Rams’ defense relieved heading to Florida
FORT COLLINS» This week, it felt much better to be a Colorado State defender. Up until the Arkansas game, the group was carrying around a heavy burden.
“We beat an SEC team,” CSU safety Jamal Hicks said. “It just felt good knowing that we won and it wasn’t our fault we lost. We felt like the first two games, it was our fault as a defense.”
The Rams gave up some yards, especially in the first half to the visiting Razorbacks, but also made enough plays to head into the break down 139. Arkansas then opened the second half with two big touchdowns, but instead of backing down, the Rams doubled down.
They gave up no more points, allowing the offense to find its footing and rally for a 3427 victory. CSU allowed 299 yards rushing, but created turnovers and made big stops.
The Rams know they have to do it again, and be even better, as they head to Florida to play another SEC team (2 p.m.; SEC).
“That ought to give them confidence,” CSU coach Mike Bobo said. “Now, we’ve got to go out and do it again. The way you do that is you go out and have a good practice.”
The coach and players feel the goal had been met in the early part of the week. Bobo is hearing better communication, witnessing improved leverage and noticing the reduction of space — issues that haunted Rams the two games prior.
They were good in redzone drills, which paid off in the win over Arkansas, but carry over isn’t enough.
“Looking at film, we kinda beat ourselves this past weekend,” cornerback V.J. Banks said. “Even with the big plays — credit to them; they’re obviously good athletes — but we were shooting ourselves. Their big plays were because we weren’t gap disciplined, or whatever it may be. We realize once we clean all that stuff up, we’ll be able to beat a good team. We showed that last week, shutting Arkansas down in the fourth, leaving them 0fer. We’re capable of big things. We’re just looking to continue that confidence and continuing to bring that into Florida.”
CSU only allowed 16 yards to Arkansas in the final quarter, but the final tally of 299 rushing yards will be seen as a target by Florida coach Dan Mullen, Bobo believes.
The two SEC offenses have similarities, but also differences. The Gators will run more counters, and Bobo said Mullen has never shied away from running his quarterback. After two weeks, quarterback Feleipe Franks has more carries (16) and yards (78) than does starting tailback Jordan Scarlett (13 for 49).
“Don’t be fooled that they’re not going to try to run the ball,” Bobo said, repeating what he said a week prior. “I think it will be similar to Arkansas where they try to the run the ball. We’ve got to get our cleats in the grass and we’ve got to bow our neck, because it’s going to be a tough challenge.”
Which is fine by the Rams, even more this week. They have a win under their belts, and even though the defense was pushed around at times, it did push back.
The fact few people give them a chance — and the oddsmakers have them as nearly a threetouchdown underdog — means little to them.
“We definitely know that we’re going in there as an underdog, like we did this past week,” Banks said. “People across the country don’t think we have a chance, but that’s OK. That’s typically how it is as nonPower 5 guys. We’re always out there to prove we belong out there on the field with those same guys.” TV: SEC Network
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About Florida: The Gators are feeling the sting of losing to Kentucky the week before, a program they had beaten in 31 consecutive meetings. Coach Dan Mullen’s offense will be out to prove it can run the ball, much like Arkansas did last week.
About CSU: The mood is better around Fort Collins after the Rams rallied to beat Arkansas at home. The defense made stops, but the offense needed a late rally to fuel the comeback. Both sides of the ball are looking for more consistency for 60 minutes.
Outlook: CSU proved it can beat an SEC team, at least at home. Florida, which fell out of the top 25 after the loss, is better than Arkansas and playing at home, making this a tougher task.
Prediction: Florida 34, CSU 20.