Keys to Victory: Steps CSU can take to snag first Mountain West win

Homecoming, with a rival coming to town.

“As Rams and as men, we’ve got an in-state rival coming in here Saturday before we go on our bye week,” head coach Mike Bobo told his team after last Saturday’s loss. “We need to do whatever we can to try to get a win in that ball game.”

The stage is set with a sellout crowd and Colorado State Rams (2-4, 0-2 MW) fans are hopeful for a win against the Air Force Academy Falcons (3-2, 2-0 MW). The Ram-Falcon Trophy is up for grabs during CSU’s 2015 Homecoming. Colorado State is still looking for that first Mountain West win and is coming off two conference losses to Utah State and Boise State.

How can the Rams turn things around? Let’s take a look at the keys to victory.

Higgins Is a Must

First, CSU needs to get the ball to one of the best wide receivers in the nation, Rashard “Hollywood” Higgins. Higgins needs to be the main targeted threat for the quarterback duo of Coleman Key and Nick Stevens; three catches for 43 yards last Saturday was far too little. “Hollywood’s” inconsistency is partially due to changing the QBs every game, which also hinders communication. That important communication this year is nothing like what Higgins and now-NFL rookie Garret Grayson once had.

Bobo needs to get Higgins involved early in the game and constantly utilize the junior, not just as a safety blanket, but as an explosive playmaker. Higgins is the type of receiver that when the gunslinger gives him a high football in his area, he will go up and make a play; he knows how to attack the ball at it’s highest point. Keeping Higgins’ hands hot is key not only this Saturday but going forward through Colorado State’s football season.

A Single Choice

CSU has played two different people behind center and it is having a negative effect on this Rams team. Last week, redshirt sophomore Nick Stevens started, and at the completion of two drives, he was then substituted for Coleman Key. Coach Bobo needs to have consistency behind center and that one go-to-guy the CSU receiving and rushing corps can lean on. Having a successful football program demands that one player who is starting week-in and week-out. A consistent starting quarterback’s comfortability will translate to better communication and higher scores on the offensive end for CSU.

That starting quarterback should be Key, and Bobo should stick with him the entire game. If the Colorado State offense has a better passing attack, the running game — which has carried the offense — will soon follow right behind with increased numbers on paper and the scoreboard.

A Big Stop on Defense

CSU’s defense needs to stand tough this Saturday while playing a very strong military offense. The Rams need to stop the run — in Air Force’s vaunted option rushing attack — and keep receivers in front of them to keep this game close and give the offense a chance to score. Boise State had a field day against the Rams last week getting by cornerbacks and safeties for two massive scoring plays. Last week, the University of Wyoming kept this Falcons team to only 80 yards passing, but the Cowboys also let Air Force run over them with 315 yards on the ground.

The big key is to make Air Force a one-dimensional team and force them into odd 3rd and long situations. Bobo and defensive coordinator Tyson Summers need to let CSU pin their ears back and hurry quarterback Karson Roberts in those 3rd and longs.

Colorado State must be a cohesive unit on Saturday to have any hope of seeing their first Mountain West victory and to send the fans — students and alumni alike — home happy.

Remember, anything can happen like last year, when CSU trailed by 14 late only to tie the game and end up losing on a field goal. Enjoy the game, which kicks off at 1:30 p.m. MDT, Saturday. It will be televised on CBS Sports Network for those who won’t be in the sellout crowd.