5 Questions with Colorado State Expert
To get insight on the Beavers' season opening opponent, we caught up with Jeremy Mauss of the Mountain West Wire on Collegefootballnews.com to learn more about Colorado State.
1. From your point of view, what is the biggest key to the game? What will be the biggest factor in deciding the outcome?
Jeremy Mauss: "I think it will be to not start slow. Last year against Colorado, the Rams were just awful on both sides of the ball, fell behind early, and were blown out. Head coach Mike Bobo pulled quarterback Nick Stevens, who went just 6 of 20 for 31 yards. The Rams can not have that again, but I don't think they will since they are opening up their brand new on-campus stadium and will be ready.
"The biggest key is establishing a rhythm on offense that likely will be the best in the Mountain West and maybe even a top 25 unit. The running game behind Dalyn Dawkins and Izzy Matthews is important so that eventually the passing game will open up with potential All-America wide receiver Michael Gallup.
"I think the deciding factor is really the Colorado State defense not allowing a lot of points like they did at times last year, specifically vs. Idaho in the bowl game where they gave up 61 points. The Rams unit lost linebacker Kevin Davis who had 88 tackles and by far was their best defensive player."
2. Just how good is this Colorado State offense?
JM: "This unit should be the best in the Mountain West and one of the better ones in the country. Just last year, the Rams put up 63 points on an elite San Diego State defense. The one concern is what I said in the first question, and that is if quarterback Nick Stevens comes out flat or not. He was a top-five quarterback the last half of the year in efficiency and if he is even close that again this offense will click. The running game has depth in Dalyn Dawkins and Izzy Matthews, who combined for 1,600 yards, and wide receiver Michael Gallup is one of the best wide outs in the country. The offensive line is a concern even with future NFL center Jake Bennett up front, because they return only two starters off of last year's unit.
"Defenses will not be able to focus on either just the passing or rushing game as either is capable of breaking off a big play."
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3. On the other side of the ball, a lot of people question the CSU defense, especially after their horrendous bowl game performance against Idaho. Should we expect this group to be improved?
JM: "The bowl game was a one-off. Part of it was them playing bad and Idaho going crazy by scoring 61 points, plus there was the concern of the field that was basically an ice rink. However, the first half of the year the defense was not playing well, specifically not tackling, and defensive coordinator Marty English was in trouble for his job. The unit turned it around and improved on their scoring defense. Points allowed was the big issue for the Rams on defense and the offense could mask that with their abilities. They gave up 30 points per game which is not all that impressive and that is an area they need to work on.
"A positive is that they return over 70 percent of their production to go along with nine starters back on this team, and they return linebacker Deonte Clyburn who very well could take over the lost production of Kevin Davis."
4. Who is one player on the Rams' roster that Oregon State fans haven't heard of that could have a big game?
JM: "Wide receiver Olabisi Johnson. Everyone will be focused on Michael Gallup, as they should be, but Johnson is a speedy deep threat who averaged 13 yards per target and 21 yards per catch. Leave him alone and he will have a long downfield catch."
5. What is your score prediction and why?
JM: "Colorado State will get the win because there will be a ton of energy with the opening of their long-awaited on-campus stadium, but the Rams have the talent and are the better team. The offense will be too much for Oregon State's defense, which returns just over half of its production from last year. If Oregon State slows down the passing game, then the running game will be able to make up the difference, or vice versa. I have a hard time seeing the Rams being stifled in both the run and passing game. Oregon State will need to outscore the Rams if they are going to win.
Colorado State 31, Oregon State 21