The likelihood of Colorado State football’s nonconference schedule proving problematic represented a relevant concern heading into the season.
In fact, rather than eventually coasting into Mountain West play behind the seamless construction of an adversity-free stretch, the chances of straining through 2021’s introductory portion appeared practically inevitable –– given the caliber of the four-game sequence.
Still, the precise difficulty degree of CSU’s nonconference slate obviously remained unknown. If the Rams were indeed on their way to digging a pre-Mountain West play hole, how deep would it be?
Well, upon dropping its campaign opener against stingy South Dakota State before suffering defeat against a struggling Vanderbilt squad, possible issues handling this season’s initial stages became reality.
And considering the Vanderbilt contest undeniably constitutes the most winnable of the four games, it seems the 0-2 Rams find themselves in more trouble of letting the season slip through their grasp early than even the most pessimistic observers could have imagined.
“I look around the country and see what other teams are doing, and it’s not like this,” CSU head coach Steve Addazio said. “But we scheduled this deal, and we have to own it. In the big scheme, it’s gonna be good for us. It’s a little painful right now, but it’s gonna make us better.”
It’s fair to believe the schedule’s current phase of treacherousness will bode the Rams well down the line. However, enjoying those future benefits could very well occur at the expense of postseason aspirations.
Unless CSU pulls a rabbit or two out of its hat during a latter half of conference play that appears even trickier than the first, they will be staring an 0-4 record dead in the face as Oct. 9’s MW-opener versus San Jose State rolls around.
The Rams obtain their first opportunity to yank said rabbit when traveling to face Toledo (1-1) this Saturday.
Comparatively, though their odds against Toledo may seem promising when glancing a week further at Sept. 25’s clash at No. 5 Iowa, it isn’t as if the Rockets will supply anything close to a walk in the park for the visitors.
“Practice has been high-tempo, and we’ve been keeping the energy high because we know these last two games aren’t really who we are as a team,” senior cornerback Rashad Ajayi said. “We know what we’ve got to fix. But Toledo’s got a good team. They’ll bring it Saturday. So will we.”
Michael Brian/For the Reporter-Herald
Colorado State defensive lineman Toby McBride (0) gets pressure on Vanderbilt quarterback Ken Seals (8) Saturday evening Sept. 11, 2021 at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins, Colo. (Michael Brian/For The Reporter Herald)After assembling its 11th-straight winning season in 2020, seventh-year coach Jason Candle’s troupe nearly seized a signature upset last Saturday at then-No. 8 Notre Dame before the Fighting Irish escaped by the skin of their teeth with a 32-29 victory.
In 2019, Toledo utilized its high-powered offense to narrowly defeat CSU, 41-35, following a back-and-forth shootout. Now, alongside another efficacious offensive attack, the Rockets represent an enhanced all-around product in light of a much-improved defense.
“They’re a hell of a team,” Addazio said. “They’ve got outstanding athletes on both sides. They’ve traditionally had the best players in the MAC, and I know how good of a conference that is. I coached in it. So it will be quite a challenge for us. They’re playing with a lot of confidence in all phases.”
As for Toledo’s defense, the Rockets retained 2020 leading-tackler Dyontae Johnson as well as a pair of reigning All-MAC recipients in defensive linemen Jamal Hines and Desjuan Johnson. The aforementioned trio led the way as Toledo established itself as an elite run-containing unit –– ranking 25th in the FBS (129 rushing yards allowed on average).
Thus far in 2021, the Rockets’ defense surely hasn’t disappointed on the ground while welcoming CSU to Glass Bowl Stadium fresh off holding Notre Dame to 132 rushing yards (3.4 per touch).
Though both CSU’s offensive line and leading tailback David Bailey head to Toledo following a progressive week, establishing run-game efficiency undoubtedly amounts to a daunting task against the Rockets.
“They’re a pressure defense and fly around the ball,” Addazio said. “They have a fair amount of disruptive TFLs. They’re just tough, man. We just have to get David going and keep him going because he’s one of those guys that wears on you late.”
While Addazio wishes he utilized Bailey a bit more down the stretch versus Vanderbilt, the former Boston College workhorse still cashed in a productive outing upon turning 15 carries into 80 yards and one touchdown.
Bailey also collected three receptions for 36 yards and a touchdown during his second consecutive contest with a score in two phases. And speaking of the senior’s receiving skills, the Rams could look to utilize Bailey increasingly in the passing game this week in light of star wideout Dante Wright’s injury.
“David’s got pro hands,” Addazio said. “He’s a vacuum cleaner. He catches everything, and you’re seeing that now. Every week it’s gonna continue to build with him.”
In noticeable pain, Wright hobbled off the turf for good in the second half of last Saturday’s action. The junior then participated in vastly limited fashion during the recent week of practice while wearing a knee brace.
Addazio provided little information regarding Wright’s health as the wideout’s status for Saturday remains unclear. The same goes for senior defensive back Tywan Francis, who sat alongside Wright on the sidelines for a significant portion of the current week.
If Francis indeed sits, considering starting safety Logan Stewart must miss the first half of play after receiving a targeting penalty last weekend, the Rams secondary could be in some serious trouble at Toledo.
“Tywan’s banged up,” Addazio said. “Logan’s out for the first half. So we’re just trying to get guys. Titus Jones and Jack Howell, we’re trying to get them some reps. Get those guys ready to roll. That’s all you can do. We’re bouncing DBs, and we just have to find a way to compete and let young guys step up. That’s where we’re at.”
Though CSU will devote plenty of defensive attention to Rockets rusher Bryant Koback, who stockpiled 228 yards and three touchdowns at Canvas in 2019, Toledo’s offense has primarily prospered through the air this season –– after posting 326 passing yards per contest last year (10th in the FBS).
Hence, while potentially needing to rely on several inexperienced contributors, figuring out how to lock down Toledo’s downfield attack after scuffling through two games will prove vital for the visitors.
“We have a lot young guys behind me and Marshaun (Cameron),” Ajayi said. “So we always tell them to stay prepared because you never know. We just always make sure they’re ready. And I feel like we are making strides (as a secondary). But we have to minimize the explosive plays. That’s the focus this week, no matter who’s in.”
Game at a glance
Matchup: Colorado State (0-2) at Toledo (1-1)
Kickoff: 2 p.m. (Saturday)
Where: Glass Bowl Stadium (Toledo)
TV: ESPNU
Radio: KARS 102.9 FM
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