3 takeaways: Another slow start dooms CSU in a 38-7 loss at Washington State

Colorado State fell to 0-3 for the first time since 2010 with a 38-7 loss at Washington State (3-0) Saturday. Dating back to last season, CSU’s losing streak of nine games is currently the longest in the country. 

Starting with the Rams’ first offensive series of the game, a three-and-out that ended with WAZZU linebacker Daiyon Henley sacking Clay Millen for a loss of 9 yards, it was clear that the Rams were in for a tough one. With CSU missing both of its original starting tackles, an offensive line that got torched by Middle Tennessee faced an even more challenging front in Week 3, but with a group of guys that had minimal experience together in the trenches. 

Millen was sacked seven times on Saturday in yet another game where the redshirt freshman quarterback had to constantly pick himself up off of the turf. There were seemingly a couple of instances where the young QB held on to the ball too long while trying to make a play downfield, but with a lot of the pressure he faced there really was not much that he could do. The Cougars were able to get in the backfield without having to blitz every down like MT did a week ago, and that allowed WAZZU to play coverage in the back end, making it even more challenging on an offense that is still in the process of coming together. 

Considering the talent that WAZZU brings to the table defensively — they’re an experienced, athletic group that flies around and makes plays — I felt that Millen showed a lot of composure and arguably played his best game of the season. He didn’t have as many touchdown passes this time around, but after going down 21-0 in the first quarter, it would have been really easy for a young guy with a big arm to start forcing things. Instead, Millen settled into the flow of the game and was able to move the ball a little bit. The important thing though is that he made the right decisions and did not further harm the team by forcing things into coverage and compounding what was already a difficult situation for the Rams. 

In his return to his home state, Millen finished 24-of-34 for 211 yards (71%) with one touchdown and an interception that essentially worked as a punt on fourth down. He did get stripped twice, one of which resulted in a turnover. He’s put the ball on the ground a few times now, so ball security is definitely an area he’ll need to improve. But all things considered, Millen displayed good decision making and was able to work through his reads while having to deal with a ton of guys in his face.

Here are the other takeaways from the Week 3 loss. 

Another slow start

A big reason why the Rams are 0-3 for the first time in over a decade is that CSU has yet to score a point in the first half of a game. In the 2022 season so far, CSU has been outscored 41-0 in the first quarter and 37-0 in the second quarter. 

Coming out of the gate, the offense was not able to do much of anything in this one. What’s worse, a couple of bad punts and then a missed field goal gave the Cougars killer field position on four consecutive drives to start the game and unsurprisingly, they all resulted in points. 

Holding WAZZU to 10 points in the second half was respectable, especially with how dominant QB Cam Ward appeared to be in the first 30 minutes of play. The Incarnate Word transfer displayed poise, escapability, and made some incredible touch passes with defenders in his grill. 

As the game went on, CSU’s pass rush started to get home more frequently, which allowed the Rams to be more disruptive. Mo Kamara and C.J. Onyechi were able to wreak a little havoc along the edge and produce a pair of sacks. Sophomore safety Jack Howell also recorded his second interception in as many games to go along with nine total tackles and a pass breakup. Those guys all continue to play well.

Ultimately though, while it is encouraging that this team has not lied down and actually competed much better in the second halves of the last two losses, it’s basically been too little and too late. CSU has to find a way to start faster, or it’s going to be a really long year.

More guys in the mix 

One of the goals this week was to get more of the receivers involved and despite the outcome, CSU did accomplish that. The Rams had three individuals, Tory Horton, Melquan Stovall and Jalen Thomas record five receptions apiece to tie for the team lead. Ty McCullouch had four grabs and a team-high 57 receiving yards, Avery Morrow had a couple of catches too. Finally, Justus Ross-Simmons recorded the first two catches of his career, including a 14-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter. 

Ultimately the goal will be to score more points (duh). But we are seeing progress from week to week in terms of advancement within the Air Raid system. Yes, the hope is for the Rams to end up in the win column (duh, again). But establishing a finesse passing offense is a process that takes time and experience out on the field against another team. While you can throw in practice for hours, there’s nothing like getting live game reps. As this group gains more experience, the offense will become more dynamic, it takes time to create chemistry and rapport though. 

We’ll see what they can do in a must-win game at home against Sacramento State next weekend.