Missed Opportunities: The Colorado State Midseason Review

If I told you that Colorado State should be 4-2 on the season and not 2-4 would you believe me? Well you should because, the Rams had two power 5 conference teams beat, right where they wanted them before blowing it in the end. Colorado and Minnesota escaped with overtime wins over Colorado State, but both teams should thank the Rams for giving the game away. Here are the biggest storylines of the season so far.

Overtime loss to Minnesota 23-20: Minnesota's offense was shut down by the Rams throughout the entire game. They had chances to put the Golden Gophers away but couldn't keep it moving on the offense. Minnesota took the lead before the Rams tied the game at the end of regulation. The first play of overtime was probably the worst play call I have ever seen. An inside slip screen was called and Dalyn Dawkins was immediately hit causing the ball to come loose. The play resulted in an interception for Minnesota who eventually kicked a game winning field goal. This win would have given the Rams a ton of confidence and momentum going in to the Colorado game.

Overtime loss to Colorado 27-24: Let's face it here, Colorado State blew this game bigtime! Colorado didn't belong on the same field as the Rams and the first quarter was a huge indication of it. The Rams pushed the Buffaloes around the field, marching down field scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter. Most of the game the Buffs couldn't move the ball down field. Their scores were on big plays two deep touchdown passes, and an questionable interception return in which should have been a pass interference call. Both kickers had a very bad days at the office. I'm not too sympathetic on kickers because they have one job and Wyatt Bryan missed two kicks and had another one blocked in overtime.

Not Finishing Drives: The defense is getting tired, why that is? The offense is not staying on the field. The quarterback play has been wildly inconsistent, and that is a big problem. Teams can stack the box and dare the Rams to pass because the quarterbacks are not playing well. Untimely offensive turnovers is killing this team. Nick Stevens and Coleman Key will need to play better so the offense can stay on the field and get touchdowns. If this continues the defense will continue to struggle, because they're not getting enough rest.

Wyatt Bryan: The redshirt freshmen kicker has been struggling, and at times the Rams has chosen to go for it because they don't trust he can't make kicks. The Colorado game was a low for him, he missed two kicks in which was short. His other kick was blocked in overtime which led to Colorado stealing a win in overtime. He needs to play better if he wants to keep his job next season otherwise Mike Bobo will go hunting for another kicker.

Now that the Rams have gotten the two biggest conference games out of the way, every game from here on out is winnable. They need to start having a short term memory and get back to the basics. Running the football to open up the passing game. Winning out could get them to a more respectable bowl, and building confidence is key for this young but veteran team.  The quest to get this season turned around starts this weekend against Air Force. Rebuilding the confidence that was lost against Colorado, one game and one play at a time.