Setting the Stage: Washington

There will be no easing into the season, which is fine with Tyson Summers.

As he debuts his defensive system at Colorado State – one vastly different from the first time he held the role back in 2015 – it will be tasked with slowing down a Washington offense which has capable, explosive pieces. And the Rams will have to do it on the road.

Desmond Williams Jr., is a young quarterback, but one who completed 78% of passes last season while appearing in every game. He has shown a skillset to be accurate deep as well as being the second leading rusher. The guy he hands the ball to, Jonah Coleman, rushed for 1,053 yards and 10 scores, averaging 5.5 per carry. He's the Husky CSU head coach Jay Norvell feels is the best player of the group, one which include wideout Denzel Boston, who posted 63 catches for 834 yards and nine TDs.

And they all operate behind an experienced offensive line.

Summers is a fan of his players and this defense as constructed. And he's ready to watch them perform because a game is the real test.

"I'm the biggest fan. And people laugh about that," Summers said. "And I had to make the statement the other day. I said I'm a big fan of my children when they're at their sporting events or when they do well at school. But at the end of the day, I still have to be the person to help organize them, put them in the right direction, and this is no different.

"I'm looking forward to seeing them play, and again, against a quality opponent. I'm looking forward to seeing us handle positive things well and handle adversity well at the same time. And we just need to keep working on our process and keep trying to just make sure that we're 1-0 each day, rather than getting too focused on what happens on Saturday night."

The Rams have only one returning starter on defense – end Mukendi Wa-Kalonji. The secondary has been rebuilt, as has the linebacking group to great extent. Most of them were around during the spring, getting an early jump on Summers' teachings. Fall camp has been about gaining a deeper knowledge and developing trust among the group.

Now it's time to play.

"It's definitely a great test for the defense, especially being an away game. It's definitely harder to win on the road," linebacker Jacob Ellis said. "You have to have elite focus. You've got to win all aspects of the game, offense, defense, and special teams. Their quarterback, he's a great player.

He's fast. So, we have to do a great job just containing him, not letting him get any explosive runs. Same with the running back. Bigger guy. We've got to do a great job gang tackling, and everyone has to run to the ball. We have to make sure we have 11 hats to the ball.

"I think our defense is very excited. I think we're ready for the challenge, for sure."

First game anticipation

Doesn't matter how long a person has been playing or coaching, or how long they've been at one particular place or another, The first game will always feel different. It's the excitement of what's coming and what could be.

And each college football season, it is the first time the team as currently constructed will take the field together.

"I would say the buildup started really in the beginning of fall camp. I feel like the first game; every game is the most exciting game because it's the next game. But for week one, you've got to get the nerves out," transfer linebacker Jacob Ellis said. "I think after getting the first hit, after the first bit of contact, the nerves go away, and then it comes down to who prepared the hardest, who was in the playbooks, who's studying their offense, watching tape. I think whatever's done in the dark is going to come to light."

Even for Norvell, there is nothing like the first week of the season. A lot can come with it, particularly with younger players. It's an experience like no other and getting them through the initial stages of the game are important.

Despite being on sidelines for decades, Norvell feels giddy about openers.

"I think you're like a little kid, and I think it's important to remember those feelings, how excited you are, because the players are that way. This is the first game for this team together," Norvell said. "We have a lot of new players and coaches. It's the first time we get to go out and play together. It's going to be a great environment, great venue to play; I've been there several times. I'm just looking forward to getting out there and getting going."

Play Smart

Ball security. Penalties. Fall camp has been dedicated to paying attention to the details which put teams behind the chains, cost them games down the stretch. Colorado State improved in both areas a season ago, but the Rams are looking to be even better.

"We've tried to focus on the things we need to do to win games. And there's a process to that," Norvell said. "Coach (Nick) Saban talks about the process. Sometimes it gets worn out that term, but it really is. We want them to focus on the day-to-day things that they need to do to have success.

"When you do that, you don't worry so much about who you're playing, if you're playing on national TV, what kind of stadium. All those things are really irrelevant. What's important is what do I need to do for this scheme and how can I focus on executing my fundamentals properly? And that's where we spend all our time and energy as a staff. And we just try to get our kids to understand that to be honest with you. So, it'll be no different Saturday night."

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