Rams’ turnover issues continue
FORT COLLINS» With a trip to Arkansas coming this weekend, protecting the football sits atop Colorado State’s list when it comes to areas that need quick correction.
The Rams left the door wide open last Saturday in the first half of their 38-13 victory against Western Illinois by coughing up two fumbles, increasing the team’s season turnover total to six in only two games. Running back Marcus McElroy lost the ball inside CSU’s 30 right as the Rams were starting the gain momentum. A Western Illinois defender then poked the ball away from wide receiver Warren Jackson near midfield late in the half, granting the Leathernecks an opportunity to chip away at a 28-6 deficit.
“Protecting the ball would be No. 1,” CSU coach Mike Bobo said of the team’s immediate priorities. “We are awful at the turnover ratio. It was good to get a turnover the other day. (Jan-Phillip) Bombek’s sack and (fumble recovery) were awesome.
“But us turning the ball over two times is not good. We are going to keep practicing it, keep working on taking care of the football and protecting it the right way.”
CSU’s defense didn’t allow these miscues to sting, but improving ball protection is an obvious need considering every opponent the rest of the season figures to be harder to contain than Western Illinois.
Additionally, Freshman wideout Dante Wright let one slip on a punt return before quarterback Collin Hill fumbled in the game’s latter stages. Luckily for the Rams, they recovered the ball in both instances.
Bobo also mentioned that the flip side of inhibiting self-inflicted wounds is creating turnovers defensively. The Rams finally broke the seal last week by recovering a fumble late. However, a 6-to-1 overall turnover margin in favor of CSU’s opposition so far is less than ideal.
The Rams elevated their practice standard in the turnover department in response to the season-opening 52-31 loss to CU. CSU will proceed through practice this week similarly as the team strives for its second straight win vs. the Razorbacks.