Unlike the first two scrimmages, the Colorado State Rams offense didn’t run away with this scrimmage. With a low number of bodies and players playing different positions the Rams went 1s on 1s and 2s on 2s, Offense vs Defense with a modified scoring system so the defense could score points.
The defense had their way for the majority of the game, but the offense got the last laugh. The offense pulled out the win on a last second fade to the back of the end zone from Nick Stevens to Olabisi Johnson.
The quarterbacks didn’t have as good of games, but they still preformed admirably. Stevens and J.C. Robles combined to go 33 for 61 for 399 yards with 3 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.
The Offensive Line preformed well considering the circumstances. Coming into the game, they only had 6 healthy bodies. So the coaches rotated the guys around to different positions to try to keep them fresh. The tackles and guards would switch sides, some switched from tackle to guard or guard to center. The O-Line for the day only gave up one sack.
The running game had a great day. Carrying 55 times for 337 yards as a group. Darius May and Rashaad Boddie led the way. May had 15 carries for 109 yards and Boddie had 16 carries for 97 yards.
The receiving core will definitely be at the top of the conference, they could also be one of the top groups west of the Mississippi. Olabisi Johnson had 7 catches for 82 yards and a touchdown. Michael Gallup had 4 catches for 61 yards and a touchdown. Marcus Wilson had the other receiving touchdown.
The play of the day was made by a player who isn’t eligible to play this year. Preston Williams made a catch along the sidelines, stiffed arm two defenders and made his way up the field before getting pushed out 55 yards later.
Williams has definitely stepped up the intensity for the Rams both offensively and defensively. The offense will be deadly once he becomes eligible as he has made unbelievable plays this spring according to the coaches. The defense is getting better by having the learn to cover a great receiver.
While the defense didn’t win the day, they definitely stepped up compared to the other spring scrimmages. The defense had the scoreboard advantage the whole game until the last second.
While only achieving one sack on the day, the defense did end up with 8 tackles for a loss. The defense also came up with 4 interceptions, 3 from the 1s and 1 from the 2s, and 9 pass break ups. Josh Watson, Jake Schlager, Jamal Hicks, and Connor Donohue had the interceptions for the defense.
The defensive performers that stood out were Josh Watson, 11 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and an interception. Trey Sutton had seven tackles and a pair of tackles for a loss. Conrad Harker had the lone sack for the day.
With the amount of low bodies available this spring, Coach Bobo expects some immediate contributions from the incoming class of recruits, especially on the defensive side. The secondary was low this spring and should allow for immediate action for the incoming recruits.
The Rams will be a team to contend for the Mountain West championship this year. Rams fans know the offense will be there. If the Rams defense can go from bad to ok, or even just average, the Rams will be a very dangerous team to play against.