CSU Football: Buy the ticket, take the ride!

When it comes to Colorado State Rams Football, you could say that it’s a new coach with a bunch of young guys filling in the gaps. You might be right.

In that case, you might throw out all of the players’ numbers besides the ones everyone already knows about. You might check the other guy’s stats and say that there is no way they can do it. You may be doing yourself a disservice if you choose this route. There is something to be excited about this year at Colorado State University.

For students and alumni. On Monday, Bobo invited students out to the practice fields to watch his team practice. (They were sworn to smart phone secrecy.)

And like those young fans, this team does have young players filling in gaps. It is a brand new coach whose last job was as an assistant coach. The Rams are a little beat up. Their quarterback is young and a first-year starter. These are the arguments that seem to be presented by the doubters.

Those doubters would be wrong.

Everything Colorado State Football starts with head coach Mike Bobo. He was an integral member in an exceptional football system. Keep in mind Bobo has been part of eight bowl game victories just at Georgia. It doesn’t end with coach him, either.

Will Friend, the offensive coordinator, was the running game coordinator for the University of Georgia where they ranked 12th in the nation. The defensive coordinator Tyson Summers came from the University of Central Florida where he lead his defense to be ranked as the best defense in the American Athletic Conference.

http://youtu.be/71SETpXvaCo

On the quarterbacks. There were a bunch of really good guys out there. The QB battle boiled down to two youngsters who can really sling the ball. The call was made, Nick Stevens has been named the starter. CSU seems to be in order there. The pressure of a good defense will eventually decide how ready Stevens and the offense is. We just have to wait and see.

While there may be a ton of talent on the team, there are a few players still dealing with some injury situations. Coach told us that Treyous Jarrells had his knee scoped and Kivon Cartwright is still recovering from a surgically repaired. Those are two important starters and there are a few players on the offensive line that are just returning to practice.

But don’t fret, nobody has anything serious at the moment.

http://youtu.be/U5m87NoUFGE

In fact, CSU not being completely healthy, tried and true offensive line in fall camp has allowed a lot of other players to get reps and the coaches are seeing people who can play. Jake Bennett and Fred Zerblis’ injuries have opened the door for players like Coby Meeks on the line.

Jarrells opting to take care of his knee with a fairly simple operation has allowed players like Deron Thompson to get reps. Coach is excited about the possibilities Cartwright brings to the table once he is back, but both are being patient and making sure the play-making tight end is 100 percent when he hits the field.

This has allowed to show coach a few things. There are still unconfirmed positions on this team and opportunity is up in the air.

So is school. These student-athletes now have to bust their ass everywhere they go. The hours are long and the players are going to go to bed exhausted but they might wake up tomorrow and do something special.

Everyone knows Bobo is grindin’ right now, waking up at all hours of the morning and wearing a decent smile after a long hot day in the sun. He is gaining momentum. Players are buying in and dishing out. They don’t have all the answers right now. Who does? There are 11 days until they take the field.