CSU offense shines in team's second scrimmage: Faton Bauta and Bryce Peters have solid outings

Colorado State Rams football held their second scrimmage of the spring Saturday afternoon and are now just one week away from the annual Green and Gold game next Saturday at Hughes, with kickoff at 1 p.m. MT.

With the weather conditions not conducive to play outside, the team held the scrimmage at the team’s Indoor Practice Facility located on campus, where the offense dominated the day.

“If I had to say who won the scrimmage, I would probably say the offense had the upperhand,” head coach Mike Bobo told the media Saturday.

“I thought we were more consistent in the passing game,” Bobo continued. “We got better production out of the running backs. Bryce Peters had another good day today. I think we’re starting to understand up front, getting all the right people, and doing the right thing.”

With Izzy Matthews sidelined due to concussion protocol, Peters executed well as one of the team’s featured backs. Peters averaged an impressive eight yards per-carry Saturday, rushing for 96 yards on 12 attempts, to go along with three rushing touchdowns. Bobo had high praise for Peters, who primarily has worked in a fullback-type role the past two years.

“I’m pleased with him because he’s hitting the hole. He’s hard to tackle, he’s got some size. He’s not trying to make too much out of every run, and then showed some speed today on his own play,” Bobo said.

Graduate transfer quarterback Faton Bauta recovered from a not-so-stellar performance last Saturday, completing 12-15 pass attempts for 166 yards, three touchdowns, and a single interception according to the team.

“He maybe over analyzes everything a little bit too much,” Bobo told the media, speaking of Bauta’s struggles in the team’s first scrimmage last week.

“Instead of just going out there and reacting, he’s prepared to play…He sees too much,” Bobo said. “Just play football and be more consistent. I thought he was a lot more consistent on Tuesday and Thursday. He was very consistent today. Completed a high percentage, did a nice job, and he was better with his footwork. Played with a base, short stride. He made the routine plays, and that’s what he needs to do.”

Nick Stevens had a modest outing Saturday, completing 8-16 passes for 130 yards, along with zero touchdowns and interceptions.

Offensively, the Rams have much more depth this spring than on the defensive side of the ball, especially at quarterback and throughout the offensive line. Although the Rams are projected to start four offensive lineman that started in 2015, Bobo has spoken highly of the entire group throughout the spring and re emphasized a need for depth along the trenches.

“You’d like to get eight that can play,” said Bobo. “Right now I think we’re at seven, with Colby (Meeks) out that could be possible ones.”

Bobo continued on the depth of the offensive line, stating, “It’s good competition between those guys. I believe that Fred Zerblis might have played better today. He’s getting pushed by (Christian) Montes which is a good thing.”

With one week until the team’s Green and Gold game, the Rams will continue to emphasize inter-competition within the team in hopes of increasing the overall depth of the program. CSU will have a completely different look this fall with recruits and JUCO transfers joining the team.

Knowing that, players have an opportunity this week to really make a lasting impression with the coaching staff.

“I tell them their opportunity is right now,” Bobo explained. “The opportunity is not in fall camp, it’s right now. You gotta make the most of your opportunity every day…These 15 practices are your chance to say hey coach, I’m a guy that you can depend on to be a first-teamer,  be a backup, have a role.”

Ram fans will have their first opportunity of the spring to see this team work with the annual scrimmage.