A not-so-special performance on special teams costs the Rams a chance to upset SDSU

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — After 23 days between games, the longest gap in 108 years, Colorado State football finally took the field against San Diego State on Saturday night. Unfortunately for the Rams, and anyone that cheers for them, the return to the gridiron ended up being a frustrating showing as CSU fell to SDSU 29-17 at Dignity Health Sports Complex. 

Here’s how it went down. 

In what was CSU’s first return to Los Angeles County since the 2004 game at No. 1 USC, the Rams looked much more competitive than the night they got drilled 49-0 by the Trojans. In fact, CSU really kept the game tight for most of the night with a strong defensive showing that included 15 tackles for a loss — the most that the Rams have had against any FBS opponent since at least 2000. 

However, despite wreaking havoc in the trenches and consistently getting pressure through with the front seven, an inconsistent showing from the offense and another brutal night on special teams, resulted in a stellar defensive performance being wasted. The Rams allowed a kickoff and punt to be returned for touchdowns. And even after giving up 14 points through special teams, the Rams still allowed Jordan Byrd to bust another long return past midfield on them. 

During his postgame interview session over Zoom, a frustrated Steve Addazio explained that the staff felt that in order to beat the Aztecs, CSU would have to be able to run the ball on offense and limit the potent Actecs rushing attack on defense — both of which they were able to do. 

“The top rushing team in America, we out-rushed them ourselves,” Addazio said. “I thought we played damn good on defense. I thought that on offense we were very inconsistent.”

Addazio continued, explaining that the Rams allowed a couple of inopportune sacks in the red zone and threw a pair of interceptions — one of which came at a very critical point in the game.  “We’ve gotta clean that up.”

Addazio also said that he thought the defense played “damn well”, and that all things considered, the offensive line was able to at least give the Rams a chance; Though he did also say that SDSU’s heavier defensive sets gave the short-handed group troubles.  

In the end, despite everything the Rams did well, after spotting the Aztecs a pair of touchdowns through the third phase of the game — the phase that continues to plague the Rams — SDSU was able to walk out of the soccer stadium with a “W”. 

“It’s a shame that we gave up two big scores because that game on the road was one helluva football game,” Addazio said. 

Assuming the game actually happens, the Rams (1-3) will have a chance to rebound against a poor Utah State (1-5) squad at home on Dec. 12. After allowing five touchdowns through special teams over the last two games, it’s safe to say the Rams will be looking to put a have cleaner performance on the field this time around.