FORT COLLINS – Turn on Boise State highlights and chances are high that the offense steals the show. But it’s not like the defense is a slouch.
The Broncos come into Saturday night’s meeting with the Rams allowing just 18.6 points per game, which is good for first in the Mountain West and 19th in the country. So they have playmakers on the defensive side of the ball, too.
Sam McCaskill ranks fourth in the nation averaging nearly two tackles for loss per game, while David Moa ranks fifth in sacks per game. Overall, Boise State enters play this week second in the country with four sacks per game.
It makes sense since the Broncos have yet to deal with a deficit so far in 2016. Having the lead allows their defense to pin their ears back and get after the quarterback.
But even with the tough matchup, Nick Stevens looks forward to being back in the huddle for the Rams.
“I think it’s definitely going to be a fun game, on the blue turf,” said Stevens. “I think we have the right mindset going in of not being intimidated at all.”
Mike Bobo noted Wednesday that he sees a much more relaxed, confident demeanor in his quarterback compared to the beginning of the season. Part of that could be attributed to the support Stevens, a newlywed, has gotten away from football.
“Having somebody at home to help you off the field is definitely a key component, especially when you’re struggling,” said Stevens. “Thankfully she likes to watch film, so she’ll force me to watch film with her. It’s helped a lot having somebody to kind of vent to after a rough day or even a good day.”
Something to watch for this week is how Stevens works with Michael Gallup, who has turned into a rising star for Bobo and company. Last week, the receiver turned a 15-yard catch into a 60-yard touchdown simply by outrunning the Aggies’ defense.
Don’t think Stevens hasn’t noticed the game-changing speed of Gallup or the overall improvement of the offense since the Colorado game.
“We’re definitely looking infinitely better than we were the first week,” said Stevens. “We’re minimizing all those mistakes now. It’ll be a lot easier on offense to move the ball.”
Plenty of CSU fans would love to see Stevens drum up memories of 2015 and have a career day against Boise State. That might mean a handful of touchdowns and throwing for over 300 yards.
But even that kind of game may not be enough to hang with the Broncos.
It’s why Bobo, Stevens and the Rams’ offense must stick with the running game. The tandem of Dalyn Dawkins and Izzy Matthews combined for close to 200 yards, while the offensive line finally looks they’re gaining traction.
For CSU to have any shot of winning Saturday night, they’ve got to find to a way to play keep-away from Brett Rypien and the Boise State offense.
Stevens will still be a critical piece though. And finally comfortable in his own skin again for the first time in 2016 at quarterback, he’s more than ready to assume the starting role again.
“There’s definitely less stress,” said Stevens. “It’s allowed me to take a step back and be more calm and poised going into the game.”
