Colorado State University Athletics

CSU vs. Illinois State: Postgame Notes, Audio & More

Colorado State vs. Illinois State – POSTGAME NOTES
Sept. 22, 2018 | Canvas Stadium | Fort Collins, Colo.
Illinois State 35, Colorado State 19
 
FULL GAME BOOK (PDF) | POSTGAME AUDIO FILES
 
GAME
  • Colorado State is now 9-2 against FCS opponents since 2006
  • This was CSU’s first loss in the annual Ag Day game since 2010.
  • The Rams’ defense held the Redbirds to just 4-of-14 on third-down conversion attempts, but Illinois State was able to extend drives by going 2-3 on fourth down.
 
INDIVIDUAL
 
WR Olabisi Johnson
  • Had 7 receptions for 107 yards and one touchdown.
  • Tied his career high for receptions with seven (Famous Idaho Potato Bowl vs. Idaho on Dec. 22, 2016)
  • He has eclipsed the 100-yard barrier in two of the Rams’ five games this season and now has four 100-yard receiving games in his career.
 
RB Izzy Matthews
  • Led the Rams with a season-high 75 rushing yards on 14 carries (5.1 avg, 13 yrd long)
  • It was his highest rushing total since a 116-yard effort at New Mexico on Oct. 20, 2017.
 
WR Nikko Hall
  • Recorded his first career touchdown on a 17-yard pass from K.J. Carta-Samuels with 4 minutes remaining in the third quarter.
  • Finished the game with 3 receptions for 33 yards.
 
QB K.J. Carta-Samuels
  • Completed 15-of-27 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns.
  • Tossed a 9-yard TD to senior wide receiver Olabisi Johnson with 2:21 remaining in the first quarter.
  • Completed a 17-yard TD pass to freshman wide receiver Nikko Hall with 4:00 remaining in the third quarter.
  • Has thrown multiple TD passes in a game three times this season and now has 11 for the season.
 
S Jamal Hicks
  • Led the Rams in tackles with 10 (7 solo, 3 assists)        
  • Also recorded a tackle for loss, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup.
  • Had solo tackles on two third-down stops.
 
QB Collin Hill
  • Completed 9 of 17 passes for 115 yards and 1 touchdown, playing one series in the first half and the final five possessions of the game.
  • Recorded his first touchdown pass of the season with a 14-yard pass to Marvin Kinsey Jr. in the fourth quarter.
  • It was his first touchdown pass since connecting with Michael Gallup on a 60-yard scoring play vs. Utah State (3rd qtr., 12:22) on Oct. 8, 2016.
 
RB Marvin Kinsey Jr.
  • Had 51 yards rushing on nine attempts and added 63 receiving yards on four catches.
  • Recorded his first touchdown of the season with a 14-yard reception from QB Collin Hill with 1:36 to go in the game.