Colorado State University Athletics
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Game Notes: Colorado State set for Rocky Mountain Showdown
8/28/2017 2:32:00 PM | Football
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Rams, Buffs to meet for 89th time Friday
Colorado State vs. Colorado
Friday, Sept. 1, 2017 | 6:00 p.m. MT
Sports Authority Field (76,125) | Denver, Colo.
Quick Hits - Colorado State
STEVENS PICKS UP WHERE HE LEFT OFF
Nick Stevens' passing efficiency rating (171.3) ranked fifth in FBS in 2016. His 9.63 yards-per-pass-attempt average ranked fourth, his 15.01 passing yards-per-completion mark ranked seventh and his 64.2 completion percentage ranked 17th.
In the first game of 2017, the redshirt senior picked up right where he left off, passing for 334 yards and three touchdowns in the Week 0 win over Oregon State. The game marked Stevens' eighth consecutive with multiple touchdown passes, and third in a row with three or more touchdowns. It was his fourth time passing for over 300 yards in a single game, and the second-highest total of his career (445 vs. Idaho, 2016).
Stevens' three TDs versus Oregon State gave him 44 for his career and moved him into third all-time at CSU in passing touchdowns, leaping Matt Newton (42 TDs, 1998-2000).
LIKE MIKE
In 2016, Â wide receiver Michael Gallup ranked ninth in FBS for receiving touchdowns, 13th for receiving yards (first in Mountain West), 15th for receiving yards per game (97.8) and 32nd for receptions per game (5.8). He scored at least one touchdown in each of his final eight games, including three apiece in the final two.
Over the final eight games of his junior season (from Oct. 2 forward), Gallup averaged 128.0 receiving yards per game, the fifth-most in FBS during that span (prior to that point, he ranked 181st).
His six-game touchdown streak ended against Oregon State, but the All-Mountain West wide receiver was as electric as ever in the Rams' win. His 11 catches mark the second most of his career (13 at Air Force, 2016), and his 134 yards gave him six consecutive outings with 100+ receiving yards. Gallup's over-the-shoulder, 48-yard catch on third-and-six in the fourth quarter of Saturday's game was a turning point in the Rams' victory and was featured on highlight reels all over the country.
Gallup now has seven 100-yard games in his career, tying for fifth-most in program history. The Georgia-native has seven 100-yard outings in just 14 career games played.
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.
BOBO KNOWS TALENT
Of the 62 CSU student-athletes who participated in the Oregon State game, 30 are from Coach Bobo's last two signing classes—his first two full classes as Colorado State's head coach—including 8 of the 22 starters. Those 30 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 got in on the action on Saturday with 10 true freshmen making their FBS debuts. Tight end Cameron Butler recorded two catches for 25 yards and a touchdown, while linebacker Patrick Moody recorded two tackles, a tackle for loss and two quarterback hurries. Replacing All-American Hayden Hunt, Ryan Stonhouse punted twice with a 51.0-yard average. CB Darius Campbell, DL Ellison Hubbard, WR Warren Jackson, LB Emmanuel Jones, RB Marcus McElroy, S Jadon Walker and WR Darius Wise were the other true freshmen to see the field.
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.
FOUR-HEADED MONSTER
CSU featured four running backs that took at had at least eight carries against the Beavers. Dalyn Dawkins led with 15 rushes for 67 yards and a TD (plus a receiving TD). Both Marvin Kinsey, Jr., and Izzy Matthews also reached the end zone, and redshirt freshman Rashaad Boddie (8-56-7.0 ypc) ranked second in rushing productivity for the Rams.
In addition to those four, Coach Bobo has also complimented a pair of other running backs - redshirt freshman Darius May and true freshman Marcus McElroy - during the offseason. McElroy appeared on Saturday in a special teams role, while May did not play.
CHANGING IT UP
There were a number of position changes in the offseason, all of which stuck between spring and fall camps. Players who switched postions are listed below:
Additionally, several others changed their jersey number: Marvin Kinsey, Jr. (No. 5), Jamal Hicks (7), Izzy Matthews (24), Alex Tennant (26), Johnathan Lewis (35), Dante Carnessale (45), Alonso Archuleta (62), Nathan Lucas (85), Chandler Birrell (86), Conrad Harker (93).
STRIVE FOR FIVE
The Rams will aim to build upon their recent success and qualify for a bowl game for the fifth consecutive season – something that has only been done once before, from 1999-2003. Last year, the Rams won four of their final five games to qualify for the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl and guarantee a fourth consecutive winning season.
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.Â
A LOOK AT THE SCHEDULE
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.
#RAMFAM16
The Rams' last two signing classes have been the highest rated in school history. While the impact of #RAMPAGE17 is still to be determined, the pivotal role that #RamFam16 played in last season's success is inarguable. Below is a look at the accomplishments of 2016's first-year players.
The 2016 class combined for:
FRESHMAN IMPACT
Among the contributors of #RamFam16 were eight true freshman, all of whom made an immediate impact.
#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.
FALL CAMP QUOTABLES
Head Coach Mike Bobo:
"The stadium isn't going to get us ready to play, the opponent isn't going to get us ready to play. We have to focus on today. We did a good job today of doing that, and we have to do that every day. That's coaches and players."Â
"What I see in Jordan Fogal is a guy that knows how to practice. He understands what full speed is every snap. He understands where to get in coverage and he understands breaks on the ball. He's got instincts. That guy has been somewhere that he needs to compete for playing. It's evident."
"The guy that's impressed me the most is Marcus McElroy. I'm really impressed with this kid. He has good vision, he has power when he runs, he has good speed. The other day when we did some live work with the 3's, there wasn't any blocking and he was getting yards every time. He got some reps with the 1's today."
"Rashaad Boddie has always been a big kid, but he's still changed his body. He's not running as choppy; he's running more fluid. He's more comfortable and has confidence, and Coach (Bryan) Applewhite has done a good job with him. Every time someone tries to tackle him, he's hard to tackle."
"I've been really impressed with our top two units up front on the defensive line. We've gotten a little bit bigger. Darnell Thompson is bigger, Jakob Buys is bigger, Richard King is bigger, Arjay [Jean] has been back in the mix in the last week or so, Toby [McBride] is starting to get a few reps, and Ellison Hubbard as well. They've played pretty well up front. There's some quickness at the nose guard position and it's been tough for our center to handle—which is a good thing. I feel good about that group in the way they've worked and the way they've prepared."
"I've mentioned Dalyn Dawkins and Bisi Johnson for how hard they practice, well Evan Colorito is the same way. Everyday he gets after it and he's getting better at the craft of that buck [linebacker] position. He's more explosive this year and he's a tough guy. That's why we call him our bell cow, because everyday he is bringing it at practice."
Senior safety Jake Schlager:
"Guys are picking up the system really well and they're picking it up really fast. There's a lot of competition right now. You have to go out there and do exactly what coach asks you to do, and if you don't, somebody else will. It makes you go out there and compete every day because you can't take anything for granted."
Farewell Hughes
CSU said farewell to its 49-year-old stadium on Nov. 19, 2016, 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 has since moved in to its $220-million on-campus stadium, 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 (www.CSURams.com/farewellhughes) 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.
STRONG FIRST IMPRESSION
CSU's first game in its new on-campus stadium against Oregon State was the first FBS football game of the 2017 season. Broadcast nationally on CBS Sports Network, the game was viewed by many in the industry. It's safe to say the Rams made quite a first impression in their new home.
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Friday, Sept. 1, 2017 | 6:00 p.m. MT
Sports Authority Field (76,125) | Denver, Colo.
Quick Hits - Colorado State
- Mike Bobo is in his third year as the head coach at Colorado State. He led the Rams to bowl appearances in each of his first two seasons.
- CSU returns 16 starters from a year ago - 6 on offense, 8 on defense and a pair of specialists.
- Statistically, the Rams return 93.9 percent of their rushing yardage, 95.5 percent of their passing yards and 88 percent of its total scoring.Â
- Three returning Rams earned All-Mountain West recognition in 2016 - WR Michael Gallup (first team), OL Jake Bennett (second team) and QB Nick Stevens (honorable mention).
- CSU went 5-1 at home in 2016, the final season at Hughes Stadium. The Rams closed the door on the 49-year-old stadium on Nov. 19, 2016, with a 49-31 win over New Mexico.
- After starting three different quarterbacks through the first three games of 2016, the Rams' offense got into a rhythm midway through the year. Over the final six games, CSU averaged 47.8 points and 533.8 yards per game, figures which ranked 2nd and 4th, respectively, in all of FBS from Oct. 16 forward. Overall, the Rams ranked 28th in FBS in scoring offense and 30th in total offense; on Oct. 16, they ranked 96th and 75th in those two categories.
- CSU scored 53 of 56 times it reached the red zone (94.6%), a figure which ranks 4th in FBS and is the best in school history dating back to at least 2005.
- CSU scored first in its final eight games, doing so on its first drive six times. Overall, the Rams out-scored opponents 131-73 in the first quarter in 2016.
- Mike MacIntyre enters his fifth season as the head coach of Colorado. He won eight of the 10 National Coach of the Year awards last season after leading CU to a 10-4 record and a Pac-12 South title.
- The game is CU's 2017 opener. CU is 78-44-5 in season openers all-time.
- Offensively, the Buffs return their leading rusher and two top receivers from 2016.Â
- Senior running back Phillip Lindsay rished for 1,252 yards (5.1 ypc) and 16 TDs a year ago. His TD total led the Pac-12 and ranked 16th in the NCAA. Lindsay appears on the Doak Walker Award, Maxwell Award and CFOPA National Performer of the Year watch lists.
- CU returns a trio of senior wide outs - Shay Fields (56 catches, 883 yards, 9 TDs in 2016), Devin Ross (68-787-5) and Bryce Bobo (44-548-2). Both Fields and Ross are on the Biletnikoff Award Watch List.
- The Buffs return nine offensive starters and three on the defensive side. Junior linebacker Rick Gamboa is CU's leading returning tackler (77, 3 TFL).
- CU improved from its overall record from 4-9 in 2015 to 10-4 in 2016. Even more notably, the Buffs inverted their conference mark, going from 1-8 in 2015 to 8-1. CU played in the 2016 Alamo Bowl against Oklahoma State, marking its first postseason appearance since the 2007 Independence Bowl.
- The Colorado State Rams played their first football game on campus since Nov. 25, 1967 – a 43-11 win over Wichita State at Colorado Field.
- Saturday's game was sold out. The attendance of 37,583 was the most ever in a CSU football home opener, and the third-most in any home game ever. (Seating capacity is 36,500). It's the sixth sellout for CSU in the past four seasons.
- Izzy Matthews scored CSU's first touchdown at the new stadium, tying the game at 7-7 with a 1-yard TD run into the south end zone.
- CSU has scored 50 points in three consecutive games for the first time in school history, dating back to last season. The Rams finished the year scoring 63 points at San Diego State and 50 points in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
- The Rams have scored at least 40 points in 6 of their last seven games, dating back to Oct. 22 of last year, a 48-23 win at UNLV.
- The Rams are now 61-57-1 in season openers, and 23-15-1 in when opening the season at home. CSU has not lost when it's opened at home since 1993.
- CSU Head Coach Mike Bobo is 3-0 in home openers at CSU.
- It was CSU's fifth consecutive game with 500+ yards of total offense and 40+ points scored, dating back to last season.
- Tre Thomas returned an interception for a touchdown at the 5:39 mark of the third quarter, putting the Rams up 34-20. The interception was the first of Thomas' career, and the touchdown was his first defensive score.
- Michael Gallup caught 11 balls for 134 yards, marking his sixth consecutive game with 100+ yards receiving dating back to last year. The 11 catches were the second-most in his career (13 at Air Force, 11/12/16).
- Nick Stevens threw for 334 yards (26-of-39, 3 TDs, 1 INT). It's the fourth time in his career he's thrown for 300+ yards, the second-highest total of his career (445 vs. Idaho in the Famous Potato Bowl last season). It's Stevens' eighth consecutive multi-TD game and third in a row with 3 or more TDs.
- Stevens had 10 completions of 15 or more yards. He also had 4 completions of 20+ yards, to 4 different receivers – Olabisi Johnson (26 yards), Dalton Fackrell (21), Michael Gallup (48) and Detrich Clark (20, TD).
- The five forced turnovers by the Rams were the most since forcing five Oct. 27 vs. Hawai'i (a 42-27 CSU win). CSU scored 27 points off of those five turnovers. 24 of CSU's final 31 points came off turnovers.
- CSU's defense held Oregon State to 123 total yards in the second half. CSU outgained the Beavers 279-123 in the second half.
- The Rams outscored the Beavers 34-7 in the second half, scoring 24 points in the fourth quarter alone.
- The Rams scored on five consecutive drives from the 8:15 mark of the second half, through to the 14:42 mark of the fourth quarter (three field goals, two touchdowns).
- CSU closed the game with three touchdowns over its final three possessions, all in the fourth quarter.
- Josh Watson had a forced fumble (recovered by Kevin Nutt, Jr.) and an interception. He also led the team with 9 tackles.Â
- CSU scored 3 TDs on the ground, with Dalyn Dawkins, Izzy Matthews and Marvin Kinsey, Jr. all reaching the end zone.
- 3 different Rams also hauled in receiving TDs – Detrich Clark, Dalyn Dawkins and Cameron Butler. Dawkins finished with 2 total TDs (1 rush, 1 receiving). Butler, a true freshman, was appearing in his first NCAA contest.
- CSU's 3 interceptions came from 3 different players – linebackers Tre Thomas and Josh Watson and cornerback Anthony Hawkins. It was Hawkins' first NCAA game starting at cornerback (was a wide receiver as a freshman last season).
- CSU's 31 first downs are tied for 10th-most in program history.
STEVENS PICKS UP WHERE HE LEFT OFF
Nick Stevens' passing efficiency rating (171.3) ranked fifth in FBS in 2016. His 9.63 yards-per-pass-attempt average ranked fourth, his 15.01 passing yards-per-completion mark ranked seventh and his 64.2 completion percentage ranked 17th.
In the first game of 2017, the redshirt senior picked up right where he left off, passing for 334 yards and three touchdowns in the Week 0 win over Oregon State. The game marked Stevens' eighth consecutive with multiple touchdown passes, and third in a row with three or more touchdowns. It was his fourth time passing for over 300 yards in a single game, and the second-highest total of his career (445 vs. Idaho, 2016).
Stevens' three TDs versus Oregon State gave him 44 for his career and moved him into third all-time at CSU in passing touchdowns, leaping Matt Newton (42 TDs, 1998-2000).
LIKE MIKE
In 2016, Â wide receiver Michael Gallup ranked ninth in FBS for receiving touchdowns, 13th for receiving yards (first in Mountain West), 15th for receiving yards per game (97.8) and 32nd for receptions per game (5.8). He scored at least one touchdown in each of his final eight games, including three apiece in the final two.
Over the final eight games of his junior season (from Oct. 2 forward), Gallup averaged 128.0 receiving yards per game, the fifth-most in FBS during that span (prior to that point, he ranked 181st).
His six-game touchdown streak ended against Oregon State, but the All-Mountain West wide receiver was as electric as ever in the Rams' win. His 11 catches mark the second most of his career (13 at Air Force, 2016), and his 134 yards gave him six consecutive outings with 100+ receiving yards. Gallup's over-the-shoulder, 48-yard catch on third-and-six in the fourth quarter of Saturday's game was a turning point in the Rams' victory and was featured on highlight reels all over the country.
Gallup now has seven 100-yard games in his career, tying for fifth-most in program history. The Georgia-native has seven 100-yard outings in just 14 career games played.
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.
BOBO KNOWS TALENT
Of the 62 CSU student-athletes who participated in the Oregon State game, 30 are from Coach Bobo's last two signing classes—his first two full classes as Colorado State's head coach—including 8 of the 22 starters. Those 30 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 got in on the action on Saturday with 10 true freshmen making their FBS debuts. Tight end Cameron Butler recorded two catches for 25 yards and a touchdown, while linebacker Patrick Moody recorded two tackles, a tackle for loss and two quarterback hurries. Replacing All-American Hayden Hunt, Ryan Stonhouse punted twice with a 51.0-yard average. CB Darius Campbell, DL Ellison Hubbard, WR Warren Jackson, LB Emmanuel Jones, RB Marcus McElroy, S Jadon Walker and WR Darius Wise were the other true freshmen to see the field.
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.
FOUR-HEADED MONSTER
CSU featured four running backs that took at had at least eight carries against the Beavers. Dalyn Dawkins led with 15 rushes for 67 yards and a TD (plus a receiving TD). Both Marvin Kinsey, Jr., and Izzy Matthews also reached the end zone, and redshirt freshman Rashaad Boddie (8-56-7.0 ypc) ranked second in rushing productivity for the Rams.
In addition to those four, Coach Bobo has also complimented a pair of other running backs - redshirt freshman Darius May and true freshman Marcus McElroy - during the offseason. McElroy appeared on Saturday in a special teams role, while May did not play.
CHANGING IT UP
There were a number of position changes in the offseason, all of which stuck between spring and fall camps. Players who switched postions are listed below:
- Chandler Drachslin (from QB to WR)
- Justin Falls (from LB to FB)
- John Freismuth (from WR to TE)
- Conrad Harker (from TE to LB)
- Anthony Hawkins (from WR to DB)
Additionally, several others changed their jersey number: Marvin Kinsey, Jr. (No. 5), Jamal Hicks (7), Izzy Matthews (24), Alex Tennant (26), Johnathan Lewis (35), Dante Carnessale (45), Alonso Archuleta (62), Nathan Lucas (85), Chandler Birrell (86), Conrad Harker (93).
STRIVE FOR FIVE
The Rams will aim to build upon their recent success and qualify for a bowl game for the fifth consecutive season – something that has only been done once before, from 1999-2003. Last year, the Rams won four of their final five games to qualify for the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl and guarantee a fourth consecutive winning season.
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.Â
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, CSU will now play Colorado during Week 2. It marks 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.
- CSU and Abilene Christian have never met on the gridiron.
- The Rams will play at Alabama on Sept. 17. In 2013, CSU trailed No. 1 Alabama by just 11 points in the fourth quarter.
- The Rams will travel to Hawai`i for the first time since 2013. CSU is 14-9 all-time against the Rainbow Warriors, winning six in a row.
- CSU has won two of the last three meetings against Utah State – and is 37-33-2 overall – but is looking for its first win in Logan since a double-overtime thriller in 2011.
- The Rams and Wolf Pack will play 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 beaten New Mexico seven consecutive times and hold a 40-25 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
#RAMFAM16
The Rams' last two signing classes have been the highest rated in school history. While the impact of #RAMPAGE17 is still to be determined, the pivotal role that #RamFam16 played in last season's success is inarguable. Below is a look at the accomplishments of 2016's first-year players.
- 14 players who saw action
- 8 true freshmen who played
- First-team all-conference receiver (Michael Gallup)
- CSU's all-time true freshman sack leader (Toby McBride)
- Mountain West's true freshman rushing touchdowns leader in 2016 (Marvin Kinsey, Jr.)
- The nation's fifth-ranked true freshman for passer efficiency rating (Collin Hill)
The 2016 class combined for:
- 124 games played
- 31 games started
- 1,210 passing yards
- 1,502 receiving yards
- 938 rushing yards
- 26 receiving/rushing touchdowns
- 9 passing touchdowns
- 73 tackles
- 7.5 sacks
- 1 interception
FRESHMAN IMPACT
Among the contributors of #RamFam16 were eight true freshman, all of whom made an immediate impact.
- 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 – Had 32 tackles and ranked fourth on the team with 7.0 tackles for loss and first with 4.0 sacks. The 32 tackles are the most by a CSU true freshman since Shaq Bell (39) in 2010.
- Anthony Hawkins – Played in all 13 games (four starts), rushing 11 times for 81 yards (7.4 average) while catching two passes for 27 yards, including a touchdown. Hawkins switched to cornerback in the spring.
- Jamal Hicks – Played in nine games (five starts), posting 25 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.
- Jeff Taylor – Played in nine games as a backup offensive lineman and took multiple snaps as a lead-blocker in jumbo sets.
- Arjay Jean – Posted 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 12 games (one start).
- Robert Awunganyi – Played in nine games, posting five tackles and a breakup.
#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.
FALL CAMP QUOTABLES
Head Coach Mike Bobo:
"The stadium isn't going to get us ready to play, the opponent isn't going to get us ready to play. We have to focus on today. We did a good job today of doing that, and we have to do that every day. That's coaches and players."Â
"What I see in Jordan Fogal is a guy that knows how to practice. He understands what full speed is every snap. He understands where to get in coverage and he understands breaks on the ball. He's got instincts. That guy has been somewhere that he needs to compete for playing. It's evident."
"The guy that's impressed me the most is Marcus McElroy. I'm really impressed with this kid. He has good vision, he has power when he runs, he has good speed. The other day when we did some live work with the 3's, there wasn't any blocking and he was getting yards every time. He got some reps with the 1's today."
"Rashaad Boddie has always been a big kid, but he's still changed his body. He's not running as choppy; he's running more fluid. He's more comfortable and has confidence, and Coach (Bryan) Applewhite has done a good job with him. Every time someone tries to tackle him, he's hard to tackle."
"I've been really impressed with our top two units up front on the defensive line. We've gotten a little bit bigger. Darnell Thompson is bigger, Jakob Buys is bigger, Richard King is bigger, Arjay [Jean] has been back in the mix in the last week or so, Toby [McBride] is starting to get a few reps, and Ellison Hubbard as well. They've played pretty well up front. There's some quickness at the nose guard position and it's been tough for our center to handle—which is a good thing. I feel good about that group in the way they've worked and the way they've prepared."
"I've mentioned Dalyn Dawkins and Bisi Johnson for how hard they practice, well Evan Colorito is the same way. Everyday he gets after it and he's getting better at the craft of that buck [linebacker] position. He's more explosive this year and he's a tough guy. That's why we call him our bell cow, because everyday he is bringing it at practice."
Senior safety Jake Schlager:
"Guys are picking up the system really well and they're picking it up really fast. There's a lot of competition right now. You have to go out there and do exactly what coach asks you to do, and if you don't, somebody else will. It makes you go out there and compete every day because you can't take anything for granted."
Farewell Hughes
CSU said farewell to its 49-year-old stadium on Nov. 19, 2016, 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 has since moved in to its $220-million on-campus stadium, 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 (www.CSURams.com/farewellhughes) 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.
STRONG FIRST IMPRESSION
CSU's first game in its new on-campus stadium against Oregon State was the first FBS football game of the 2017 season. Broadcast nationally on CBS Sports Network, the game was viewed by many in the industry. It's safe to say the Rams made quite a first impression in their new home.
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I'm seeing you @CSUFootball - pounding Pac12 team here! Looking strong. @cubuffs @CUnitFootball better be ready Friday in Denver. Fun one
— Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) August 26, 2017
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Pour me a @newbelgium, Rams. What a way to debut new stadium @ColoradoStateU @CSUFootball #runtheballBobo
— Mark Schlabach (@Mark_Schlabach) August 26, 2017
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I'm sure @cbfowler and the Buffs impressed by @CSUFootball today. Big game next Friday!! Great match up!
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) August 26, 2017
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The new stadium @CSUFootball looks tremendous and the energy is off the charts...Stevens playing really well...start of CFB!!!! pic.twitter.com/SU09AkLRWk
— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) August 26, 2017
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This new CSU stadium looks and sounds and feels absolutely sick. @CSUFootball
— Sir Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) August 26, 2017
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