Fresh faces Home on the Flashback CSU boasts Rockies Friday bevy of young Denver native Paul 2002 game remains Inside talent Thurston comes greatest Showdown PAGE 7 home of all time the PAGE 4 PAGE 12 Lines
Sept. 2, 2016 Rocky Mountain Showdown
Nick Stevens: UNdaunted PAGE 6 2 Inside The Lines Friday, September 2, 2016 Letters from the enemy Justin Guerriero out of the Rocky Mountain Show- thing that every man on the ros- about the linebackers. Addison programs aren't that di erent. CU Indepdendent down. I will say though, there ter desires greatly. Gillam is looking like his old self I think that the players view Sports Editor is a contingent of CU fans that again. I expect him to be a force to this game as an opportunity to despise the game and think of CD: The Rams are going be reckoned with. I've heard good make a statement. If they can CSU as an inferior institution. In to run early and often this year. things about CSU's o ensive line, come in and manhandle an my experience, these people are The run game will be their big- but if I were a betting man, I'd put inexperienced CSU team, and mostly made up of a so-called "old gest strength. CSU put up 218 my money on the Bu s' defense look good doing so, it'll help guard" of fans. In other words, yards on the ground last year in having the upper hand and limit- their case for national recogni- Collegian Sports Editor people that remember CU com- the Showdown. While the Bu s ing the Rams' ability to gain yard- tion. peting with Nebraska and Okla- return a ton of talent on the de- age via the run game. turning so many starters Chad Deutschman and CU homa back in the glory days of the fensive end, how do you see them on both sides of the ball and are Independent Sports Editor late 80s-early 90s. But I couldn't fairing against an improved Rams CD: The teams have alter- sick and tired of blowing win- Justin Guerriero trade words disagree more with those people. run game? nated wins the past few years. nable games. I don't know how they look at JG: On paper, I have full con- CSU fans like to think the "lit- discussing the CU-CSU ri- CU's football program, which has fi dence in the Bu s' defensive tle brother" stigma placed on CD: The moment we've all valry, this year’s Showdown been garbage for about a decade abilities. Experience, as you not- them by CU fans is a thing of been waiting for, your predic- now, and rationalize calling CSU ed, is a key strength of this 2016 the past and that there is not tion? Will CU take care of busi- and share their predictions. an unworthy opponent. Once we Bu aloes team. I usually talk any signifi cant di erence be- ness or can a young Colorado can handle the Rams with rela- to Bu s head coach Mike Mac- tween the two programs. Is State team get redemption for tive ease, then the Bu s can start Intyre after practice a few times a CU on a mission to prove that last year? Chad Deustchman: There to develop more legitimate and week and that question has been the Bu s are still the top dog in JG: 31-14 Bu s. I know...I’m is an obvious passion between intense rivalries with schools of raised. He does not take the Rams' Colorado? cocky. I can live with that. Let fans of CSU and CU, look no fur- the Pac-12. I think the current run game lightly, and neither does JG: I really do think that me just make it clear that the ther than the chants both sides players feel the same. They're the defense, for that matter. Last a lot of CU fans have those score prediction requires the dish out every year, but we don't not cocky and certainly are not season, the Rams were very suc- thoughts about CSU. At the end Bu s to do away with their usu- hear a lot about how the play- dismissive of the Rams; the Rams cessful on the ground against CU of the day, all that separates the al sins: o ensive ine¡ ciency, ers feel. How do CU players feel have beaten many of the guys on and they will defi nitely be looking Bu s and the Rams is that CU struggles in the red zone, and about CSU football? Do they view the roster. So to answer the orig- to repeat that success Friday. But had some national success for leaving the defense out on the the Rams as a legitimate rivalry? inal question posed, I think the I am confi dent that the Bu s are the better part of a decade in fi eld for ridiculous amounts of Justin Guerriero: In terms players defi nitely view this rivalry going to be an improved unit in the late 80s/early 90s. We'll al- time. of the fan’s overall general men- as legitimate and worthy of their terms of containing the enemy's ways hold that over your heads. tality, I think they enjoy the hell best e ort. Beating CSU is some- run game. Specifi cally, I'm talking But other than that, the two Collegian sta picks the Rocky Mountain Showdown
Chad Deutschman Colton Strickler Eric Wolf Justin Michael Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editor Football Reporter Columnist
This year's Showdown pits inex- The run game will be the di er- Dalyn Dawkins, Izzy Matthews, The Rams defense is extremely perience against experience. Not a ence for the Rams. CSU boasts a strong freshman Marvin Kinsey and CSU's inexperienced, especially along the great combo for CSU fans. The Rams o ensive line and if they can get Da- experienced o ensive line will do their defensive line and in the secondary. o ense will be fi ne as long as they can lyn Dawkins and Izzy Matthews going best to keep this game competitive If CU can establish the run behind an spread the ball around well enough so the Rams have a good shot to win. The throughout. CU's experienced defense experienced o ensive line, it will open the Bu s don't stack the box. With only game will boil down to what the Rams and the Ram's running game will can- things up for QB Sefo Liufau and it will three returning starters, the CSU de- can do defensively, which will be tough cel each other out, but Sefo Liufau and be a long night for Ram fans. O ensive- fense needs to settle into the game fast. considering the inexperience on the company will be able to move the ball ly, CSU will look to rely on the ground Josh Watson and Kevin Davis should defensive line and in the secondary. on the Rams defense. Semi-bold pre- and pound. If the Rams can run the anchor this linebacker group, and they This game will go either way, but I ex- diction, Dalyn Dawkins will make an ball e ectively and control the pace of will need to play big. My heart says yes, pect the Rams to win. impact play on a kicko return, but a the game, they will have a much better but my head says no. special teams score won't be enough chance. CU wins a close one,. for the Rams. CU 31, CSU 20 CSU 24, CU 21 CU 27, CSU 20 CU 30, CSU 24
Lory Student Center Box 13 EDITORIAL STAFF | 970-491-7513 ADVISING STAFF Fort Collins, CO 80523 Erik Petrovich | Editor-in-Chief Jim Rodenbush | Student Media Adviser [email protected] Kim Blumhardt | Advertising Manager This publication is not an offi cial publication of Colorado Julia Rentsch | Managing Editor Cale Rogers | CTV Adviser State University, but is published by an independent corporation [email protected] Hannah Copeland | KCSU Adviser Inside using the name ‘The Rocky Mountain Collegian’ pursuant to a license granted by CSU. The Rocky Mountain Collegian is a Chad Deutschman | Sports Editor [email protected] KEY PHONE NUMBERS 6,500-circulation student-run newspaper intended as a public Distribution | 970-491-1774 forum. It publishes four days a week during the regular fall and Keegan Pope | Special Section Design Editor The Classifi eds | 970-491-1683 spring semesters. During the last eight weeks of summer Colle- [email protected] gian distribution drops to 3,500 and is published weekly. During Colton Strickler | Assistant Sports Editor Display Advertising | 970-491-7467 Lines the fi rst four weeks of summer the Collegian does not publish. [email protected] or 970-491-6834 Corrections may be submitted to the editor in chief and Eric Wolf | Sports Reporter will be printed as necessary on page two. The Collegian is a complimentary publication for the Fort Collins community. The [email protected] fi rst copy is free. Additional copies are 25 cents each. Letters to Justin Michael | Sports Reporter the editor should be sent to [email protected]. [email protected] Inside The Lines Friday, September 2, 2016 3 4 Inside The Lines Friday, September 2, 2016
Mountain Man Paul urston returns to Colorado State a er four years at Nebraska
PHOTO BY JAVON HARRIS COLLEGIAN
By Eric Wolf lege football at the University of special, for both father and son. kind of cheering for CSU just be- Mines before a broken neck ended Coming Back Greg remembers a phone call he cause all of these years it’s been When the lights come on at his football career. As 2016 spring ball fi nished got from his son early on in his CU, CU,” Thurston said. Sports Authority fi eld on Friday After that, he transferred to at Nebraska, Thurston decided to time at the school. And now Thurston’s back night, plenty of Colorado State CSU, football was out of his sys- start looking at other options. He “He said, 'Dad, I’ve been here home, he’s back here with a chance players will run through the tun- tem. had been competing for a starting three weeks and I’m closer with to be a part of it all. He’d been to nel wearing the Ram uniform for Greg, now a pastor, spent his job at Nebraska, and he had plen- these lineman than I ever was with a few CU games growing up, but the fi rst time. Saturday’s at CSU studying for ty of experience playing at the the lineman at Nebraska.' That’s never to the showdown. Paul Thurston will be one of Seminary instead of at Hughes school, but he wanted something pretty cool. I thought that was re- It’s a unique experience. He’s them, but he is not like the rest of Stadium, but he knew what kind di erent. ally neat,” Greg said. the Colorado kid coming home. them. of lessons football could impart When he opened up his op- For Paul, it was a smooth tran- The fi rst time he gets any fi rst- He’s a little older, looks a little on a young man. tions, CSU was one of the fi rst sition. He walked into an o ensive hand experience with the show- bit wiser, and none of the newcom- So when Paul was old enough schools that came calling. line room with a lot of experience, down, he’s running out on the ers sport the facial hair Thurston he started playing football, and It did not take long for Thur- but he had some wisdom to shell fi eld, with his family in the stands. wears. (Line mate Fred Zerblis ended up playing high school ball ston to answer. out on his own. His line mates “Here we are as Rams and we might be the only player on the at Arvada West, where his uncle “I really loved what they had appreciated that. They loved how have been Rams since we graduat- team to challenge him in that). Guy was on the coaching sta . to say and I then came out here quickly he gelled with them and ed," Greg Thurston said. "It will be All of the new players have Guy, and Paul's other uncle and took a visit and I loved just got to work. pretty great to go there and watch their own story of how they end- Brant, both spent time playing being around the guys and the And he picked up the system not just Paul but watch the whole ed up at CSU, but Thurston took football at the University of Col- coaches," Thurston said. "Then quickly. Come Friday night, Thur- CSU football team battle it out. We a much longer road to get to CSU orado. From his family's football the fact of being able to come ston will be making his Rams de- are thrilled that we can watch him than any of them. lineage, it seemed like Paul was back home and playing in front but as a starting o ensive lineman. and be apart of it." In the end, it's a road that led destined to be a Bu . of family and all of that. It was “Now, to be able to come into him straight to the Rocky Moun- But Guy and Brant both like I need to go home, so it just Proper Welcoming this program and have a chance to tain Showdown. played before the glory days of felt right." Growing up in Colorado, with go play CU, that’s just a huge thing. Bill McCartney and national Thurston took fast to the his CU and CSU ties, Thurston I’m super excited for it,” Thurston Lincoln championships, neither of them team, especially his linemates and had plenty of experience with the said. A senior graduate transfer had good experiences at the Uni- o ensive line coach Will Friend. Rocky Mountain Showdown. But Thurston tries to not from Nebraska, Thurston grew up versity. “I love coach Friend. He’s a “This is a game that you have get too far ahead of himself. He down the road in Arvada, Colora- So when it came time for great coach," he said. "He knows seen on TV all those years growing knows how big of a game it is, but do as the second brother in a fam- Paul to continue his career in what he is talking about. I could up," Thurston said. "It’s a game you he is not going to psych himself ily with four daughters. college, he chose the University see that when I was talking to him have heard about, and to actually out, he's played in plenty of those Both of his parents, Greg and of Nebraska, CU’s archrival. He that he could help me improve as a be a part of it will be an interesting before. Janet, are CSU alums graduating went to the school with his fam- player. That made it easy.” experience.” He is excited, but for now, in ‘87 and ‘86 respectively. Now, ily's blessing, his Uncles did not Thurston is not the only one Though nobody in his fam- he’s just grateful for the oppor- their son has a chance to play for want a repeat of their experience who could not be happier about ily was a diehard Bu aloes fan, tunity. their old school. at CU. where he is in his football life. Thurston said that he “defi nitely” It’s been a long and wayward “(It’s) obviously incredibly Yet, he was still a Colorado “Coach Friend is amazing and rooted for the Bu s growing up. journey, but come Friday night, special,” Greg said. “It’s fun to kid headed to play for the hated he’s done, wow he’s done incred- That all changed during his time in one thing is certain when he runs think that he will be playing for Huskers. ible work, and so it’s fun to watch Lincoln. out into Sports Authority fi eld; CSU, that’s our alma mater. To “I got a lot of fl ak for that. A Paul develop under him. Paul is “It was funny, when I was out he will be home. have him back in this state is really lot of friends and stu like that getting coaching that he never had in Nebraska and you know CSU neat.” were like 'how can you go to Ne- before,” Greg Thurston said. started getting better and started Eric Wolf can be reached by Greg spent a year playing col- braska',” Thurston said. The transition to CSU was making that rise I found myself email at [email protected]. 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By Chad Deutschman He said he did hear some of Bowl against Nevada. to concentrate on and that’s ciate how they treat each other the calls for him to play over Stevens fi nished the sea- himself.” and I appreciate how they’re Grayson, but it went in one ear son throwing for 2,697 yards Bringing in a new quarter- there for the team and Nick is and out the other, never letting and 21 touchdowns. His 2015 back to potentially take your a very good example of that.” it consume his thoughts. yardage totals ranked second place when you started the In the midst of a battle, In 2012 former Colora- “I don’t think it’s that in the Mountain West and year before can be a hard thing Stevens and his peers have not do State quarterback Garrett hard to block it out,” Stevens set a CSU record for the most to cope with, but Stevens has let the possibility of starting Grayson was named the start- said. “It’s a lot di erent when passing yards by a sophomore, listened to his coach, and not cloud their judgment of what er heading into his sophomore you’re sitting in the locker helping him earn a spot on the tried to be anything other than it means to be a part of the season. On Sept. 24, 2013, he room, you’re out there on the All-Mountain West second himself. Colorado State football team. was injured in a game against practice fi eld. You can see ev- team. “We talk a lot about in that When you are competing Air Force, bringing an end to erything that’s going on and Heading into 2016, Stevens room about ‘control what you against the name next to yours his season. the rest is just kind of outside has found himself in a simi- can control’ and the only thing in the locker room, tensions Grayson came back from noise. It happens in every sit- lar situation to what Garrett he can control is how he goes can rise. That hasn’t been the injury in 2013 to start all 14 uation on every team, so I try Grayson went through in com- about his business every sin- case in the CSU room. games the Rams played and not to take it too personally.” ing into 2014. He has played gle day, and he’s done a nice “If you want it to (a ect put up one of the best statis- It is one thing to want the one full season, and played job of that,” Bobo said, speak- your relationships), sure. The tical seasons a Colorado State team to go undefeated every well, yet still hasn’t secured ing about how Stevens has type of person I am, the type of quarterback has ever had, be- year; it is another to realize his starting spot. Instead, handled another quarterback person everybody in our room coming just the fourth ever what is best for the team. graduate transfer Faton Bauta competition. “Like I told all is, we don’t have those kinds 3,000-yard passer in CSU his- “Everything worked and freshman Collin Hill have of them: I appreciate the way tory and leading CSU to a win out perfectly for Garrett joined Stevens on the depth they compete and how they go see Stevens on page 13 >> over Pac-12 member Washing- (Grayson). He’s in the NFL chart for a three-horse quar- about their business, I appre- ton State in the Gildan New now getting paid. I’m not wor- terback battle heading into Mexico Bowl. ried about it at all and try not this year’s Rocky Mountain PHOTO BY ABBIE PARR COLLEGIAN Current CSU quarter- to pay too much attention to Showdown. back Nick Stevens redshirted In the same way he in 2013, becoming eligible to treated the rumors of him- play in 2014. The Rams had Nick Stevens self starting above Grayson, just fi nished a successful cam- Height: 6’3 Stevens tries not worry paign under head coach Jim about losing his starting McElwain and seemed to have Weight: 205 spot. found a quarterback in Garrett Year: RS Junior “If you get frustrated Grayson to lead the team into with it, it’s going to take the future. Colorado State fans Hometown: Murrieta, Calif. away from your perfor- should have been thrilled with mance,” he said. “So I just the outlook of the program, looked at it as an opportu- and most were, but many nity to prove myself and called for redshirt sophomore it.” improve myself. I think it Nick Stevens to start ahead of Jim McElwain departed really helped me out a lot the man who just put up one for the University of Flori- this year and I think that the best seasons in CSU’s quar- da following the 2014 season, the strides I’ve made since terback history. making room for current head I’ve been in the competi- “I think (fan criticism) coach Mike Bobo to take the tion have been really help- happens with everything. It helm. That left Stevens head- ful and really positive.” probably doesn’t happen as ing into his sophomore season The competition start- much if your team is going un- with a new o ense to learn in ed during practice for the defeated, but there are always a season where he was the heir bowl game, as Colorado people that are going to want apparent to Grayson. State brought in veteran change.” Stevens said while The transition to a new of- quarterbacks, looking to speaking about why he felt fense opened up a quarterback add another quarterback fans might have wanted that battle, as all the players were to the roster. Faton Bauta change. starting at square one and had happened to be the veter- Having Stevens take over no more experience than the an quarterback to join the for Grayson probably nev- guy standing next to them. roster. er crossed the mind of coach Stevens and then red- “We brought guys in McElwain, but there was a fan shirt freshman Coleman Key during bowl practice and it call for it. Benching Grayson topped the depth chart to start was very eminent to Nick in 2014 almost seems blas- the season and embarked on a (Stevens) and J.C. (Robles) phemes now, as he went on to quarterback competition that that we were actively trying have the single greatest season lasted into the second week of to recruit a veteran quar- in CSU history, completing the season. Stevens was able terback,” head coach Mike 64.3 percent of his passes for to separate himself from Key, Bobo said. “I’m always 4,006 yards, 32 touchdowns being named the lone-starter talking about competition while throwing just seven in- for the Rocky Mountain Show- to the team and to that terceptions en route to being down and rest of the season by room. Even to guys when named the Mountain West Of- week three. they’re watching practice fensive Player of the year on a Once he became the to after we signed Faton CSU team that fi nished 10-3. lone-starter in 2015, it became (Bauta), when he came Stevens saw the fi eld in fi ve an up and down season, with on campus, Nick hadn’t games in 2014, but wouldn’t CSU fi nishing 7-6 and losing in blinked an eye. He concen- see real action until 2015. the Nova Home Loans Arizona trated on what he needed Inside The Lines 7 Friday, September 2, 2016 New faces bring excitement, concern for Colorado State coaching sta
Colorado State freshman quarterback Collin Hill throws a pass during a recent practice. Hill is one of a handful of newcomers that impressed coaches. PHOTO BY KEEGAN POPE COLLEGIAN
By Eric Wolf Bride, Christian Colon and Ja- for the fi rst time. to be able to react accordingly. night. mal Hicks should see reps on the Guys like Nolan Peralta, That’s the biggest thing. The veterans have been defense. Danny Nwosu, Jake Schlager, “You can’t be afraid to fail," preaching to the new guys that It seems like for the majority For the coaching sta and Evan Colorito, even the whole Bobo said. "I tell them all the they have been playing football of fall camp the talk surrounding the other players, it’s exciting defensive line. Position con- time, you can’t be afraid to make their whole lives, Friday night the CSU football team, outside that they fi nally have a chance verts Jordon Vaden and Mar- a mistake." is simply one more game, just a of the quarterback position, fo- to see what their young guys can cus Wilson might as well be in “We are not gonna play the little bit bigger. cused on the youth and the inex- do in an actual game. They have that group. perfect game, you never do “It’s just another game,” perience surrounding this team. seen it all through practice, but All of them have been at the and there’s gonna be mistakes Golditch said. “They practice, Come Friday night at 6:00 now the situation is real. program for a while, but now physical and mental,” defen- they eat, they breathe, they have p.m., there is no more talking “I think it’s always fun to see the stage is theirs. sive coordinator Marty En- friends, they lift. They do all about it. It’s all on display for the some of the guys that you have And no stage is bigger than glish said. “That’s really where those things, it’s just someone in fi rst time. recruited or guys that you have the Rocky Mountain show- you need your experience, and a di erent jersey (this time)." “(I am) a little nervous about seen make a lot of improvement down. For the young guys and how you bounce back from And for any players who still all the young guys that we have through the o season and kind the older players who are going that stu , it’s only gonna come need some pre-game advice, to play, but at the same time, of see what they do when they to see the fi eld signifi cantly for with time.” Jake Bennett has some from you are excited to see what they get a chance,” o ensive coordi- the fi rst time, Friday night is The experience the play- his fi rst experience in the show- do. (I’m) excited to see how they nator Will Friend said. the proper welcome to college ers need, and the coaches need down. react when the lights are on. "I think there is defi nitely football. out of their players certainly “Just probably be a little You want guys that embrace it,” a few juco guys like Mike (Gal- "That's where those guys is not going to come from one bit naive and don’t understand coach Mike Bobo said. lup) and freshman like Marvin will shine," o ensive lineman game, but it’s a good place to where you are at. I was kind of Out of fall camp, coach Bobo (Kinsey) who are just gonna go Zach Golditch said. "The guys start. The Rocky Mountain too young and stupid to kind of made it clear. A signifi cant num- out there and show people what who are putting in all the hard showdown is a high-pressure understand what was going on," ber of the team’s contributors I've been seeing since August work and preparing, they are scenario. They are tested early. he said. "I think I was just too will be players who are putting 3rd," o ensive lineman Jake going to stand out. There's no English said it’s up to the overwhelmed with actually get- on the Ram uniform for the fi rst Bennett said. better game to make your debut veterans on his defense to set- ting to play that I didn't really time. But it’s not just the new- in, and to make plays then that tle down the young guys when think about it until I was holding O ensively, quarterback comers. The team has to re- stage. Especially week one and those mistakes are made, and the trophy that year.” Collin Hill, receivers Michael place 13 starters from a season that opponent.” to keep them focused on mov- Gallup and Dietrich Clark, as ago. Bobo stressed that there With all of the youth and ing to the next play. Eric Wolf can be reached by well as tight end Dalton Fackrell are plenty of guys who have inexperience, the coaching And a lot of the veteran email at [email protected]. and running back Marvin Kinsey been with this program for two sta have tried to drive home guys have been working on could all play a big role Friday or three years who are fi nally to players that mistakes are go- preparing the inexperienced night. True freshmen Toby Mc- going to see signifi cant action ing to happen, they just need to players mentally for Friday 8 Inside The Lines Inside The Lines 9 Friday, September 2, 2016 Friday, September 2, 2016
When the Rams are on defense... Colorado State Colorado 94 - Darnell Thompson, LDE, 6-4, 270, Junior 13 - Sefo Liufau, QB, 6-4, 230, Senior
92 - Josh Lovingood, NT, 6-4, 290, Junior 23 - Phillip Lindsay, RB, 5-8, 190, Junior Colorado
G G G G G G G G G G G G 91 - Jakob Buys, DT, 6-4, 265, Junior 4 - Bryce Bobo, WR, 6-2,190, Junior 9 25 G 43 - Evan Colorito, RDE, 6-4. 245, Junior 1 - Shay Fields, WR, 5-11, 180, Junior 1 0 52 - Tre Thomas, SLB, 6-2, 235, Sophomore 2 - Devin Ross, WR, 5-9, 185, Junior 31 32 95 98 1 0 55 - Josh Watson, MLB, 6-2, 235, Sophomore 81 - Sean Irwin, TE, 6-3, 250, Senior 26 92 58 54 4 2 0 33 - Kevin Davis, WLB, 6-2, 240, Senior 76 - Jeromy Irwin, LT, 6-5, 295, Junior 81 23 76 55 77 54 61 32 19
11 - Jordon Vaden, LCB, 6-3, 195, Senior 68 - Gerrad Kough, LG, 6-4, 295, Junior 2 0 3 0 8 - Jake Schlager, FS, 5-11, 195, Junior 74 - Alex Kelley, C, 6-2, 305, Senior 7 1
29 - Justin Sweet, SS, 5-10, 190, Junior 56 - Tim Lynott, RG, 6-3, 300, Freshman 3 0
5 - Tyree Simmons, RCB, 5-11, 190, Senior 71-Sam Kronshage, RT, 6-6, 295, Junior 4 0 4 0
When the Rams are on offense... 5 0
Colorado State Colorado 5 0 7 - Nick Stevens, QB, 6-3, 205, Junior 92 - Jordan Carrell, DE, 6-3, 200, Senior 4 0 1 - Dalyn Dawkins, RB, 5-9, 175, Junior 58 - Josh Tupou, NT, 6-3, 325, Senior
81 - Olabisi Johnson, WR, 6-0, 190, Sophomore 54 - Samson Kafovalu, DT, 6-4, 295, Senior 4 0
19 - Sammie Long, WR, 6-3, 195, Junior 95 - Derek McCartney. OLB, 6-3, 250, Junior 3 0 29 8 23 - Marcus Wilson, WR, 5-10, 190, Sophomore 31 - Kenneth Olugbode, ILB, 6-1, 220, Senior 33 55 3 0 32 - Nolan Peralta, TE, 6-3, 245, Senior 32 - Rick Gamboa, ILB, 6-0, 230, Sophomore 52 2 0 43 76 - Nick Callender, LT, 6-6, 325, Senior 98 - Jimmie Gilbert, OLB, 6-5, 230, Senior 5 91 92 94 11 2 0 55- Paul Thurston, LG, 6-5, 300, Senior 4 - Chidobe Awuzie, CB, 6-0, 205, Senior 4 81 72 56 67 58 74 2 1
77 - Jake Bennett, C, 6-3, 290, Junior 25 - Ryan Moeller, FS, 6-1, 215, Junior 1 0 13
54 - Fred Zerblis, RG, 6-3, 305, Senior 9 - Tedric Thompson, SS, 6-0, 205, Senior 23 1 0
61 - Zack Golditch, LG, 6-6, 295, Junior 26 - Isiah Oliver, CB, 6-1, 190, Sophomore
G G G G G G G G G G G G G
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Proud supporter of the CSU Rams for 35 years! KEEGAN POPE COLLEGIAN 10 Inside The Lines Friday, September 2, 2016
Rams Spotlight Buffs Spotlight Nick Stevens, QB Sefo Liufau, QB 21 9 Touchdowns in Touchdowns in 2015 2015 60.8 62.2 Completion Completion Percentage Percentage
THEY SAID IT: 7-6 8-23 THEY SAID IT: Record as a “They see that heightened intensity. When they "I think he's a lot more put together. Record as a see other people overcome things with the work He's a very, very smart guy and knows Starter Starter ethic and the time they have to put into it, they what he's doing. He's confident. I believe understand it. If you know your friend’s hopes and in him, and I think he's matured a lot, dreams and you can help him reach them, then too. He's knowing what to do, knowing you’re going to do a little more to reach his hopes what the checks are and that's the type and dreams. That’s what I see that Sefo has done of guy we need on this team." with this team.” -CSU left tackle Zack Golditch -CU head coach Mike MacIntyre
Coaches’ Corner Coaches’ Corner Mike Bobo Mike MacIntyre
Coaching Career 1990–1991 Georgia (GA) Coaching Career 1992 Davidson (DC) UT –Martin (DC) 1998 Georgia (admin) 1993–1996 Temple (DC) 1999 Georgia (GA) 1997–1998 Ole Miss (WR) 2000 Jacksonville State (QB) 1999–2000 Ole Miss (DB) 2001-06 Georgia (QB) 2001-2002 Dallas Cowboys (DB) 2007-14 Georgia (OC/QB) 2003–2006 New York Jets (DB) 2015-Present Colorado State 2007 2008–2009 Duke (DC) 2010–2012 San Jose State 2013–present Colorado THEY SAID IT:
"He’s very passionate about his 7-6 26-48 Career Record Career Record job. He takes it seriously. With THEY SAID IT: his offensive skills, he can defi- “He coached our wide receivers nitely help them improve and my freshman year, so I worked move the ball. He’s a high-en- closely with him on our passing ergy guy. He’s going to get on game, and then for the next two you, but it’s going to make you $1.35M $2.2M Annual Salary Annual Salary years I got to throw against his better. His offense really helps secondary every day in practice young guys and gets you ready when he coached the defensive for an NFL career if you get backs, which was invaluable in that opportunity. He’s going my preparation.” to be balanced and utilize his 2 7 -New York Giants QB Eli talents.” Years as Head Coach Years as Head Coach -LA Rams RB Todd Gurley Manning Inside The Lines Friday, September 2, 2016 11 12 Inside The Lines Friday, September 2, 2016 2002 RMS ranks as best in history By Justin Michael After being defeated by At first and ten from Sonny Lubick and the Rams the Colorado-23, Van Pelt In a state that lives for the in back-to-back seasons faked a pitch to Cecil Sapp, Broncos 365 days a year, the (1999 and 2000), the Buffa- cut upfield and ran un- Rocky Mountain Showdown loes took care of business in touched to about the one- is the one day a year where 2001, defeating the No. 24 yard line. As he was head- college football truly reigns Rams handily, 41-14. ing into the endzone, Buffs supreme. Throughout the Fast forward to 2002, the safety Roderick Sneed dove rivalry, some of the greatest No. 21 Rams are set to face at the quarterback’s legs in and most exciting games in off with the No. 6 Buffaloes. a last second effort to bring the history of both Colorado At quarterback for the Rams, him down. Van Pelt spun State and Colorado football Bradlee Van Pelt, who was around the diving defend- have come against each other. looking for revenge after be- er and spiked the football Winning the in-state ing embarrassed the year off of Sneed’s helmet after matchup sets the tone for before. BVP and the Ram of- crossing the plane. the entire season and wheth- fense got off to a fast start, The play would have er either school will admit it leading 13-0 at halftime. certainly drawn an un- or not, this game means a lot After neither team scored sportsmanlike conduct to both programs involved. in the third quarter, future penalty in 2016, but in a Over the past two decades, olympic skier and former time where the rules were the game has tended to be Buffs WR Jeremy Bloom more lenient, the play did extremely competitive, no opened the fourth quar- not draw a flag and Van Pelt matter the state of either pro- ter with a punt return for a became a CSU legend for gram. touchdown, cutting the Ram the play. Colorado State QB Bradlee Van Pelt stiff arms a CU defender in 2002. When both programs lead to six, 13-7. Following the game, Van COLLEGIAN FILE PHOTO were struggling, the game A few minutes later, the Pelt famously called CU the was considered one of the few Buffs took the lead for the “sorriest No. 6 team” he had a 60-minute battle between and back. winnable weeks on the sched- first time in the game with a ever seen. two teams that genuinely hat- For those few seasons, ule for either team. In other Chris Brown rushing touch- Van Pelt was the type of ed each other. Van Pelt was CSU football and seasons, it can be the differ- down (14-13). Just when it player that not only wanted to Van Pelt did not give a his greatest moment came in ence in being bowl eligible looked like the Buffs were go- defeat his enemies, he want- damn about Colorado’s proud the 2002, during the greatest or not. However, in the early ing to steal a victory from the ed to step on their throats. history and he certainly was Rocky Mountain Showdown. 2000’s, when both programs Rams, BVP put the team on Nobody brought that mental- not concerned with sports- Justin Michael can be were thriving, the RMS could his back and scored one of the ity out of him more than CU manship, but he was the type reached by email at sports@ have been the difference in most iconic touchdowns in though. During the Van Pelt- of quarterback that team- collegian.com. competing for a BCS bowl the history of the rivalry. era, every game with CU was mates would follow into hell Showdown back as rst game of year In-state rivalry has been played as season opener 15 of last 20 seasons
By Eric Wolf "We have always been so excited. one game out of twelve, but this gets the chance to start the sea- early season momentum, but We were just ready let’s go out one game just happens to be the son the right way. The way they the players, and coach Bobo, all On Friday night, the Rocky and play, and last year it was like Rocky Mountain showdown on want to. Nothing can match know how important the game Mountain Showdown opens oh we don’t start out with Col- ESPN. opening up the year by battling is for both schools respective fan up the season for the Colorado orado. We were still excited, It At the end of the day, the CU. bases, especially after almost a State football team, and with it, was just a dierent tempo.” coach is not naive. It’s a huge It is the kind of kick o the year since the last showdown. everything returns to normal. Coach Mike Bobo does not game for the state, the teams, players want. Momentum doesn’t only Last season, the 87th meet- share quite the same mindset. “It’s a huge game for the exist on the field, but also within ing between the two teams stood Last season, the team state, everyone comes out and the fan base. It’s the first chance as an outlier when the two teams opened the year at Hughes sta- Rocky Mountain Showdown it really kind of kicks o football for the team to step on the field met in week three. The game has dium against a Savannah State Colorado State vs. Colorado season for CSU football,” Peralta and show their product. There is traditionally been played as the team that had won two games in said. “(You) get to play in front no better way to do that than in first game of the season, and only the three previous seasons. The Sports Authority Field at Mile of 70,000 people, at the Bron- the Rocky Mountain showdown five times in the last 20 years has trick for the coach is getting his High Stadium cos stadium. It doesn’t get much the players said. better than that.” it been played otherwise. guys to prepare for this opener Tonight, 6 p.m. “It could be big,” safety Jake “Last year it was weird,” just like they did last season. It’s a big stage, most likely Schlager said. “When we went tight end Nolan Peralta said. The focus needs to be 100 TV: ESPN the biggest stage the team will ten and three that year (2014) we “We’ve always played week one percent internal. play in all season, and it’s week won the Showdown and we had since I have been here except for “We are working on that, one. All of the build up and work a really good performance there. last year. To move it back to this and trying to get them to under- from spring camp all the way Opening up with the Showdown week, it’s going to kind of be back stand the importance of the op- and the fans. He’s excited that through fall camp gets let out in definitely brings another level to to normal.” ponent does not matter. Success they have a chance to get the the Rocky Mountain showdown, the entire state, it brings anoth- Normal was a common is defined in yourself and how CSU brand out there on Friday like it’s intended to be. er level to the University, and it theme from Colorado State you go about your work every night. He knows his players are “It really sets the tempo for kind of gives everybody an idea players in the lead up to the single day,” the coach said. bringing some extra juice. It’s a the rest of the season for both of what to expect from here on game this week, especially for “Now is there more excite- game they “oughta” be excited to teams,” oensive lineman Zach out." the veterans. From the time they ment in the air, maybe a little bit, play in. Golditch said. “Those years that Like every year heading into arrived at CSU, the only thing but they were excited last year “We are obviously playing we won it was a great feeling. the showdown, there is a lot of they knew was opening up the to play the first game. You are al- a big game, a Pac-12 opponent, Just going into week two having emotion and energy ready to be season under the bright lights of ways excited for the first game,” an in-state rivalry game, and that great feeling, I think it really let out from players, coaches, Sports Authority against an in- Bobo said. you hope you can take care of helps." and fans. This year, there’s just state rival. He buys into that, but get- business and start the season o With a win comes the in- not as long of a wait. “We have always started ting 18 to 22-year-old kids to be strong,” Bobo said. state bragging rights, the sea- Eric Wolf can be reached by opening with Colorado,” defen- into it is more dicult, espe- And with CU returning as son boosting status of beating a email at [email protected]. sive lineman Jakob Buys said. cially this week. In his mind, it’s the opening opponent, the team power-5 conference team and Inside The Lines 13 >> STEVENS from page 6 Friday, September 2, 2016
is, we don’t have those kinds the other quarterbacks while of guys,” graduate transfer Faton going through a competition. Bauta said. “Have I seen those “After each play we’ve kind of kinds of guys? Yeah, for sure, but grown into the ability of coming that’s not going to affect their up and saying ‘what did you see relationship with me. That’s on that, would have thrown it football, and then there is real where I threw it’ and our com- life outside of football. So if you petition has kind of grown into a want to ruin that, and be in that positive correction based thing. sort of light with those people, We’re not wanting each other to that type of relationship, that’s screw up, we want the offense fine. In our quarterback room? to look good out there. It’s defi- No. We know we’re challenging nitely a healthy relationship, each other and I think we’re en- healthy competition and we’ve joying it at the same time.” just grown more together as it’s When you have a group full gone on.” of people competing for what is Coach Bobo has not named best for the team, rather than his starting quarterback head- competing for what’s best in- ing into the Rocky Mountain dividually, it creates an atmo- Showdown, but redshirt junior sphere where the team thrives. Nick Stevens has been through If it begins to thwart relation- it all at Colorado State and not ships, the team loses. changed his approach. The Nick “We didn’t know each oth- Stevens motto: control what you er so much before, but showing can control. up a little bit early to meetings you get small talk going and talk Collegian Sports Editor Chad about daily life and things oth- Deutschman can be reached by er than just football,” Stevens email at [email protected]. Colorado State quarterback Nick Stevens scrambles out of the pocket during a game last season against said about his relationship with Minnesota. PHOTO BY ABBIE PARR COLLEGIAN Year 2 brings bigger playbook By Chad Deutschman with (Dalyn) Dawkins and Izzy “Everybody, except for a (Mathews).” few guys who we’re going to When Colorado State opened The one position that Bobo play as freshman, has had a full up their season against Savannah said was a little bit behind was at year of experience in the oense State in 2015, they played a team wide receiver, but they are start- whether that be game time or that won two games in the past ing to grasp it on the same level practice time,” Stevens said. two seasons. It wasn’t a big deal as their peers, according to the “Last year at this point nobody that the team was in their first coach. had played a game in this of- year of the Mike Bobo era. That Currently listed as starters fense. I think that’s going to help feeling of security doesn’t last at wide receiver are sophomore us out a lot as an oense and we forever. More competitive games Olabisi Johnson, redshirt junior have some really good things to were around the corner, and the Sammie Long IV and redshirt look forward to this year.” oense was put to the test. sophomore Marcus Wilson in the The increase in oensive The Rams didn’t go unde- slot. The three have combined familiarity among players feated in 2015. They didn’t have for minimal experience, playing doesn’t stop with Stevens. Red- the highest scoring oense in the behind the likes of Rashard Hig- shirt junior oensive lineman country. CSU went 7-6 and had gins and Joe Hansley in 2015, but Zach Golditch has expressed the third most prolific oense in Bobo isn’t concerned about the his comfort level in the oense. the Mountain West, averaging new comers knowing the entire Goldithc no longer understands 29.6 points per game. oensive scheme, just their own just his own job, but the entire Fast-forward to the start of job. oense’s job. the 2016 season, and the Rams “Running back and receiver “I think when (the coaches) now have one year of trial and is where a lot of our new guys are are saying ‘know what you are error with Bobo and oensive co- going to play and are one of the doing’ we get it, we understand ordinator Will Friend. The 2015 positions that you can play early,” the little individual photos and season can be looked at as more he said. “They don't really have to we understand the little picture of an installation process. The understand what you are trying to of our individual position and team wanted to implement the do conceptually, they have to line now I know what Fred (Zerblis) new oense and learn how Bobo up and know what to run and rec- is doing, I know what Jake (Ben- and Friend wanted things done. ognize the coverage.” nett) is doing,” he said. “That’s In 2016, the team feels they have With last season and fall camp huge cause then it gets every- the familiarity and understand- behind them, the players share a body on the same page and when ing of the oense that will lead the similar feeling to their coach. The everyone is on the same page big Rams to more wins in the coming team is ready to take the next step plays happen.” season. in their oense: implementing Being on the same page as “We are light years ahead of more of the playbook. the rest of the oense is key for where we were last year,” Bobo “Last year, at this point, it was any successful team. Having one said. just kind of the basic stu that year under their belts, it is now The team has made improve- they put in every fall camp,” quar- time for this oense to see just ments in terms of understanding terback Nick Stevens said. “We how well they understand it. the oense at virtually every posi- have a lot more that we can bring “I think it’s huge now we tion, according to Bobo. out just because we have the ba- are a year deep into the system,” “If you talk about the oen- sic things down. We can move to Golditch said. “We know what sive line, if you talk about the some more advanced stu.” we are doing and that’s huge be- tight end position, even though Stevens started slow last cause now we can play faster, we we lost two tight ends, but Danny season, but finished the season can focus on the little things. Lit- (Nwosu) and Nolan (Peralta) are throwing for 2,679 yards — the tle things win games.” two tight ends that were in the most ever by a sophomore quar- Chad Deutschman can be system last year,” he said. “We are terback in CSU history — and reached by email at sports@colle- light years ahead at the quarter- threw 21 touchdown passes, gian.com. back position… We’re light years good enough for a spot on the ahead at the tailback position All-Mountain West second team. 14 Inside The Lines Friday, September 2, 2016
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