-03 seasons. Prior to the Rams' current run, they had lost 10 true road games in a row and 21 of 23.
GROUND ATTACK
The Rams' 412 rushing yards vs. New Mexico (11/19) were the most in a game since rushing for 440 vs. BYU on Nov. 1, 2001, and the eighth-highest total in school history. Not only were the Rams successful on the ground, but the defense was able to contain the Lobos' run game, which led the nation entering the contest.
CSU out-gained New Mexico, 412-285, on the ground, and after taking a 28-7 lead in the second quarter, was out-rushing the Lobos 223-11. CSU is the only opponent to out-rush New Mexico this season. In their first 10 games of the season, the Lobos out-rushed each of their opponents by at least 112 yards.
SAYING FAREWELL
CSU said farewell to its 49-year-old stadium on Nov. 19, playing the 262nd and final game at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium. The team went 146-114-2 (.562) at the facility that was built in 1968, including winning 16 of its final 20 contests. The program will transition to its $220-million on-campus stadium in 2017, located in the heart of CSU's main campus.
Prior to saying goodbye, the athletics department celebrated the venue throughout the season, creating the Farewell Hughes microsite and celebrating each decade at home games throughout the season. During the final game, upwards of 100 former players and coaches were on hand and were recognized on the field during halftime. Following the game, CSU symbolically bid farewell through a special ceremony. Flags representing each decade of Hughes Stadium's lifespan were displayed on the flagpoles on the east side of the stadium, beginning with the 1960s through the present. As each decade flag was lowered, one bank of lights was turned off to represent that decade in the closure of the stadium. Distinguished alumni and VIP guests - including Fort Collins mayor Wade Troxell, university president Tony Frank, legendary head coach Sonny Lubick and CSU's first coach at Hughes Stadium Mike Lude, among others - helped lower the flags and turn off the banks of lights.
Head coach Mike Bobo then fired the ROTC cannon for the final time at the stadium and the ceremony concluded with a video that cast attention on the new, on-campus stadium, including a live shot of a spotlight shining from the stadium's construction site.
HOME SWEET HOME
CSU closed its home slate with a 5-1 record, improving to 146-114-2 (.562) all-time at Hughes Stadium. The Rams won 16 of their last 20 home games dating back to the 2013 season.
CELEBRATING SENIORS
Prior to the CSU's game vs. New Mexico (11/19), the Rams recognized 20 players as part of Senior Night: QB Faton Bauta, OL Nick Callender, LB Pierre Copeland II, LB Kevin Davis, P Hayden Hunt, TE Brett Jordan, WR Elroy Masters, Jr., OL Christian Montes, TE Danny Nwosu, LB Bryan Ohene-Gyeni, TE Nolan Peralta, OL Tomas Rivera, DL Adrian Robinson, WR Robert Ruiz, DL Johnny Schupp, DB Tyree Simmons, OL Paul Thurston, DB Jordon Vaden, DB Eric Williams and OL Fred Zerblis.
The Rams won 18 home games over the past four seasons, the best four-year stretch in school history.
THE 300-200-100 CLUB
Several Rams put up historic numbers at Air Force (11/12), including a trio of offensive stars. QB Nick Stevens completed 22-of-29 passes for two touchdowns and a career-most 374 yards. More than half of his passes went to WR Michael Gallup, who finished the game with 13 catches for 213 yards - both personal bests. On the ground, RB Dalyn Dawkins had 102 rushing yards and the first two-touchdown game of his career.
It marked the first time in CSU history that the Rams have had a 300-yard passer, 200-yard receiver and 100-yard rusher in the same game.
PICK SIX: HOW SWEET IT IS
Junior DB Justin Sweet gave CSU a 24-14 lead at Air Force (11/12) when he intercepted Arion Worthman's pass and returned it 27 yards for a score. The interception was the first of Sweet's career, and it was the Rams' first pick six since Shaquil Barrett on Nov. 10, 2012 vs. UNLV. It was CSU's first defensive touchdown since Kevin Davis recovered a fumble in the end zone in the opening minute of the 2015 season vs. Savannah State (9/5/15).
PARTY LIKE IT'S 1997
What do 1997 and 2016 have in common? Those years mark the last two times the Cleveland Indians have played in the World Series, the last two times there have been two ties in a season in the NFL and the last two times CSU's defense has posted a shutout in a game.
The Rams kept Fresno State (11/5) off the board for all 60 minutes, marking the team's first shutout in 225 games - dating back to Oct. 4, 1997 vs. Hawai`i. How good was the defense?
- CSU posted the fifth and sixth shutouts of a half this season.
- CSU allowed 232 yards (season low for an opponent).
- Fresno State didn't record its initial first down until more than 18 minutes into the game. At that point, CSU's offense already had 12 first downs.
- The Bulldogs didn't cross midfield until midway through the third quarter.
- CSU tied a season high with 10 tackles for loss, including 1.5 sacks each for true freshmen Arjay Jean and Toby McBride, and the first career sacks for Max McDonald and Johnny Schupp.
- CB Jordon Vaden, a converted WR, intercepted a fourth-quarter pass to keep the shutout alive.
35-0 HALFTIME LEAD
CSU scored the first 35 points against UNLV (10/22), jumping out to a 35-0 halftime lead over the Rebels. In total, the Rams scored on five of their first six drives, and never trailed in the contest. The 35 first-half points were the most since CSU scored 45 in the 2015 season opener vs. Savannah State, and the most on the road or in a conference game since 2013 at New Mexico (37). In addition to shutting the Rebels out through the first 30 minutes, the Rams allowed just 72 total yards and caused two turnovers.
COMEBACK KIDS
CSU staged rallies in back-to-back contests, defeating Utah State (10/8) and nearly overcoming a 25-point fourth-quarter deficit at No. 15 Boise State (10/15).
Trailing Utah State by 14 points at halftime, CSU staged its largest comeback since Nov. 28, 2015 (17 points vs. Fresno State) by scoring 21 unanswered points. Utah State began the second half with the ball, but was limited to just four plays before punting. The Rams also used just four plays on their first possession, but traveled 80 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown catch by WR Michael Gallup. Three possessions later, CSU tied the game on a 1-yard Izzy Matthews run, and on its next drive took the lead, again behind a Matthews rush.
The wild final period against the Broncos included a 20-0 CSU run, three on-side kick attempts and a hook-and-ladder play in the final seconds of the game. Trailing 28-3 midway through the fourth quarter, CSU scored 20 unanswered points to cut the deficit to 28-23. The Rams would score three touchdowns in a span of 1:25, recovering two on-side kicks in the process. After a key defensive stop on fourth down, the Rams got the ball back with the chance to win the game in the final seconds, but ran out of time.
ON-SIDE KICK SUCCESS
The Rams successfully converted back-to-back on-side kicks at Boise State (10/15), part of a 20-0 CSU run in a span of 1:25. P Hayden Hunt kicked both, with the first being recovered by DB Kevin Nutt, Jr. and the second by RB Dalyn Dawkins. How rare was CSU's two successful attempts? Since 2008, the Rams had recovered just one of their last eight attempts, and CSU hadn't had two successful on-side kicks in the same season - let alone in a single game - since 2007.
SCORING FIRST
Boise State set a school record (FBS era) by not trailing for the first 307:36 to begin its season. That streak was snapped when CSU's Wyatt Bryan nailed a 39-yard field goal with 7:24 to play in the first quarter (10/15). The Rams nearly led for the remainder of the first half, until Boise State scored a touchdown in the final minute of the second quarter.
DEFENSIVE DOMINATION
Spanning more than an entire football game (63:27), CSU's defense kept opponents off the board for 13 consecutive drives. The streak began late in the first half vs. Utah State (10/8). After trailing 24-10 at the intermission, the Rams' defense stepped up and shut out the Aggies, which allowed the Rams to overcome a 14-point deficit and score the game's final 21 points. The dominant display carried over to the next week, when the high-powered Boise State offense was shut down through its first five drives. Overall, the streak included nine punts, two turnovers on downs, a fumble recovery and a game-winning interception.
The Rams have also kept opponents off the board for 60-minute stretches vs. Fresno State (11/5) and during the second half vs. UTSA (9/10) followed by the first half against Northern Colorado (9/17). Prior to that contest, the Rams hadn't blanked opponents for 60 consecutive minutes since 2011. Overall, CSU has shut out an opponent for a half six times this season, and nearly a seventh before Boise State scored with 27 seconds remaining in the first half (10/15).
CLIMBING THE HILL
Freshman QB Collin Hill had a career night vs. Wyoming (10/1), passing for 370 yards. He completed 23-of-41 passes, including a touchdown and interception. In four career starts, Hill averaged 267.5 passing yards per game with eight total touchdowns and two interceptions. He is one of two CSU quarterbacks (Pete Thomas, 2010) to ever have two 300-plus passing games as a freshman. Hill's debut season came to a close on a 19-yard keep vs. Utah State (10/8), suffering an ACL tear. He had surgery on Oct. 25, and head coach Mike Bobo is hopeful he can return to participate in some capacity during spring camp.
Hill's 14.61 passing yards per completion ranked 13th nationally at the time of his injury, while his 219.23 passing-yards-per-game average ranked third in the Mountain West - despite not playing the majority of the Rams' contest vs. UTSA and leaving the game early vs. Utah State.
HILL'S HISTORIC DEBUT
After inconsistent quarterback play through the first two games, head coach Mike Bobo named true freshman Collin Hill the Rams' quarterback for their game vs. Northern Colorado (9/17). Hill was phenomenal, completing 21-of-27 passes for 315 yards and four touchdowns. He added a fifth touchdown on the ground, rushing 51 yards into the end zone.
His 315 passing yards were the most ever by a CSU quarterback making his first career start.
His 51-yard rushing touchdown was the longest rush by a CSU quarterback since Bradlee Van Pelt (79-yard touchdown run vs. Fresno State, 10/4/02).
Hill's four touchdown passes - to four different receivers - are the third-most ever by a CSU quarterback.
HOMECOMING MAGIC
The Rams have won their past three homecoming games, defeating Utah State in 2014 and 2016 and Air Force in 2015. For all three games, CSU was the underdog. The Rams' 2014 contest came down to the wire, with CSU kicking two field goals in the final 2 minutes to win on the final play of the game. In October vs. the Aggies, the Rams overcame a 14-point halftime deficit by scoring the game's final 21 points.
STALWART SELLOUT
A standing-room-only crowd of 33,500 packed Hughes Stadium for the venue's final Border War (10/1). The crowd was the 11th-largest in school history, and largest since 2004. The sellout was CSU's fifth in a 13-game stretch; prior to that period, CSU didn't record a sellout for more than a decade. A week later, vs. Utah State (10/8), CSU nearly posted another sellout, with 32,387 in attendance - 117 shy of capacity.
For the season, the Rams averaged 27,600 fans, the ninth-highest season average in school history and best since 2005. The Rams' crowd of 29,133 in the season finale vs. New Mexico (11/19) was the highest in the month of November since 2002.
KICKING INTO HALFTIME
For four games in a row (9/10-10/1), K Wyatt Bryan attempted a field goal on the final play of the first half. The sophomore connected on three of the four attempts, giving the Rams late points as the team entered intermission.
The sophomore is 11-of-14 on the season, including three makes over 40 yards and a career-long 53-yarder vs. Northern Colorado (9/17). His .786 success rate ranks 44th in the FBS, and dating back more than a year, to Sept. 26, 2015, Bryan has made 23 of his last 28 field goal attempts.
BAUTA'S ROLE
Senior QB Faton Bauta's role as the Rams' signal caller may have lessened after being replaced during a Week-2 start vs. UTSA (9/10), but head coach Mike Bobo continues to find packages for the dual-threat quarterback. Bauta rushed eight times for 78 yards through the Rams' first two games, and during Week 4 at Minnesota (9/24), he had more opportunities to move the ball with his feet, rushing six times for 33 yards, including three carries of at least nine yards.
Bauta ignited the Rams' second-half opening drive, rushing for nine yards on the first play - a drive which ended with a touchdown. He also had a nine-yard rush during the Rams' next drive - also a score. The senior transfer has played in nine games this season, rushing 19 times for 124 yards (6.5 average).
DEFENSIVE STOPS WHEN NEEDED
Despite being criticized for missed tackles during a loss at Minnesota (9/24), the Rams' defense rose to the occasion and made plays when the team needed it most. After the Gophers took a 14-7 lead, they were limited to just 44 total yards and three points over their next four drives, a span of more than 28 minutes. The three points could have been more, but facing 1st-and-goal from the 2-yard line, the defense stopped RB Rodney Smith twice for no gain and a lost yard before QB Mitch Leidner was tackled for a seven-yard loss on third down.
Again, the defense was at its best in the fourth quarter when CSU needed a stop after scoring to cut the Gophers' lead to a single score with 6:24 to play. Minnesota was limited to just three plays and zero yards, and had to punt right away, giving the Rams a final chance to tie the game.
SHUT-DOWN DEFENSE
CSU's defense did not allow a point for four consecutive quarters from the second half vs. UTSA (9/10) to halftime vs. Northern Colorado (9/17). The stretch, which lasted 65:04 and 16 drives, was the longest since 2011, when the Rams' defense shut out New Mexico in the second half before blanking Northern Colorado through the first half the following week.
ELROY'S BACK
After missing the final 11 games of 2015 with a broken collarbone, junior WR Elroy Masters, Jr. recorded his first catch in nearly a year vs. UTSA (9/10). He hauled in three receptions for 67 yards in the win, including a 45-yard leaping grab with 2 seconds left in the first half - CSU's longest play of the season at the time. After UTSA cut the Rams' lead to 17-14 with 20 seconds remaining in the half, CSU aired it out and it paid off. Masters' grab set up a field goal to give CSU a six-point lead at intermission.
One week later, vs. Northern Colorado, he earned his second career start and caught two more passes for 19 yards, including the second touchdown of his career. Masters, who has elected to graduate early and not return in 2017, has seven catches for 108 yards this season.
ORANGE IS THE NEW GREEN
CSU honored its Aggie heritage during its game against Northern Colorado (9/17), as fans and the team wore orange in honor of the school's annual Ag Day celebration. Formerly the Colorado A&M Aggies (prior to 1957), CSU's uniforms represented the school's original colors of pumpkin and alfalfa.
Since 1981, Ag Day, which is hosted by CSU's College of Agricultural Sciences and Department of Intercollegiate Athletics along with Colorado Agricultural organizations and associations, is a non-profit event with proceeds furnishing scholarships to CSU agricultural science students. Prior to the game, Colorado agricultural growers and producers prepared Colorado's premier outdoor barbecue from quality Colorado food products. While donning the orange uniforms in Orange Outs, CSU is 7-0.
STREAKING IN HOME OPENERS
With CSU's win over UTSA (9/10), the Rams have won four home openers in a row and eight of their last nine dating back to 2008. During CSU's four-game win streak in home openers, it is out-scoring its opponents, 171-65.
STOUT DEFENSE
CSU graduated all four of its defensive linemen from 2015, but fans wouldn't know that based off of the team's performance against UTSA (9/10). Coupled with an experienced linebacking corps, CSU limited UTSA's offense to:
- 14 total points, including zero in the second half.
- -1 rushing yards on 34 attempts, the third-lowest total in school history.
- CSU's six sacks contributed to UTSA's low rushing total, including a career-most 3.0 by senior LB Kevin Davis and the first career sacks by LB Evan Colorito and DB Justin Sweet, and a sack for the second consecutive week by DL Jakob Buys.
- Just 235 total yards of offense, including 63 in the second half.
- Sophomore DB Braylin Scott's first career interception, a pick that sealed the Rams' victory in the final minutes.
NEW DEFENDERS STEPPED UP IN OPENER
CSU replaced eight starters on defense, in addition to its defensive coordinator. The Rams also switched their base front from a 4-3 to a 3-4. In total, six of CSU's 11 starters vs. Colorado (9/2) were making their first career starts, plus Jake Schlager who was making his second. Of the 20 defenders who saw playing time in the Showdown, 15 recorded career highs for tackles at the time: Kevin Davis (19), Jake Schlager (11), Justin Sweet (8), Evan Colorito (6), Demontrie Taylor (5), Josh Lovingood (5), Jordon Vaden (4), Toby McBride (4), Johnny Schupp (4), Deshon Mayes (4), Jakob Buys (4), Patrick Elsenbast (2), Richard King (2), Shun Johnson (1) and Darnell Thompson (1).
In addition to tackles, Buys recorded his first career sack - a six-yard loss in the second quarter - while Davis, Mayes and Sweet forced their first career fumbles and Taylor recovered his first loose ball. Schlager had his second fumble recovery.
HOT TICKET
A total of 69,850 fans attended the 2016 Rocky Mountain Showdown at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, home of the Denver Broncos (9/2). It was the largest attendance in the series since 2003 and fifth year in a row that the crowd has grown. CSU sold 34,167 tickets, the fourth year in a row that the school's total has risen and nearly double its total from just four years ago (18,169 in 2012).
NEW FACES
Bobo and his staff signed one of the Rams' largest-ever recruiting classes this spring, featuring 23 players who are now wearing the Green and Gold. The class was ranked second-best in the Mountain West by Rivals, and featured six JUCO players, two graduate transfers from Power-5 schools and 15 prep stars. The list spans players from 14 states and includes four players who enrolled in January and spent spring practices with the team. Bobo praised several of the players during fall camp and it's shown, with 17 playing this season including eight true freshmen.
In addition to the players, in February, Bobo named Jamie Bryant as the Rams' special teams coordinator. Bryant was most recently at Delaware State, and has nearly two decades of college experience, including nine seasons at Vanderbilt. During the offseason, Bobo also promoted Marty English to defensive coordinator (was previously CSU's linebackers coach) and named Joe Cox as tight ends coach (formerly an offensive graduate assistant). English served as CSU's co-defensive coordinator from 2012-14.
FRESH UNIS
During a fall training camp livestream, the CSU Rams debuted their new Under Armour uniforms, which include the athletic department's new letterhead and a Ram horn on the shoulder pads - an accent chosen by the players. The player's favorite threads were the green tops and green pants, a combination that hadn't been worn since 2011 prior to the Rams' homecoming game vs. Utah State (10/8). In addition to green, white and orange tops, CSU broke out an all-gray look for the Border War (10/1) - one of nine different combinations worn this season.
Bobo noted that the new jerseys are made from a cutting-edge material, and that CSU is one of just a handful of schools to wear it.
In December 2015, CSU announced a long-term partnership with Under Armour, extending its current agreement with the global performance brand to be the exclusive outfitter for CSU's athletics programs through 2021. As part of the new long-term agreement, Under Armour will continue to exclusively design and supply the gameday uniforms, as well as footwear, apparel and training equipment for each of CSU's 16 men's and women's athletics teams. It includes alternate gameday uniforms that Under Armour will supply for the Rams, expanding upon the special Orange Out uniforms Under Armour has supplied for CSU's annual Ag Day game.
AWARDING SCHOLARSHIPS
During his brief tenure at CSU, head coach Mike Bobo has repeatedly said that if a player is working hard and making an impact on the team, he deserves to be on scholarship. The coach backed up his words during fall training camp, awarding four players with scholarships: DL Jakob Buys, FB Adam Prentice, WR Robert Ruiz and DB Eric Williams.
"A scholarship is something that is earned, and it's not something that we give away or take lightly," Bobo said. "You want to reward guys who work hard and are going to play a role on your team. Those players, not only do they work hard, but they're moving up on the depth chart and are continuing to improve. We wanted to show that we notice that."
PORTER AMONG PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME NOMINEES
The Pro Football Hall of Fame's selection process for the Class of 2017 has begun, and first-year eligible player Joey Porter was included in the initial list of 94 nominees. He did not make the list of 26 semifinalists, announced Nov. 16.
From 1995 to 1998 there were few players more feared in college football than CSU defensive end Joey Porter. In his four seasons in Fort Collins, Porter recorded 20 quarterback sacks, 28 tackles for loss, eight fumbles forced and one interception. As a senior in 1998, he was named first-team All-WAC. He went on to be drafted in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft and played 13 years in the League, earning four Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl XL title. He became the first player in NFL history to record 10 career interceptions and 70 career sacks, and additionally, became the first player to register at least five sacks in 11 consecutive seasons. After a year as an undergraduate student assistant at CSU, he is now in his third season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, serving as outside linebackers coach.
LOOKING BACK AT THE SCHEDULE
- CSU opened its season against Colorado (Sept. 2) for the fourth time in the past five seasons. Entering 2016, CSU was 2-1 in the three most-recent season-opening meetings.
- The Rams' matchup against UTSA (Sept. 10) was a return trip from last season, when the Rams defeated the Roadrunners, 33-31, in San Antonio, Texas.
- CSU improved to 20-0-1 all-time against Northern Colorado (Sept. 17), with the first meeting taking place in 1893. Prior to September, the Rams and Bears last met in 2011.
- CSU didn't leave the state of Colorado until a Sept. 24 road contest at Minnesota. The Rams played in a Big Ten opponent's home stadium for the third time ever (1998 win at No. 23 Michigan State, 2005 loss at Minnesota). Overall, a team from a Power 5 conference hosted CSU for the third time in the past four seasons.
- The Border War was played on an earlier date (Oct. 1) than it has in 15 years. The last time CSU and Wyoming met before Oct. 1 was on Sept. 29, 2001, a 42-14 Rams victory in Laramie.
- CSU traveled to UNLV (Oct. 22) for the first time since 2011 and San Diego State (Nov. 26) for the first time since 2012.
- The final game at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium was Nov. 19 vs. New Mexico.
- CSU has a winning record against seven of its 12 regular-season opponents (Fresno State, New Mexico, Northern Colorado, UNLV, UTSA, Utah State and Wyoming).
A DEEPER LOOK AT THE SCHEDULE
Earlier this spring, CSU announced its complete list of 2017 opponents, including the grand opening to the new stadium on Sept. 9. Additionally, 14 non-conference dates for the 2018-26 seasons are also known - 12 of which are against Power-5 opponents.
- 2017: vs. Colorado in Denver (Sept. 2), Abilene Christian (Sept. 9), at Alabama (Sept. 16), Oregon State (Sept. 23). Mountain West home opponents: Air Force, Boise State, Nevada and San Jose State. Mountain West road opponents: Hawai'i, New Mexico, Utah State and Wyoming.
- 2018: Sept. 1 vs. Colorado (Denver), Sept. 15 at Florida
- 2019: Aug. 31 vs. Colorado (Denver), Sept. 14 at Arkansas, Sept. 21 vs. Toledo
- 2020: Sept. 5 vs. Colorado, Sept. 12 at Oregon State, Sept. 26 at Vanderbilt
- 2021: Sept. 11 vs. Vanderbilt, Sept. 25 at Toledo
- 2025: Sept. 6 vs. Texas Tech, Sept. 27 at Vanderbilt
- 2026: Sept. 12 at Texas Tech, Sept. 26 vs. Vanderbilt
GET YOUR GREEN ON EVERY FRIDAY
Thanks to a collaborative effort between CSU, the City of Fort Collins, the Downtown Business Association, Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, Visit Fort Collins and Poudre School District, all citizens are being encouraged to "Get Your Green On" every Friday to honor CSU's primary school color. The initiative is meant to encourage school pride and awareness. Fort Collins Mayor Wade Troxell - a former CSU football player and long-time professor in the school's College of Engineering - ushered in the initiative with a proclamation during a recent city council meeting.
WATCH THE RAMS ON THE ROAD
Rams fans can gather at several locations in Colorado to enjoy CSU Rams football away game watch parties in 2016, featuring drink specials and CSU prizes. The Boot Grill in Fort Collins (Laurel and Mason), C.B. & Potts in Westminster (1257 W. 120th Ave.) and the Denver Tech Center (6575 S. Greenwood Plaza Blvd.), and the Rock Bottom Brewery in downtown Denver on the 16th Street Mall will serve as official hosts of away game watch parties. For more information, please visit the CSU Alumni Association website for watch-party information in Colorado and across the country.
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