Game Notes: Colorado State to host Air Force in rivalry matchup

Colorado State (6-2, 4-0 MW) vs. Air Force (3-4, 2-2 MW)
Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017 | 1 p.m. MT
Sonny Lubick Field at Colorado State Stadium (36,500 / 41,000 SRO) | Fort Collins, Colo.

QUICK HITS - COLORADO STATE

Colorado State returns home for just the second time since Sept. 9, hosting Mountain West foe Air Force on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 1 p.m. The Rams have won six in a row at home (including all three this season at the new on-campus stadium), tied for the ninth-longest home winning streak in the nation. CSU also has won 9 of its last 10 and 19 of its last 23 home games.
The Rams are 4-0 in Mountain West play for the first time since starting 6-0 in 2002, en route to their most recent MW title. CSU leads the Mountain Division of the MW with a 4-0 record (Boise State is 3-0). Only two MW teams are 3-0 (CSU and Fresno State).
Colorado State ranks 10th in the FBS in total offense (507.0) and 16th in passing offense (310.8). Both figures lead the MW.
The Rams have allowed only three sacks all year and now rank second in all of FBS for fewest sacks allowed (0.38 per game).
Colorado State leads the MW and ranks third in FBS in third-down conversions (51.8%) and in first downs earned (206; 25.8 per game).
Defensively, the Rams rank 14th in the FBS in red zone defense (71.4%), and have allowed opponents into the red zone just 14 times in 2017 (1.75 per game).
Senior QB Nick Stevens ranks 4th in the FBS in passing yards (2,486), 6th in passing TDs (20) and 10th in passing yards per game (310.8).
Senior WR Michael Gallup is the FBS active career leader in receiving yards per game (108.5 in 21 games). He leads the nation in receiving yards (1,006) in 2017, ranks second in receiving yards per game (125.8) and third in receptions per game (8.1).

QUICK HITS - AIR FORCE

Air Force is in their 11th season under Head Coach Troy Calhoun (80-57).
The 2017 season marks the 38th year of the Ram-Falcon trophy with Air Force holding a 22-15 series lead.
Air Force has three of its final four games of the season at home.
Air Force defeated Nevada, 45-42, in Reno last week. Luke Strebel kicked a 30 yard field goal as time expired to provide the winning margin.
Air Force has scored in a school record 305 consecutive games.
Air Force improved to 71-8 under Head Coach Troy Calhoun when entering the fourth quarter with the lead after its victory over Nevada Oct. 20.
Air Force leads the MW and ranks seventh nationally in passing efficiency (165.7).
Air Force leads the MW and ranks fifth nationally in rushing (341.4).
Air Force has scored 30 or more points in four straight and five of seven games this season.
The Falcons lead the MW and nation in passing defense (147.6)
The Falcons are completing a five-game stretch with four of five games on the road in which the team is 2-2 during the stretch with a win at home against UNLV and a win on the road against Nevada.

SERIES NOTES

CSU is 21-33-1 all-time against Air Force, including 10-13-0 in Fort Collins.
The home team has won the last five matchups, with CSU's last loss in Fort Collins coming in 2011.
On the line is the Ram-Falcon Trophy, which has been awarded annually to the game's winner since 1980.
The trophy is traced back to former CSU ROTC commander Shelly Godkin.
In the 2016 matchup...
- WR Michael Gallup recorded 13 catches for 213 yards, the first 200-yard game of his career.
- RB Dalyn Dawkins rushed for 102 yards on 14 carries, while Izzy Matthews carried 14 times for 102 yards.
- LB Tre Thomas recorded seven tackles while Josh Watson and Evan Colorito each tallied six.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES VS. AIR FORCE

The Rams have had seven players rush for over 100 yards against the Falcons, including Dalyn Dawkins (14 carries, 102 yards) last year.
Michael Gallup had his first 200-yard receiving outing of his career last year at Air Force (13 catches, 213 yards). David Anderson just missed the 200-yard plateau in 2003, finishing with 199 yards against the Falcons in his sophomore season.
DB Tyree Simmons had an interception and forced a fumble to help lead CSU to a 38-23 win in Fort Collins in 2015.
CSU's top three passing performances against Air Force have all occurred in the last four years: Garrett Grayson (395 yards in 2013, 366 in 2014) and Nick Stevens (374 yards in 2016).

STREAKING IN THE END ZONE
A number of Rams have had a nose for the end zone so far in Mountain West play and are on notable touchdown streaks. RB Izzy Matthews has rushed for a touchdown in all four Mountain West games this season—including a pair of touchdowns at Hawai'i—and dating back to last year, has rushed for at least one touchdown in 11 consecutive conference games.

Senior TE Dalton Fackrell has also caught a touchdown in all four conference games this season, the first four tochdown receptions of his Division I career. On the passing end of his scores, QB Nick Stevens has thrown multiple touchdowns in six consecutive games—dating back to Colorado (Sept. 1)—and 10 Mountain West games in a row.

Going Bowling
With the Week 8 win at New Mexico, the Rams clinched bowl eligibility for the fifth consecutive season – something that has only been done once before, from 1999-2003. CSU has qualified for the postseason all three years under Head Coach Mike Bobo, playing in the Arizona Bowl in 2015 and Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in 2016.

All-time, CSU has played in 16 bowl games, including 15 since 1990, in addition to the 1949 Raisin Bowl. The Rams are looking for their 16th conference title, and first since 2002.

SENIORS STEAL SHOW IN HOMECOMING WIN
The Rams were led by a collection of seniors in their thrilling 44-42 homecoming victory over the Nevada Wolf Pack. Quarterback Nick Stevens passed for 384 yards and four touchdowns, while running back Dalyn Dawkins rushed for a career-high 191 yards on just 17 carries. Wide receiver Michael Gallup totaled 262 yards and three touchdowns—two yards short of CSU's single-game receiving record—and tight end Dalton Fackrell hauled in his third receiving touchdown in as many games.

On the defensive side, safety Jordan Fogal tied for the team lead with seven tackles including 1.0 tackle for loss, and fellow safety Jake Schlager followed closely behind with five tackles.

Anchored by three fifth-year seniors—Jake Bennett, Zack Golditch and Trae Moxley—the offensive line was its usual dominant self, extending its streak of conesuctive quarters without a sack allowed to 22. The Wolf Pack came into the game ranked sixth in the country, averaging 8.3 tackles for loss per game, but mustered just 1.0 against the Rams' offensive front.

LIKE MIKE
Through Week 8 of the 2017 season, Michael Gallup ranks first in the country with 1,006 receiving yards, ranks second in receiving yards per game (125.8) and third in receptions per game (8.1). He has four 100-yard games already on the year, and a pair of 200-yard performances (212 at Hawai'i, 263 vs. Nevada). He has at least five catches and 55 yards in every game this season. In a matchup against No. 1 Alabama, Gallup lined up against projected first-round draft pick Minkah Fitzpatrick and pulled in five catches for 81 yards, the most by a receiver against Alabama this season.

In the first three games of Mountain West play, (Sept. 30 at Hawai'i, Oct. 7 at Utah State, Oct. 14 vs. Nevada), Gallup posted 28 catches for 563 yards – the best three-game receiving stretch in CSU history. For his efforts against Nevada, Gallup was named MW Offensive Player of the Week.

Gallup now has 10 100-yard games in his career, the fifth-most in program history. His career average of 108.5 yards per game leads all active FBS players.

The Monroe, Ga., native now ranks sixth all-time in receiving yards at CSU, recording 2,278 in 21 games as a Ram. He is also tied for fifth in receiving TDs (19) and fifth in 100-yard games.

A JUCO transfer, Gallup filled the hole left by WRs Rashard Higgins and Joe Hansley in 2016, recording one of the best receiving seasons in CSU history. Gallup finished his first year with the Rams with 76 catches (3rd in CSU single-season history) for 1,272 yards (3rd) and 14 touchdowns (2nd). Gallup scored at least one touchdown in each of his final eight games, including three apiece in the final two.

HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN
The homecoming matchup against Nevada marked the second sellout of the season and the third game of 2017 for which Colorado State sold all tickets for a game. The opening game at the new stadium Aug. 26 vs. Oregon State was a sellout (37,583) and CSU sold all of its ticket allotment for the Sept. 1 Rocky Mountain Showdown in Denver vs. Colorado (32,727). All seats for the next home game, Oct. 28 vs. Air Force, have sold out (standing-room tickets remain available).

After going 10 years without a sold-out game, from 2004-2014 (Last: Oct. 22, 2004, vs. Wyoming), the Rams have sold out seven of their last 19 home games.

DEFENSE MAKES STATEMENT AT UTAH STATE
The Rams defense had one of its most dominant performances in recent history, recording seven sacks and 13 tackles for loss, while allowing just 212 total yards in CSU's 27-14 win at Utah State. The seven sacks are the most by the Rams defense since 2011, while the 212 yards allowed is the fewest by an FBS opponent since 2013.

In his first start of the season, sophomore DE Arjay Jean led the Rams with six tackles, two sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. True freshman LB Emmanuel Jones recorded the first two sacks of his career, while Richard King, Caleb Smith, Jakob Buys and Evan Colorito tallied the Rams' other sacks.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME
CSU is 3-0 in the new on-campus stadium. The Rams had a 5-1 record in home games in 2016, and have won six in a row at home and nine of their last 10 (and 19 of their last 23) games in the friendly confines of Fort Collins dating back to a win over UNLV on Nov. 14, 2015.

Over that 10-game stretch, CSU has averaged 38.3 points, with an average margin of victory of 14.1 points.

GOING FOR 500 (and 600)
CSU has eclipsed 500 yards of total offense five times this season, and reached 600-plus yards three times. Under Coach Bobo and offensive coordinator Will Friend, the Rams have exceeded 500 yards of total offense 14 times (4 in 2015, 5 in 2016, 5 in 2017).

The Rams posted 610 yards at Hawaii on Sept. 30 - a season high and the most under Coach Bobo. The total also ranks 10th all-time.

The offense came just short of beating that mark two weeks later against Nevada (Oct. 14), putting up 608 yards of total offense.

STEVENS STARS FOR CSU
Senior QB Nick Stevens has had an incredibly productive 2017 season. Stevens ranks 4th in the FBS in passing yards (2,486), 6th in passing TDs (20) and 10th in passing yards per game (310.8).

Stevens put on a QB clinic at Hawai'i on Sept. 30, going 18-of-22 for 351 yards and four touchdowns. He also completed his last 12 passes in a row, beginning with his first completion of the second quarter.

Stevens' accolades included:
• Davey O'Brien "Great 8" list
• Manning Award "Stars of the Week"
• Honorable Mention, CFPA National Performer of the Week

He is now second all-time at CSU in passing yards (7,237) and fourth in completions (517), while ascending to fourth place in pass attempts (860). He remains second in passing touchdowns, but with two last Saturday, to reach 61 for his career, is now just three behind all-time leader Garrett Grayson (64).

Stevens threw for 384 yards and 4 TDs against Nevada (Oct. 14). With his fifth 300-yard game of the season and eighth of his career, Stevens is now tied for second all-time, four behind Grayson (12).

In the win at New Mexico, the signal-caller passed for a season-low 231 yards but still completed over 50 percent of his passes and threw two touchdowns with no interceptions. He has now gone four consecutive games and 17 consecutive quarters without throwing an interception.

RAMS IN THE NCAA RANKINGS
• K Wyatt Bryan: 22nd in field goal percentage (85.7).
• RB Dalyn Dawkins: 18th in rushing yards (755).
• WR Michael Gallup: First in receiving yards (1,006), third in receptions per game (8.1), second in receiving yards per game (125.8), 33rd in receiving touchdowns (5).
• WR Olabisi Johnson: 34th in punt return average (7.6).
• QB Nick Stevens: Fourth in passing yards (2,486), sixth in passing touchdowns (20), 10th in passing yards per game (310.8), 13th in total offense per game (319.5), 19th in completions per game (22.4), 20th in passer efficiency rating (153.9), 18th in passing yards per completion (13.9).
• P Ryan Stonehouse: Second in punting average (48.7)

RECORD WATCH
Several Rams are within reach of positions in the Colorado State record books:

Wyatt Bryan:
   FGs Made-
   T-4. Jared Roberts - 42 - 2012-14
   T-4. Steve DeLine - 42 - 1984-86
   5. Wyatt Bryan - 39 - 2015-Present
Dalyn Dawkins:
   Rushing Yards-
   7. Cecil Sapp - 2,642 - 1999-2002
   8. Oscar Reed - 2,581 - 1965-67
   9. Dalyn Dawkins - 2,541 - 2015-Present
Michael Gallup:
   Receiving Yards-
   4. Jeff Champine - 2,811 - 1980-83
   5. Willie Miller - 2,735 - 1972-74
   6. Michael Gallup - 2,278 - 2016-Present
   Receptions-
   7. Willie Miller - 148 - 1972-74
   8. Pete Rebstock - 143 - 1998-01
   T-9. Michael Gallup - 141 - 2016-Present
   T-9. Kory Sperry - 141 - 2004-08
   Receiving TDs-
   1. Rashard Higgins - 31 - 2013-15
   2. Jeff Champine - 21 - 1980-83
   T-3. David Anderson - 20 - 2002-05
   T-3. Kory Sperry - 20 - 2004-08
   T-5. Michael Gallup - 19 - 2016-Present
   T-5. Paul Turner - 19 - 1993-97
Izzy Matthews:
   Rushing TDs-
   T-6. Kevin McDougal - 26 - 1996-99
   T-6. Bradlee Van Pelt - 26 - 2001-03
   T-7. Izzy Matthews - 24 - 2015-Present
   T-7. Gartrell Johnson - 24 - 2004-08
   T-7. Damon Washington - 24 - 1995-98
   T-7. Oscar Reed - 24 - 1965-67
Nick Stevens:
   Passing Yards-
   1. Garrett Grayson - 9,191 - 2011-14
   2. Nick Stevens - 7,237 - 2014-Present
   3. Kelly Stouffer - 7,142 - 1984-86
   4. Terry Nugent - 7,103 - 1980-83
   Completions-
   2. Kelly Stouffer - 577 - 1984-86
   3. Terry Nugent - 569 - 1980-83
   4. Nick Stevens - 534 - 2014-Present
   Passing TDs-
   1. Garrett Grayson - 64 - 2011-14
   2. Nick Stevens - 61 - 2014-Present
   Pass Attempts-
   1. Garrett Grayson - 1,085 - 2011-14
   2. Kelly Stouffer - 1,015 - 1984-86
   3. Terry Nugent - 1,009 - 1980-83
   4. Nick Stevens - 860 - 2014-Present

BOBO KNOWS TALENT
Of the 73 CSU student-athletes who have appeared in a game this season, 38 are from Coach Bobo's last two signing classes—his first two full classes as Colorado State's head coach. This included 8 of the 22 starters in the season opener versus Oregon State. Those 36 are either from the 2016 and 2017 signing classes or have joined the team as walk-ons since the end of the 2015 season, Bobo's first as CSU's head coach.

START 'EM YOUNG
A year after #RamFam16 took the Mountain West by storm—highlighted by true freshmen Hicks, Jean, Kinsey Jr. and McBride's dominance in Mountain West play—#RAMPAGE17 has already put the country on notice. P Ryan Stonehouse currently ranks first in the country, averaging 48.7 yards per punt. TE Cameron Butler has nine catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns, and WR Warren Jackson recorded two touchdown receptions at No. 1-ranked Alabama. LB Emmanuel Jones has 20 tackles and 2.0 sacks, while Ellison Hubbard has 13 tackles and 1.0 sack. OL Scott Brooks, CB Darius Campbell, RB Marcus McElroy, LB Patrick Moody, DL Livingston Paogofie, OL Joctavis Phillips, S Jadon Walker and WR Darius Wise are the other true freshmen to play this season.

CSU has now played 13 true freshmen this season.

CSU, UNDER ARMOUR REVEAL #STATEPRIDE UNIFORMS
The Colorado State football program and CSU Athletics' official apparel provider Under Armour unveiled on Sept. 21 a special State Pride uniform that the Rams will wear for their Nov. 11 home game vs. Boise State.

"Our partnership with Under Armour provides for specialty uniforms and the UA design team does a tremendous job driving the creative process," said Joe Parker, Director of Athletics. "The use of our iconic state flag as the base element for this uniform speaks to the pride across Colorado for the University and also our mission as a land grant institution."

The State Pride uniforms are white and incorporate elements of the Colorado state flag, with the helmet and jersey displaying the red and gold "C" and the pants including a patch of the flag at the left hip. The royal blue stripes of the flag run along the center of the helmet from front to back, and down the outside of each pant leg. Jersey numbers are royal with red trim, and the words "Colorado State" appear in royal above the number on the front of the jersey.

Under Armour is in its fifth year as the official apparel and uniform provider for Colorado State's athletics programs. The partnership originated in 2013 and a multi-year renewal began in 2016. In addition to the standard home and away uniforms and the Ag Day orange jerseys for the football team, Under Armour has produced an all-gray uniform that debuted in 2016.

BREAKING IN THE NEW END ZONES
The Rams scored seven touchdowns in their first game at the new on-campus stadium, successfully breaking in both end zones.

CSU's seven touchdowns were scored by six different players:
Rushing (3): Dalyn Dawkins, Marvin Kinsey, Jr., Izzy Matthews
Receiving (3): Cameron Butler, Detrich Clark, Dalyn Dawkins
Defensive (1): Tre Thomas (44-yard INT return)

Matthews scored the first CSU TD in the new stadium - a 1-yard rush into the south end zone to tie the game at 7-7. OSU WR Timmy Hernandez scored the first points in the stadium on a 39-yard TD pass from QB Jake Luton.

A LOOK AT THE SCHEDULE

With 16 starters returning from last year's bowl team, CSU will challenge itself in 2017, playing a pair of Pac-12 programs (Oregon State, Colorado) and preseason No. 1 Alabama before opening up conference play on Sept. 30 at Hawai'i.
The 2017 season marks the first time since 2004 that CSU has played three Power-5 teams in non-conference. That year, the Rams faced Colorado, No. 22 Minnesota and No. 1 USC. According to FBSschedules.com, CSU's 2017 non-conference slate is ranked as the second-toughest in all of college football.
CSU's 11 FBS opponents went a combined 84-60 (.583) in 2016, with seven playing in bowl games and three competing in their conference title game (Alabama, Colorado, Wyoming).
CSU has a winning record against five of its eight conference opponents (Hawai`i, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah State and Wyoming) and is tied with San José State.
CSU begins conference play with back-to-back road contests for the first time since 1986. On the flip side, CSU will close the regular season with back-to-back home games for the first time since 2011.
With the Oregon State date change to a Week 0 contest, CSU played Colorado during Week 1. It marked just the second time in the past six years (2015) that the Rocky Mountain Showdown has not been the season opener. Attendance for the annual rivalry game has increased each of the past five seasons, including the largest crowd since 2003 last fall.
The Rams traveled to Hawai`i for the first time since 2013. After winning 51-21 on Sept. 30, CSU is now is 15-9 all-time against the Rainbow Warriors, winning seven in a row.
CSU won its first game at Utah State since 2011 with a 27-14 victory on Oct. 7.
The Rams and Wolf Pack played for the first time since the 2015 Arizona Bowl. CSU is 11-3 all-time against Nevada, including a perfect 7-0 in Fort Collins.
The Rams have now beaten New Mexico eight consecutive times and hold a 41-25 advantage in the series.
After losing to Air Force seven years in a row from 2006-12, the Rams and Falcons have split the past four meetings, each won by the home team. Air Force leads the all-time series, 33-21-1.
The Rams have played Wyoming more than any other team, holding a 58-45-5 advantage. CSU has won three of the past four meetings, including back-to-back wins in Laramie.
CSU is looking for its first win over Boise State. The Broncos are 6-0 against the Rams, playing each of the past six seasons.
CSU is 4-4 all-time against San José State, winning in the most-recent meeting, in 2014 in San Jose.

A DEEPER LOOK
In addition to the Rams' 2017 slate, CSU has scheduled 20 non-conference dates from 2018-28 – 15 of which are against Power-5 opponents, with six of them being played in Fort Collins.
2018: Sept. 1 vs. Colorado (Denver), Sept. 8 vs. Arkansas, Sept. 15 at Florida, Sept. 22 vs. Illinois State
2019: Aug. 31 vs. Colorado (Denver), Sept. 7 vs. Western Illinois, Sept. 14 at Arkansas, Sept. 21 vs. Toledo
2020: Sept. 5 vs. Colorado, Sept. 12 at Oregon State, Sept. 19 vs. Northern Colorado, 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
2027: Sept. 4 vs. Arizona
2028: Sept. 2 at Arizona

#RAMPAGE17
Colorado State Football's 2017 signing class was the highest ranked in program history. Among CSU's signing class were several three-star commits, according to various recruiting sites. 247Sports lists 19 of the Rams' 27 signees as three-star prospects, while Scout named 16 - both are the most in school history. ESPN has 15 while Rivals has 12. Overall, there were 10 consensus three-star prospects among the four recruiting sites. WR Tyler Smith was named a four-star prospect by ESPN, 247 Sports and Scout.

The combined 2016 winning percentage of the Rams' 21 high school signees is .770 (197-59). Seven players won conference titles during their senior seasons (Firment, Hubbard, Lebron, Moody, Phillips, Scott and Smith), while four others played in their state championship or semifinals (Firment, Hubbard, Paogofie and Phillips). Hubbard helped Grayson High School to the 2016 Georgia Class 7A state championship and a No. 4 national ranking. Meanwhile, Corte Tapia led the Windsor Wizards to a 2015 Colorado 4A title.

GREEN AND GLOBAL - SERVICE AND LEARNING EXPERIENCE IN JAMAICA

13 student-athletes and four staff members traveled to Petersfield, Jamaica from May 18-28.
The athletes experienced cultural immersion, social action and community-based learning. Students were hosted by local families, with 2-4 students per home.
Participating football players: Deonte Clyburn, Zack Golditch, Houston Haynes, Levi Osborn, Nate Ryken.
CSU's student-athletes have seen their opportunities expand dramatically in recent years. The most visible expansion of the student-athlete experience has come in the way of investments in nutrition, facilities and academic support to further fulfill the department's mission to Educate, Engage and Excel.
The trip was organized by Dr. Albert Bimper, CSU's senior associate athletic director for diversity and inclusion.
Bimper was a 2006 CSU graduate and four-year starting center on the football team (2002-05).

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Players Mentioned

Jake Bennett

Scott Brooks

Wyatt Bryan

Cam Butler

Jakob Buys

Darius Campbell

Detrich Clark

Deonte Clyburn

Evan Colorito

Dalyn Dawkins

Dalton Fackrell

Jordan Fogal

Michael Gallup

Zack Golditch

Houston Haynes

Ellison Hubbard

Warren Jackson

Arjay Jean

Olabisi Johnson

Manny Jones

Richard King

Izzy Matthews

Marcus McElroy, Jr.

Patrick Moody

Trae Moxley

Levi Osborn

Livingston Paogofie

Joctavis Phillips

Nate Ryken

Jake Schlager

Tyree Simmons

Caleb Smith

Tyler Smith

Nick Stevens

Ryan Stonehouse

Corte Tapia

Tre Thomas

Jadon Walker

Josh Watson

Darius Wise

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