Mike Bobo: Overall, defense had the better day

Oh, how the tables have turned. At least, for today.

Mike Bobo is an offensive-minded head coach, and just like with the previous coaching regime, the offense has been ahead of the defense for nearly every practice this entire fall camp for Colorado State Rams football.

But, on Friday, the defense stole the show and caught the eye of Bobo.

“I thought the defense [did] a nice job in the third-down period and the team period,” Bobo said of Friday’s practice. “Making some stops. Had a couple of turnovers, which is good to see. Dropped a couple. We need to do a better job of getting a chance to make a turnover, catch it.

“I thought, overall, the defense had the better day.”

This is a change in tune.

“I want our defense to come out and be ready to play fast from the opening kickoff,” Bobo said of tomorrow’s second scrimmage of fall camp. “And being able to have some mental toughness.”

That mental fortitude built now, in the hot August sun, is what the Rams will look back upon when the going gets tough in the fourth quarter in games during the regular season.

Bobo also highlighted “Too many missed assignments up front,” on offense, which makes it sound like the defensive line had their way in the trenches.

Speaking of the offensive line, coach said Kevin O’Brien, who was heartwarmingly awarded a scholarship last night by Bobo and Colorado State Athletics last night, will be starting at center. Jake Bennett, who was the starting center last season before being injured and O’Brien carrying the load well, is in the running for starting at guard. But the Rams are “Looking for a guard,” as Bobo put it.

Trae Moxley and Colby Meeks are also getting work at the guard position he explained.

Also, Joe Hansley is back in the punt-returner role.

Watch video of the entire post-practice interview here: