Setting the Stage: Extending Drives Depends on Third

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Sep 5

TBA

Football

vs Wyoming

Sep 12

TBA

Football

vs Southern Utah

Sep 19

TBA

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vs BYU

Sep 26

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at UTSA

Oct 3

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vs Oregon State

The change in offense this year was designed to control the ball and control the clock. In six games, Colorado State has won the time-of-possession battle. It would suggest a series of long, sustained drives, which would suggest an ability to convert on third down.

But the Rams haven't actually done that very well this season, picking them up at 40 percent or better just four times this season. It's why they rank 100^th in the country at a 36.5 percent clip.

It has been the constant burr in the saddle the offense has been trying to shake off. For coach Jay Norvell, it hasn't been one thing, but a constant mix of issues which have led to the issue, and he had a laundry list for the Fresno State loss.

"We had several players who went down. The continuity and the physicality .., We missed Avery (Morrow) out there and Jalen Dupree," Norvell said. "We've been fortunate. We've had some healthy backs, and Avery and Jalen give us a different style than Justin (Marshall), physicality we were missing. We didn't finish runs well in this game, and that has a little bit to do with it.

"We've got to do a better job in the passing game. We have to make more plays versus competitive coverage. I thought we had a chance to make some plays down the field and we just came up a little bit short. We just have to execute a little bit better in the passing game."

Friday's opponent, Utah State, hasn't been stout when it comes to stopping third-down conversions, ranking 119^th by allowing teams to hit at a 45.8 percent clip.

That may help, but the Rams have to help themselves.

"I think there's a lot of issues that come from it. At times we get tired and unfocused, and then the attitude thing," center Jacob Gardner said. "It's definitely been one of the bigger struggles, and coming up this week, that's something we have to confront. That needs to change if we want to win."

Big Play Potential

The Aggies are fourth in the conference in scoring offense (31.5) with a penchant for hitting big gainers. They've done it despite the quarterback who plays and without the services of wide out Jalen Royals for much of the season. The offense has had 173 plays of 10 yards or more on the season, 10 going for 50 plus.

While Spencer Petras did most of the damage from quarterback, throwing for more than 2,300 yards and 17 touchdown, his backup Bryson Barnes came in last week and the offense kept beat as he threw for 139 yards and three scores to vault past San Diego State. The past two weeks, the Aggies have scored 96 combined points in wins over Hawaii and the Aztecs.
"Utah State, in my time in this league, has always had really explosive, quick athletes. They have several of them all over the field," Norvell said. "We didn't do a good job playing their vertical passing game last year, so that's going to be important. They love to get people in space and make you try to cover and defend them. We have to do a good job of that in space. We have to contain their quarterback as well, because he's a threat to run the football."

Colorado State's defense gave up some big plays early against Fresno State, then came back settled in the second half and didn't allow any. The Rams are looking at a repeat of those final two quarters – and actually the five games prior – to keep the Aggies in check.

Short Time, Extended Season

There was only six days between games, with a holiday mixed in. At some point – the Rams hope as soon as Dec. 6 – they will have another game. If not that date, then a bowl to be determined.

The goal was to keep the team as fresh as possible for the regular-season finale, with a mind on the future.

"We're going to make sure were fresh and ready to play on Friday. We had a combination Monday- Tuesday practice (Monday), took the pads off and slowed it down and really let our guys get freshened up," Norvell said. "This time of year, its more mental, execution and timing than it is physicality."

Next week will also mark the early signing date (Wednesday, Dec. 4) and the transfer portal opens up Dec. 9 and runs through the 28^th. On top of that, coaches are no longer allowed to go on the road to recruit in the month of December.

"It will be interesting. We'll get through this weekend, and we have a calendar set up for all the different scenarios," Norvell said. "It'll be another week before we know what bowl game."

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