Rams brace for Atzecs D

San Diego State has had succuss in low-scoring games

FORT COLLINS» Two teams with contrasting strengths meet at Canvas Stadium this weekend when Colorado State welcomes San Diego State to Fort Collins for the first time since 2015.

CSU enters the Mountain West contest boasting the second-best total offense in the conference (501 yards per game) and the eighth-worst scoring defense in the FBS –– allowing 39 tallies on average. Meanwhile, SDSU possesses the most daunting defense in the MWC and a bottom-feeding offense.

Though the Rams’ two-dimensional assault has prospered thus far, head coach Mike Bobo knows his group faces a legitimate task this Saturday.

“It’s how they play,” the head coach said. “They run to the ball, and they will strike you, so that is impressive. That tells you right there that they believe in what they are doing. They believe that they are a good defense. They don’t expect to give up many explosive plays because of the effort that they give defensively. It is going to be a big challenge for us offensively.”

Returning key players in the secondary as well as at linebacker has given the Aztecs a knack for winning low-scoring affairs. SDSU defeated FCS Weber State in week one despite mustering only six points in a shutout win. A 23-14 win at UCLA solidified the defense.

San Diego State head coach Rocky Long’s one-of-a-kind playbook makes it easy to baffle opponents.

Long’s formations are challenging to prepare for — reflected by SDSU giving up fewer than 20 points and 280 yards per week.

“They move a lot up front, so that always creates issues,” Bobo said. “Going against (Long) is a lot about identification, proper footwork, and just doing the right things offensively. Because, if you don’t, you’ll get exposed and have lost yardage plays. … I wish we played them every year. Not because I want to go against this defense and him every year, but so we can get used to it a little bit because It’s somewhat unconventional.” Producing four quarters of sound defense a week ago provides a glimmer of hope for CSU.

“Now we will build on that game from here on out,” junior defensive end Manny Jones said. “We knew what we were capable of. We have to keep building on that and showing up when it’s time to play.”

Offensively, touchdowns won’t come easy for Nebraska transfer quarterback Patrick O’Brien and his supporting cast of playmakers — which may not include wideout Warren Jackson as the junior nurses a shoulder injury.

The Rams will have to make do with whatever SDSU’s defense gives them.

Bobo mentioned how O’Brien “is improving on a daily basis” while preparing for his third-career start. So, don’t be surprised if the redshirt junior takes a few more shots downfield than usual.

“These guys have to continue to fight, which they are doing,” Bobo said. “And we have to get out of our own way and finish a game. … We have to go out an execute. If I could sit here and rub a genie and say one thing to have happen on Saturday besides win, it would be don’t turn the ball over. We have to protect the football.”