Setting the Stage: Mountain West Play

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Sep 20

12-Days

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vs UTSA

Sep 27

5:30 PM

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vs Washington State

Oct 3

8:30 PM

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at San Diego State

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vs Fresno State

Oct 18

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Colorado State (1-3, 0-0) at Utah State (2-1, 1-0)
Maverik Stadium, Logan, Utah
Saturday, 5:30 p.m.

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Rams hit the road to face Utah State

Conference Opener

The Rams head into Mountain West play with a 1-3 non-conference mark. Not ideal, but Colorado State still has a host of goals to be achieved.

With a trip to Logan, Utah this week, conference play isn't being stressed as much as how to reach those targets.

"We're trying to find a way to win this first one," CSU head coach Mike Bobo said. "Our goals are to beat CU, which that's gone; we can't do that. It's to beat Wyoming and Air Force. It's to win our side and win a conference championship, so all our goals are still out there except the first one. Right now, we have to focus on this game, and that's what we talked about. And getting better.

"We're 1-3. We've got to get better at the details and we'll have a chance to win some games. That stuff will play out on its own."

To attain them, the primary focus for Colorado State is on improving as a group. To that end, Bobo has stressed details all week in all three phases of the game because it is in those gaps where victory has eluded the Rams.

Safety Logan Stewart noted the team is aware conference play begins this week, and the Rams still remain confident. However, he relayed the task at hand is dependent solely on progress made and the corrections the coaching staff has targeted.

"It's definitely us getting better as a team," Stewart said. "We see going into conference play as a clean slate. We have a 0-0 record, and it's how we play this week. We're focused on being disciplined this week and playing fast. Each week, we always want to be the best team we can be."

The Aggies already have a leg up in the Mountain Division, having beaten West foe San Diego State on the road last week.

Next Step

Patrick O'Brien earned praise from Bobo and his teammates after making his first collegiate start last week. For good reason.

O'Brien finished the Toledo game 32-of-52 passing for 405 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Much of the production came in the second half once he settled down, and O'Brien gained confidence from the way he finished. As he noted, it's a lot easier to move forward with a good vibe than a negative one.

"I feel like it went well. We've just got to continue what we did as an offense," he said. "We moved the ball very well, we just have to continue that into next week."

Naturally, O'Brien went back and watched the film and regretted some of his decisions and a few throws. He did feel he improved as the night wore on, another plus, but he said he now has areas of focus now, knowing how he reacted in a game situation.

As the season progresses, some of the aspects of the position will start to become more naturally to O'Brien, with Bobo listing off verbiage, calling out formations, having more command. Improved fundamentals will help in the long run.

"I think No. 1 is footwork. We were inaccurate on some throws in the ball game, and I think if you go back and look at that, his feet, he wasn't on balance," Bobo said. "I think a lot of it was nerves, too, which happens. He played in a real game at Nebraska, but he's the starter the first time since high school."

Pockets of Love

Colorado State knows from the past Utah State quarterback Jordan Love can extend plays, and at times, break down a defense with the threat of scrambling for a first down. It does factor into how the Rams rush the Aggie quarterback.

"I think it's do your job. We have to be aggressive when a guy is rushing the passer, you have to be able to rush your points and not get out of your lanes to let the quarterback step up and run, which happened to us a couple of times last week with Toledo," Bobo said. "I think you can affect Jordan and their offense by just playing sound and making them go the long haul, making them execute, not giving up a big play."

As Love earns more and more praise from NFL evaluators, his ability to extend his stay in the pocket and face a rush has not gone unnoticed. Through three games, Love has only nine rushes to his credit, good for 24 yards (accounting for sacks).

To Jalen Bates, it shows maturity and tells him he's going after a passer who is looking to make a play down field before trying to set out on foot. When he does scamper, he has the ability to make a big play, with a 22-yard run to his credit.

"He's more of a patient guy, stays in the pocket more," Bates said. "He's more of a prototypical NFL-style quarterback, so I think we'll have more chances than last week. Last week, he didn't look to pass after he got pressure. Love likes to stay and he'll take on the pressure. He's pretty mobile, but he has good patience."

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Jalen Bates

Patrick O'Brien

Logan Stewart

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