Aztecs’ defense thrives on causing havoc for opponents

It’s one thing for a team to run all over the nation’s leading rush defense. It’s another to carve up an opportunistic defense that prides itself on making life miserable for opposing offenses, whether it be quarterbacks, running backs or receivers.

But that’s just what Colorado State hopes to do this weekend against San Diego State. The Aztecs rank eighth nationally in scoring defense, allowing just under 17 points per game. Rocky Long’s crew is no slouch against the run either, yielding a measly 97 yards on the ground to opponents in 2016.

Arguably the most notable position group on the Aztec defense plays in the back half. In fact, this could very well be the toughest secondary to prep for since week one against the University of Colorado.

CSU’s Mike Bobo believes that it’s a combination of scheme, as well as talented players.

“They’ve got great ball skills, they’ve got speed and the thing about (Damontae) Kazee, and not just him but all those guys, is he’s very physical,” Bobo said to the media during his Monday press conference. “He will come up and strike you in the run game. So I think they’re complete guys.”

There’s no denying that Kazee flying around the field can lead to game-changing plays. After all, the San Diego State defensive back owns five interceptions, which is good for sixth in the FBS.

The Aztecs play a 3-4 defense and roll with more quarters and zone rather than matching up man-to-man. Bobo explained that it can lead to a lot of headaches for an offense.

“I think the havoc that Coach Long creates with his calls allows pressure and the ball to sail high,” said Bobo. “And then that’s where guys get interceptions in zone. You’re going to get interceptions in zone coverage if you can get pressure on the quarterback or there’s confusion. And that’s what they do. They pressure the quarterback with pressure and blitzes. Then they pressure him mentally with what they do and that causes some confusion.”

With CSU’s players having a bit more time on their hands because of Thanksgiving break, it would be easy to overload on film of the Aztec defense. Guys like Nick Stevens and Jake Bennett may have a leg up after going against San Diego State last year, but it will still be a challenge to consistently win the chess match Saturday night with Long.

Maybe this week more than any previous in 2016, Rams’ receivers such as Michael Gallup and Olabisi Johnson will have to play a near-perfect game as far as being on the same page as their quarterback.

“It’s going to be a big test for Michael and all of our receivers because of the talent they have in the back end,” Bobo said. “We’re going to have to run good routes, we’re going to have to be precise, because if we don’t run the exact route at the exact depth, the right timing and then we’ve got to be very accurate. If we don’t, then that’s where you’re going to get interceptions.”

Something has to give in this game, as the Rams have made a habit of lighting up the scoreboard in the last four games. The green and gold have averaged nearly 44 points in that span.