Setting the Stage: Consistent and Complementary

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The idea of playing more complementary is not lost on Colorado State, which led directly to the offensive changes.

An increased focus on the run game has led to a flip in time of possession. The Rams are a hair better than the opposition this year, whereas a season ago they were more than six minutes in deficit.

"We actually have been very conscious of that this year. One of the things last year was we went really fast, and our defense had to go on the field, and they didn't get much rest," CSU coach Jay Norvell said. "We've been consciously trying to play more mindfully to help our defense. Running the football more, trying to control the clock. We've had the ball for time of possession more than we've had in the past. Last week was an example of our guys feeling comfortable playing the way we're playing right now.

"Complementary football is really big. One of the things last week was we were able to get some turnovers, and we didn't really turn the ball over. The key was we really didn't make a big play in special teams, and typically we do. We were missing that last game. It could have been the difference in the game."

Complementary is achieved through consistency, which the Rams are also trying to achieve. Flashes of strong play in all three phases are evident, they just haven't linked up often enough to really create momentum.

The Oregon State game was the first time this season the offense cashed in a turnover created by the defense for points.

"We need to be more consistent on all of our jobs, make sure we're getting that first down that first series to make sure we get a rhythm going," guard Drew Moss said. "We need to keep the defense off the field. We need them playing with their head on fire, and they can't do that if we're doing three-and-outs.

"We should be focused on our mistakes. Most of our drives are stopped by our mistakes; it's on us. We need to make sure we do stuff right at practice. We do it right in practice, we'll do it right in the game. It's minor things, but those minor things cause our drives to stop. I say it's minor, but all of it is major. We work on those things, we're good. They're easy to fix. It's on us."

Pitch Count

Nuer Gatkuoth's first play of the season resulted in a tackle for loss, a forced fumble and a turnover gained by the defense. Needless to say, Colorado State's defense has missed his presence. He started every game of the 2023 campaign but missed the first four game of the 2024 slate.

While he's back, the defensive end isn't quite yet full go and may not be for a while. Even so, every snap he can take is welcome.

"He didn't play as much as he would normally play if healthy. He had probably 20 or 25 snaps," Norvell said. "Hopefully, we can build on that. He did give us a shot in the arm as a pass rusher and we need that. We need to put that pressure on the quarterback."

Gatkuoth was in agony watching his team play, knowing he could do nothing to aid the cause. He'd love nothing more to suit up and go out the entire game, but he knows at this point, that's not possible.

So, he'll stick to the plan, which is to gradually adds snaps each week. As he does, he expects to deliver impact plays.

"To myself, I just know I'm a playmaker. I just have to get past this nagging injury that's hindering me," he said. "It's been frustrating. When you love something and it's taken away from you, it hurts when you watch other people do it.

"It felt good to get back in. I'm still pushing through some pain, but it felt good to finally play. I think I had like 20 reps. The plan is to keep building up. I'm feeling better. I feel better because I got to play."

Here and There

The Rams' defense goes from facing the No. 7 rushing offense to the No. 8 passing offense. … Colorado State is 3-7 in its past 10 Mountain West openers, 1-1 under Norvell. … Paddy Turner leads the conference in punts inside the 20 with 13. … San Jose State's defense has allowed 19 red-zone scores in 20 trips, 15 of them touchdowns.

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