What We Saw: Defense Makes a Splash

Making a splash makes things easier.

A week after posting no tackles for loss or collecting a sack in a win over San Jose State, Colorado State's defense came up with plenty in Saturday's 21-13 victory over Air Force.

The Rams produced seven tackles for loss against the Falcons, including four sacks after only collecting six the prior six weeks. They came up with a pair of interceptions, too.

Gabe Kirschke led the charge with six tackles, including 1.5 sacks while breaking up a pass and forcing a fumble. He also blocked an Air Force field goal on the final play of the first half.

"I think those plays are huge, and those are what you're looking for. I felt like last week we were there, but we just weren't finishing," he said. "I feel like we did a lot better job this week of finishing."

Kirschke, a transfer from Wisconsin, has been gaining steam throughout the season, a product CSU coach Jay Norvell says comes from his persistent practice habits. The latched on to the Colorado product when he entered the portal, and he's been a fixture as a starter since the season opener.

Not only was he making plays, but he was also securing the edge as the Falcons found little room outside with the run game. He felt the blocked field goal was something which was coming, saying he'd been close a few times earlier this season. The sacks were another story.

"Honestly, no, I didn't expect I would get some opportunities to get some sacks and big plays, and the other guys as well," he said. "Those are huge plays, and I felt it was great having everyone play together. I feel like it wasn't just me who had a good game, it was all the guys."

He had help. His bookend, Mukendi Wa-Kalonji tied for the team lead with eight tackles, also finishing with 1.5 sacks and leading the unit with 2.5 stops for loss. Boum Jock recovered the fumble Kirschke created, Dom Jones intercepted a fourth-quarter pass, and six different Rams contributed to stops behind the line of scrimmage.

Another Century Mark

For a third consecutive week, the Rams produced a 100-yard receiver. For the third consecutive week, it was a different wideout.

Tory Horton, a two-time all-conference performer now out for the season, hit the mark in the loss to Oregon State. Last week, Armani Winfield had his first for the Rams in a win, and on Saturday, it became Caleb Goodie's turn.

He only had three receptions in the contest, but one was a sensational 85-yard touchdown catch where he took a short slant snared with just his right hand and outraced the Falcons in what tied for the fifth-longest pass play in program history. He finished with 103 yards after having 107 in his career prior, including a 40-yard touchdown catch earlier in the season.

With Horton absent, Norvell said somebody is going to have to fill the void. Having multiple players capable is all the better.

"It Is really important. I think it just adds to their confidence, and we're going to need that going down the stretch, especially not having Tory," Norvell said. "And Brayden (Fowler-Nicolosi) is going to have guys he can count on."

Seeking Consistency

In the first half, the offense had no problem moving the ball. In the first half, the group had issues producing points, but finally did so in the second quarter and on the first play of the third (Goodie's catch). After that, the Rams stalled, giving the Falcons hope for a comeback.

Turnovers contributed. Avery Morrow's fumble at the goal line at the end of the first drive was a blow. A turnover just outside the red zone in the fourth quarter helped jumpstart the host's comeback from a 21-0 deficit.

Morrow said they have to keep working to find a constant flow.

"One, no turnovers. And I take full responsibility for mine," he said. "I think the guy got lucky, but that's still on me. We've got to be better with the ball, and we have to be consistent. I try to tell all the younger guys every play matters. It doesn't matter what the play is, no matter if it's quick game, run, power -- whatever the play call is -- do it to the best of your ability. If you don't, then we'll be in a situation where we have to punt, and we don't like giving the ball up, especially toward the end of the game. We needed to keep it out of their hands."

The Rams were 4-of-11 on third down, just 1-of-4 in the final frame. A couple of penalties put them behind the chains a great distance at inopportune times.

Some patterns have been good, however. Morrow became the first Ram since Dalyn Dawkins in 2017 to rush for 100 yards in four successive games. He has now produced nine as a Ram, the eighth best total in a career. And behind him and a solid offensive line, Jalen Dupree has been a second-half find.

After not playing the first five games, he's averaged better than 5.0 yards per carry the past two weeks and scored his first career touchdown, capped with a "taking flight" celebration.

Calendar

Upcoming Events

Recent Results

Players Mentioned

Jalen Dupree

Caleb Goodie

Tory Horton

Dom Jones

Gabe Kirschke

Avery Morrow

Mukendi Wa-Kalonji

Armani Winfield

Upcoming Events

Recent Results

Colorado State University Athletics