Vol 127, No 52, October 27, 2017 by The Rocky Mountain Collegian

Volume 127, No. 52 Friday, October 27, 2017

In Loving Memory of Savannah McNealy

Inside The Lines

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Inside The Lines Friday, October 27, 2017

Collegian sports pick-em’ Justin Michael Sports Director (17-13)

Colin Barnard Sports Editor (24-6)

Elliott Jerge Chief Sports Photographer (20-10)

Eddie Herz Sports Reporter (19-11)

Air Force vs. CSU

CSU

Oklahoma State vs. West Virginia

OSU

WVU

OSU

Miami

Penn State

USC vs. Arizona State

ASU

USC

ASU

North Carolina State vs. Notre Dame

NC St.

Notre Dame

New Mexico vs. Wyoming

WYO

New Mexico

WYO

Mississippi State vs. Texas A&M

Miss St

A&M

UCLA vs. Washington

UCLA

Washington

Colorado

California

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Miami vs. North Carolina Penn State vs. Ohio State

California vs. Colorado

This publication is not an official publication of Colorado State University, but is published by an independent corporation using the name ‘The Rocky Mountain Collegian’ pursuant to a license granted by CSU. The Rocky Mountain Collegian is a 6,500-circulation student-run newspaper intended as a public forum. It publishes four days a week during the regular fall and spring semesters. During the last eight weeks of summer Collegian distribution drops to 3,500 and is published weekly. During the first four weeks of summer the Collegian does not publish. Corrections may be submitted to the editor in chief and will be printed as necessary on page two. The Collegian is a complimentary publication for the Fort Collins community. The first copy is free. Additional copies are 25 cents each. Letters to the editor should be sent to letters@collegian.com.

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Inside The Lines Friday, October 27, 2017

Rams motivated to secure bragging rights against Air Force By Justin Michael @JustinTMichael

Colorado State football returns home Saturday for an instate matchup with Mountain West foe Air Force. Led by head coach Troy Calhoun, the ten-year leader of the Falcons, Air Force comes into the game having won two of the last three matchups in the series. Overall, the home team has won the last five games in the interstate matchup, but the Falcons lead the all-time series 33-21-1 and hold a 22-15 series lead, since the Ram-Falcon trophy was introduced in 1980. The trophy is traced back to former CSU ROTC commander Shelly Godkin and goes to the winning team each year. After watching the Falcons take the trophy following a 45-42 victory in 2016, senior quarterback Nick Stevens would like to see it stay in Fort Collins this season. “It’s especially tough when you have it and they come over to your sideline to take it away,” Stevens said. Along with looking to secure the Ram-Falcon trophy, CSU is looking to establish dominance over their conference rival and lock down bragging rights for the

next year. “It’s not about revenge or anything like that, but we should have won that game last year,” senior wide receiver Michael Gallup said. Gallup explained that despite putting up a gaudy 13-catch performance for 213 receiving yards, he places a lot of the blame of last year’s loss on himself for fumbling on the final play of the game. That being said, the conference’s leading receiver also acknowledged that 2017 is a new year and a new chance for the Rams to prove they are the team to beat in the Mountain Division. “Air Force is a tough opponent,” Gallup said. “They think that they are harder than everybody else because they are in the Air Force Academy, so they do a bunch of stuff before we are even up. I mean they just think they can play football better than we can, but they can’t so we need to go out and prove it.” Junior running back Izzy Matthews added that the Air Force rivalry is one of his favorite series to play in. As a physical runner, Matthews embraces that the game is typically incredibly gritty and looks forward to the smashmouth, 1980’s style football. “It’s going to be a grind of a game, not air it out with long

Senior wide reciever Michael Gallup brings in a reception from quarterback Nick Stevens. PHOTO BY ELLIOTT

JERGE COLLEGIAN

touchdowns for them and for us,” Matthews said. “It’s going to be four to five yards a pop, real old school and honestly, that is the kind of back I am, so I think that is why I enjoy this game the most.” After scoring a touchdown in last week’s victory over the Lobos, Matthews has found the end zone in each of CSU’s four conference games this season. Dating back to last season, Matthews scored a rushing touchdown in 11 straight

conference matchups. In his career against the Falcons, Matthews totaled 18 attempts for 68 yards and one touchdown. His partner in the backfield, senior running back Dalyn Dawkins, also faired well against the Academy in his career. In 2016, Dawkins finished the loss with 14 carries for 103 yards. Dawkins currently ranks ninth all-time in career rushing yards with 2,541. The third-year

starter needs 41 yards to pass Oscar Reed (1965-1967) to move into the next spot. The Air Force game will kickoff at 1 p.m. Saturday in the on-campus stadium. CSU is 3-0 at home in 2017 and the Rams have won 19 of their last 23 games in Fort Collins dating back to Nov. 14, 2015. Justin Michael can be reached at jmichael@collegian.com

Inside The Lines Friday, October 27, 2017

Savannah McNealy’s legacy lives on through game day traditions By Justin Michael @JustinTMichael

Beneath the fluorescent orange paint of the Ram Walk, Savannah McNealy’s fingerprints are ingrained on the pavement. “When they were doing the Ram Walk and testing out paints, both Lauren (Kroll) and Savannah put their hand in the paint and then put their hand down on the Ram Walk before it was even fully painted. So, somewhere underneath that orange paint, (Savannah’s) fingerprints are there,” said Elias Martinez, Colorado State University creative director and assistant vice president for brand strategy. “I think that’s a nice metaphor that Savannah’s fingerprints are literally on campus with the Ram Walk.” Tragically killed in a shooting last week, Savannah’s creative spirit lives on and her influence on Colorado State University will not be soon forgotten. A 22-year old art major from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, McNealy worked both for the Rocky Mountain Student Media and as an intern for CSU Creative Services. As an intern for creative services, she helped with the design of a variety of local projects including the Ram Walk leading up to the football stadium, placing over 160 banners around campus and creating the designs for the individual department logos around CSU.

Savannah McNealy (left) and Lauren Kroll (right) pose for a picture in the freshly finished Ram Walk. PHOTO COURTESY OF CSU CREATIVE SERVICES

The Ram Walk was a tradition that started at Hughes Stadium and is a way for CSU football fans to welcome the team as they get off the bus and walk into the battlefield. Two and a half hours prior to kickoff, the players, cheerleaders and marching band stroll through the masses of CSU fans and enter the stadium. The event used to take place on the south side of Hughes Sta-

dium and players would walk through the parking lot and would go in through the gates. Once the team moved to the on-campus stadium, CSU Athletics and Creative Services were tasked with revamping the tradition. Among other things, that included designing the north concourse artwork and all of the graphics in the Hall of Champions.

During the summer of 2017, McNealy and her coworker, Lauren Kroll, the lead designer, were assigned the project. The journey to design the Ram Walk began. Attempting to create an experience like no other, they wanted to make the Ram Walk special and unique - just like the stadium, it welcomes the team into and the community it resides in. “It was pretty awesome to see two designers who were so young in their careers be able to manage a project like that,” Martinez said. Along with the obvious difficulties of determining the design and what kind of paint would look best on black asphalt, the creative team also had to determine where on campus the tradition would take place and coordinate a time for the street painting to occur. “Savannah is someone that was a key part of the trial and error process of coming up with something that would look great on game day,” Martinez said. The final location ultimately ended up being on Meridian Drive between Hughes Way and Pitkin Street. A strip of the street was painted bright orange, white and green. The design pays homage to both the past and present while providing a beautiful entrance to the football stadium. Junior running back Izzy Matthews spoke of McNealy’s role with the project, stating that he considered her part of the team and was thankful for how special the tradition was with the opening of the on-campus stadium this fall. “I feel like we should start

playing for her and playing for all of the people that were lost,” Matthews said. “This community is really special to this team and I don’t think there’s any better way of showing unity than standing out there and saying she meant something to us.” Much like the football team’s dedication to their sport, McNealy was competely committed to her projects. Never shying away from a difficult situation, McNealy’s coworkers praised her ability to work through the creative process and bring a simple idea to life. “The way I look at it is it’s a process and an evolution. It’s hard to make something,” Martinez said. “I think what was impressive to me about Savannah was that she was able, for someone so young, to embrace that process and ultimately come out the other side of that pain of creation and make things that were remarkable and unique.” Out of the pain and struggle of multiple organizations having to come together for a collaborative project came the Ram Walk. The same location is where hundreds gathered to mourn her with a candlelight vigil on Friday, Oct. 20. Although the Ram Walk was quite solemn on Friday evening, on most Saturdays it is a place of happiness, a place where the community comes together as one. McNealy’s fingerprints are firmly etched in this community and will be celebrated every time people come together on campus for a game day Saturday. Justin Michael can be reached at jmichael@collegian.com.

The Rocky Mountain Collegian | Friday, October 27, 2017

Inside The Lines Friday, October 27, 2017

CSU running back Dalyn Dawkins outruns defensive back Nephi Sewell on his way to scoring a touchdown against Nevada during the 2017 Homecoming game. PHOTO BY DAVIS BONNER COLLEGIAN

Finally given the opportunity, Dalyn Dawkins proving doubters wrong at CSU By Colin Barnard @ColinBarnard_

After five years of proving himself, Dalyn Dawkins can finally say I told you so. The Colorado State senior running back is enjoying the most successful season of his collegiate career on a team barreling towards a conference championship. But the path to Fort Collins was far from clear for Dawkins as a senior at Trinity High School in Louisville, Ky. It was here that his aspirations and ability to play at the next level became readily apparent. Dawkins followed up a 1,750-yard, 25-touchdown junior season with 1,479 yards and 18 touchdowns to earn a four-star rating from Scout coming out of high school. Schools began to take notice of the son of former NFL player Ralph Dawkins and nephew of sure-fire Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins. Legendary programs like Notre Dame and Ohio State came knocking before being deterred by something that has limited Dawkins’ chances his entire life: size. At 5-foot-9, 180 pounds in high school, Dawkins was far

from the prototypical running back. Potential colleges were blinded by his size and the perceived negative impacts it would have on his performance. Regardless of the numbers, they hesitated to put their trust in someone of his stature. Because of this, Dawkins and his father sought out a school that would give him a chance to compete from the get-go and ignore any fears about his size. At this point, CSU was in the midst of a 4-8 season under first-year head coach Jim McElwain. Though Dawkins had no connection to CSU, the same cannot be said about his relationship with the head coach. McElwain served as the wide receivers and special teams coach at the University of Louisville from 2000-2002, and that’s when his relationship with the Dawkins family began. Ralph coached McElwain’s son, Jerret, as the families grew comfortable with one another. Dawkins’ talent became evident on the team, and McElwain realized the potential. “We stayed in contact throughout the years and he was keeping up with Dalyn,” Ralph said. “He had always said, ‘If I

land a head coaching job, I’m gonna want Dalyn.’”

Dalyn Dawkins ■ Position

Running Back ■ Class Redshirt senior ■ Attended Purdue for one season before transferring to CSU in 2014 ■ Led CSU in rushing each of his first two seasons ■ On pace for the best statistical season of his career ■ Son of former NFL PLayer Ralph Dawkins ■Nephew of future Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins Ten years later, McElwain manned the helm at CSU, and Dawkins topped his list of recruits. But the time wasn’t right for Dawkins, who received offers from other noteworthy programs. Dawkins verbally committed to Cincinnati during his senior season to play under the tutelage of Butch Jones. But before the

end of the season, Jones left Cincinnati for the head coaching position at Tennessee. Back to square one, he reopened his recruiting. In this stage, Dawkins grew fond of Darrell Hazell and Purdue. Formerly the head coach of Kent State, Hazell coached a running back of similar size and stature in Dri Archer. Five pounds lighter than Dawkins, Archer rushed for nearly 1,500 yards and 16 touchdowns in his final season with Hazell. Hazell stressed his wishes to utilize Dawkins in a similar fashion that he used Archer at Kent State. What’s more, the coaching staff promised Dawkins an opportunity to start his freshman year. “When I took my visit to Purdue, it was just in a big time environment,” Dalyn said. “They were telling me I could play as a freshman, I’d have that opportunity. It was a done deal.” Dawkins arrived at Purdue in the fall of 2013 with full intentions of becoming the starter. Believed to be entering a competition for the starting job, Dawkins was met with a rude awakening. Though he rose up the depth

chart to the No. 2 running back, Purdue had already named its starting back for the season. “They never had open competition to compete for the No. 1 spot,” Dalyn said. “I kept telling them, ‘If y’all give me 20 carries, I guarantee success.’ I was just 18 years old, a freshman, telling them I could do that… But me being smaller and being a freshman, they still had that doubt in their mind. So I never got that opportunity.” Dawkins began to think about his future at Purdue. Before making a rash decision, he decided to stay for spring practice to see if the promised opportunity would come. It didn’t. He found himself in a familiar position, looking for a team that would allow him to flaunt his talents. Through his freshman year, Dawkins did not forget about CSU. He watched the Rams make their first bowl game since 2008. He followed along as Kapri Bibbs set school records in rushing yards and touchdowns. More importantly, he realized that could have been him.

Inside The Lines Friday, October 27, 2017

“I was watching what everyone else was doing,” Dalyn said. “Kapri Bibbs was the running back at CSU at the time…and here I was not getting any carries. So I knew right then that I made a mistake.” Searching for a place to call home, a familiar face awaited him. Just as Dawkins never stopped watching CSU, McElwain continued to keep an eye on the back he knew for years. So when the time came for Dawkins to choose his landing spot, he didn’t hesitate. Dawkins sat out his first year at CSU due to transfer rules, but that didn’t stop him from making an impact on the practice field. Working on the scout team, teammates noticed something different about their new teammate. “I remember watching him do practice squad stuff and I was like, ‘Geez, this dude can run the ball,’” senior offensive lineman Trae Moxley said. “You could just tell that he didn’t belong down there.” Dawkins watched Dee Hart rush for 1,275 yards 16 touchdowns that season as he awaited his return to eligibility. But at the end of the season, Dawkins was thrown a curveball he didn’t expect. McElwain left Fort Collins for Gainsville, Fla. and an opportunity to coach in the SEC. In doing so, he left behind a young running back whom he had known since childhood. Just when Dawkins thought he found the system and opportunity he was seeking, everything changed. Dawkins admitted he considered looking at other schools, but understood the implications another transfer would have on his eligibility.

CSU running back Dalyn Dawkins celebrates his first touchdown of the game with offensive lineman Trae Moxley. CSU defeated Aibiline Christian 38-10. PHOTO BY DAVIS BONNER COLLEGIAN

In came Mike Bobo, who brought with him experience in a rushing-based offense. Though Dawkins’ relationship with McElwain vanished, something perhaps even more important presented itself: opportunity. With a clean slate, he could prove he belonged in the backfield without any preconceived notions getting in the way. Embracing the opportunity is something that his father has taught him since his youth football days, and something he’s carried with him ever since.

“When I teach Dalyn, I say, ‘Hey, the one thing you can’t control is opportunity. So whatever opportunity you get, you’ve just got to maximize it,’” Ralph said. “I’m big on opportunity,” Dalyn said. “If I get the opportunity, I always feel like I can succeed. I always make sure I take advantage of my opportunity when it comes. That’s why I left Purdue. I got a small opportunity, but the full opportunity wasn’t there like they said it was going to be.” Given his beliefs, it only makes sense that Dawkins

Senior running back Dalyn Dawkins beats an Oregon State defender around the edge for his first rushing touchdown in the on-campus stadium. PHOTO BY JACK STARKEBAUM COLLEGIAN

came into his sophomore season at CSU looking to climb his way to the top of the depth chart. “He came in with a great mindset. ‘I’m gonna come in, I’m gonna play my butt off, and I’m gonna earn a spot,’” senior offensive lineman Zack Golditch said. “He’s played his butt off since his very first rep here.” That work ethic cemented Dawkins as CSU’s leading rusher his sophomore season. Since then, his rise among college running backs has continued. Overlooked by many due to his size, Dawkins is proving that heart matters far more than height. “I’ve said it a million times since day one, he is my favorite player because he loves to practice, he loves to compete, he is extremely tough mentally and physically,” Bobo said. “A lot of times you think he’s a scatback, he’s an open-field guy. But he’s more inside, ‘I’m hammering it in there.’ Dawkins runs hard, he’s always coming out of piles because he runs behind his pads.” Now in his senior season, Dawkins ranks 19th in the nation in rushing yards and is on pace for well over 1,000 yards in the regular season. And the numbers don’t lie; when he is given the opportunity, he relishes it. In games where he receives at least 20 carries, Dawkins has never rushed for less than 94 yards in his collegiate career. On seven separate occasions, he has eclipsed the century mark while receiving less than

20 carries. With at least five games remaining as a Ram, Dawkins continues to climb the ranks of CSU running backs. He currently ranks ninth in program history in rushing yards and has plenty of time and ability to rise higher. “We’ve seen so many people come through this program at running back,” Moxley said. “It’s weird seeing Dalyn change the mold… There’s just a mindset about him that’s like, ‘I’m gonna do this for my team, I’m gonna do this for my O-line.’ It’s awesome.” CSU running back Dalyn Dawkins celebrates his first touchdown of the game with offensive lineman Trae Moxley. (Davis Bonner | Collegian) Two weeks removed from his best performance as a Ram in which he parlayed 17 carries into 191 yards against Nevada, Dawkins is doing what he and his family were aware of all along. “We’ve expected this. To be honest with you, we expect more. He does and I do,” Ralph said. “The game he had against Nevada, that’s the things that we expect.” He’s an optimist, making the most of everything he’s been given regardless of what the naysayers think. “It’s like, ‘I told you so,’” Dawkins said with a smile. “But I always play with that chip on my shoulder. It’s definitely a good feeling.” Colin Barnard can be reached at sports@collegian. com

Inside The Lines Friday, October 27, 2017

Wyatt Bryan solidifies himself as key cog in CSU’s championship pursuit By Colin Barnard @ColinBarnard_

Sept. 19, 2015 is not a day Colorado State kicker Wyatt Bryan is fond of. The game marks the only time Bryan has missed more than one field goal in a game in his collegiate career. On that night, he missed three. CSU was taking on Colorado in the 87th installment of the Rocky Mountain Showdown. Towards the end of the second quarter, Bryan came up short on a 52-yard attempt. In the third quarter with the game tied at 17, he missed wide right from 47 yards out. Finally, with the chance to take the lead in overtime and right all wrongs, Bryan’s 27-yarder was blocked. He finished the night 1-for-4 and the Rams lost by three points. The redshirt freshman felt demoralized. Even worse, fans didn’t let him forget about it. “That night I got nasty tweets from people that I don’t even know who they are. ‘Woke up this morning still hating your guts,’” Bryan chuckled. “But you’ve just got to put it behind you because the most important kick is the

next kick.” Bryan did just that. The Larkspur, Colo. native went on to miss just two more attempts his freshman season and three attempts his sophomore year. Still, fans had engrained in their memory his performance on that fateful September evening. “We challenged him that he had to get better,” head coach Mike Bobo said. “He went to work, he got stronger. I thought he was a really good kicker for us last year, he was becoming an elite kicker, one of the better kickers in this league.” This offseason, Bryan continued to improve, both at the Kohl’s Kicking Camp and on his individual time. In the nation’s premier camp for college kickers and punters, Bryan stacked up well with the competition. But perhaps more important is the work he put in with long snapper Trent Sieg and holder Nathan Lucas. The trio teamed up two or three times each week over the summer to perfect their techniques. It’s that kind of preparation that breeds confidence, something evident in Bryan’s 2017

Redshirt junior kicker Wyatt Bryan makes a 22-yard field goal against Abilene Christian. The Rams defeated the Wildcats 38-10. PHOTO BY DAVIS BONNER COLLEGIAN

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Inside The Lines Friday, October 27, 2017

performance. He has already made more field goals than all of last season and is just four makes away from his freshman season. What’s more, the magnitude of his kicks serves as a stark reminder that this is a different Wyatt Bryan. Against Nevada with the Rams trailing by seven, Bobo called upon Bryan for a 51yard attempt at the end of the third quarter. His conversion sparked a comeback, and the Rams went on to win by two points. The following week against New Mexico, Bryan’s right leg again accounted for the difference between victory and defeat. Early in the fourth quarter, he nailed a 40-yarder

to extend CSU’s lead to seven. Then, with five minutes to go, Bryan converted a 52-yard attempt that eventually gave CSU the victory. Bobo explained his increased confidence in Bryan this season and the impact it has on game management. “This field goal Saturday night was huge,” Bobo said. “There wasn’t really any doubt in my mind, because that was the line. He said he could make it, and I believed him. A couple years ago, I might have gone for it there.” Naturally, Bobo’s confidence in his kicker gives Bryan the assurance that he can continue to be a difference maker. “It meant a lot for him to

Redshirt junior kicker Wyatt Bryan drills a field goal agianst Oregon State. CSU defeated OSU 58-27. PHOTO BY JACK STARKEBAUM COLLEGIAN

give me the opportunity to kick that,” Bryan said. “That shows that he really does have a lot of confidence in me. Any other team, if they’re not confident in their kicker, they’re not going to let him attempt a 52-yarder…That helps my confidence.” Still just a junior, Bryan’s experience as a starter continues to grow. Now, the community that ridiculed Bryan

during the 2015 Rocky Mountain Showdown is the same one signing his praises in 2017. After all, without his conversions the last two weeks, the Rams may very well be 4-4. Still, he knows the importance of each and every kick. One miss can negate weeks of heroics. While some may turn away from the pressure, it’s something that Bryan embraces.

“You’ve got ups and downs because people either love you or they hate you,” Bryan said. “It’s the life of a kicker. It all comes down to one kick.” And with each make, the ghosts of Sept. 19, 2015 slowly drift away. Colin Barnard can be reached by email at sports@ collegian.com

The Lines 10 Inside Friday, October 27, 2017

Relax and enjoy the ride, these Rams are special Justin Michael @JustinTMichael

Colorado State football is 6-2 overall and 4-0 in the Mountain West for the first time since 2002, when the team started 6-0 in conference before losing 3633 to UNLV in the regular season finale. Despite the successful start to the season, many Ram fans displayed frustration with the team’s performance, especially following the most recent victories over Nevada and New Mexico. All over various social media platforms, fans of the green and gold cited that CSU was heavy favorites and should have won the games by larger margins. Others pointed to the big plays given up through the air against Nevada and the offensive woes against UNM, stating that if the team cannot blow out these lowly MW opponents, there is no way they will be handle the next stretch of the season. While some of the frustration may be justified, as the team certainly struggled at times in each of these victories, the vast majority of the criticism being

Quarterback Nick Stevens hands the ball to Izzy Matthews during last Friday’s victory over New Mexico. PHOTO BY ELLIOTT JERGE COLLEGIAN

thrown around this team is completely irrational. The notion that a team is going to beat down an opponent simply because of a point spread is ludicrous and overlooks the nuances of facing conference opponents that are familiar with your gameplan.

First off, Nevada is a one-win team, but the Wolfpack have lost by three points or less on three separate occasions this season. On top of that, the Nevada offense has been one of the best in the conference, scoring 20 or more points in seven of the team’s eight games this season.

With absolutely nothing to lose in the contest, Nevada came to Fort Collins and threw every trick in the book at the Rams. When the game was truly on the line though, CSU responded and found a way to take care of business on both sides of the ball. Flash forward to last Friday where the Rams were tasked with a completely different beast in the New Mexico Lobos and their option offense. Early in the game CSU struggled to contain the Lobos, giving up multiple explosive runs and over 100 yards on the ground in the first quarter alone. From that point on though, we saw an extremely disciplined and aggressive defensive effort that ultimately kept the Rams in the game, despite struggling to move the ball offensively and losing multiple key players to injury in the game. Looking back at the most recent victories, what impresses me most is how composed the team stayed throughout it all. Even in the moments where it looked ugly, this was a team that genuinely believed they would win the ballgame, and that simply was not the case in years past. It has been evident since the start of the season and reinforced on a weekly basis that this is one of the most talented teams in the Mountain West. However, their biggest strength as a unit may actually be the ability to keep cool in times of adversity. This is a team that expects to win to each week, but when the games does not go according to plan, they do not panic. Instead

they stick to their game and continue to attack opponents aggressively. What’s more, this is a team that has shown the ability to hold themselves accountable. After the win on Friday, the team was happy to be bowl eligible for a fifth straight season. But the tone was that the Rams never doubted they were a bowl team and the ultimate goal is to compete for a conference championship. Will the team have to tighten up its performance in the ensuing weeks as we approach bowl season? Of course. But the players already know this and the goal has always been to improve from week to week, so that really is nothing new. At the end of the day, this team has played intelligent and gritty football since opening the season with a 31-point beatdown of Oregon State on Aug. 26. Sure there have been rough patches, but overall this has been a team that has played quality football and competed with every opponent they have faced. When considering all of this, my advice to Ram fans is to simply relax and enjoy the ride. There have been much darker days in Fort Collins and there is plenty to be excited about with this team. Do not waste the entire season being pissed off over point spreads and other silly issues, because these types of special seasons do not occur very often. Justin Michael can be reached at jmichael@collegian.com.

Inside The Lines Friday, October 27, 2017

CSU looks to recapture Ram-Falcon trophy, move to 5-0 in MW By Eddie Herz @Eddie_Herz

The Colorado State football team will look to start 5-0 in Mountain West play for the first time since 2002 when they face Air Force at home for the annual Ram-Falcon Trophy on Saturday.

AIR FORCE VS. CSU ■ CSU

(6-2, 4-0) vs. Air Force (3-4, 2-2)

■ All-time series:

Air Force leads 33-21-1

Similar to CSU’s last opponent, New Mexico, the Falcons (3-4, 2-2 MW) run a triple option and focus on dominating the time of possession and wearing out the opposition’s defense. Air Force has had plenty of success doing just that over its current two-game winning streak. Though the Falcons escaped Nevada with a narrow 45-42 victory last week, Air Force held the ball for over 41 minutes, while the Wolfpack only had 18 minutes and 40 seconds of possession. “You’ve got to rotate guys in on defense to make sure you’re fresh,” head coach Mike Bobo said. “If you don’t rotate early in the game, in the second half, they’ll have their way with you. When they get behind, they don’t panic and change what they do offensively. They’re going to

continue to run that and count on the defense getting a little bit tired because of the number of plays they’re running.” Air Force has an extremely explosive offense. Currently, they are scoring the 23rd most points in the FBS per game at 37.3. Most of the Falcons’ offensive damage, of course, is done on the ground. Air Force’s 341.4 rush yards per game is the fifth most in the FBS. Last week against Nevada, the Falcons ran 98 plays on offense, 91 of which were on the ground. In doing so, they gained a total of 550 rushing yards. Three Air Force players (Timothy McVey, Ronald Cleveland and Taven Birdow) all rushed for at least 100 yards, while starting quarterback Arion Worthman gained 92 yards on the ground. “90 plus plays is something that’s pretty impressive from an offense,” Bobo said. “They are an explosive offense. They are going to be a handful for us.” Completely shutting down the Falcons’ high-powered offense is almost out of the question. Instead, the focus will be to limit Air Force’s offense as much as possible. While CSU’s defense is only allowing 24.5 points per game, the Rams have allowed an average of 33 points over the last two games. The recent news that safety and third leading tackler Jamal Hicks will miss the remainder of the season adds to the recent woes on defense. However, the unit seems poised to move on see RAM-FALCON on page 15 >>

CSU head coach Mike Bobo leads the Rams out of the tunnel against Abeline Christian. The Rams defeated the Wildcats 38-10. PHOTO BY JOE

OAKMAN COLLEGIAN

Sophomore defensive back Andrew Hawkins squares up and attempts to bring down Colorado wide reciever Shay Fields Jr. PHOTO BY ELLIOTT JERGE COLLEGIAN

12 Friday, October 27, 2017 | The Rocky Mountain Collegian

The Rocky Mountain Collegian | Friday, October 27, 2017

Inside The Lines Friday, October 27, 2017

When the Rams are on offense... Colorado State

When the Rams are on defense... Colorado State

7 - Nick Stevens, QB, 6-3, 215, Senior

91 - Jakob Buys, LDE, 6-4, 280, Senior

1 - Dalyn Dawkins, RB, 5-9, 185, Senior

94 - Darnell Thompson, NT, 6-4, 280, Senior

8 - Detrich Clark*, WR, 5-10, 180, Senior

95 - Richard King, DT, 6-4, 275, Sophomore

4 - Michael Gallup, WR, 6-1, 200, Senior

43 - Evan Colorito, BUCK, 6-4. 245, Senior

9 - Warren Jackson, WR, 6-5, 205, Freshman

52 - Tre Thomas, SLB, 6-2, 215, Junior

30 - Dalton Fackrell, TE, 6-4, 240, Senior

55 - Josh Watson, MLB, 6-2, 240, Junior

61 - Zack Golditch, LT, 6-5, 295, Senior

15 - Kiel Robinson, WLB, 6-2, 230, Senior

51 - Colby Meeks, LG, 6-3, 310, Junior

10 - Kevin Nutt Jr., LCB, 5-10, 190, Senior

77 - Jake Bennett, C, 6-3, 290, Senior

11 - Jordan Fogal, FS, 5-10, 181, Senior

72 - Nicho Garcia, RG, 6-5, 285, Junior

8 - Jake Schlager, SS, 5-11, 195, Senior

60 - Trae Moxley, RT, 6-6, 330, Senior

14 - Anthony Hawkins, RCB, 5-10, 185, Sophomore

*Questionable with shoulder injury

Inside The Lines Friday, October 27, 2017

Ram-Falcon

>> from page 11

from this and put together a solid game defensively after two shaky outings.

CSU ■ Head Coach

Mike Bobo

■ Leads MW in total offense

507 yards per game ■ Leads MW in passing offense 311 yards per game ■ Remaining schedule Air Force, Wyoming, Boise State, San Jose State

“We’re looking forward to stopping the run and stopping big plays,” cornerback Anthony Hawkins said. “Hopefully we can come out with a victory from there.” When the two teams met last season, the Rams lost 49-46 in a heartbreaker on the road. But, CSU has collected back-to-back home victories over the Falcons. If they make it three in a row this weekend, the Rams will guarantee at least a .500 record in the MW for a fifth consecutive year. Offensively, specifically in the receiving core, the Rams are also banged up. Olabisi Johnson will be sidelined for the next two to three games. Detrich Clark is also questionable for Saturday’s 1 p.m. kickoff. That said, the Rams still have leading receiver Michael Gallup. Gallup leads the entire FBS in receiving with 1,006 yards and

is the only receiver to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark so far this season. Gallup will have to carry the receivers against Air Force as his performances have been crucial to the Rams’ success. In fact, CSU is 4-0 when Gallup records at least 100 receiving yards and 3-0 when the receiver scores a touchdown this season. Three of the Rams’ last four games have kicked off at 8 p.m. MT or later. This week offers a break as the game is expected to begin at 1 p.m. MT. This is something the Rams prefer and are excited about.

AIR FORCE ■ Head Coach

Troy Calhoun ■ Leads MW in rushing 342 yards per-game ■ Leads MW in passing efficiency (67.7 ■ Remaining schedule CSU, Army, Wyoming, Boise State, Utah State

“There is less sitting around,” quarterback Nick Stevens said. “You get out at a decent time, you’re not finishing after midnight. It’s also easier for people to stick around after halftime with the earlier games because it’s not ending at midnight.” Saturday’s game at Sonny Lubick Field will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network, and on radio on 102.9 FM as well as 104.7 FM. Eddie Herz can be reached at sports@collegian.com.

Mike Bobo talks to the offensive line during the Rams’ game against New Mexico. CSU defeated UNM 27-24. PHOTO BY ELLIOTT JERGE COLLEGIAN

KCSUFM.COM

The Lines 16 Inside Friday, October 27, 2017

Colorado State quarterback Nick Stevens makes a pass during the third quarter against the University of New Mexico on Oct 20. The Rams defeated the Lobos 27-24.

Nick Stevens lives a professional, balanced life outside of football PHOTO BY ELLIOTT JERGE COLLEGIAN

By Eddie Herz @Eddie_Herz

Colorado State starting quarterback Nick Stevens’ competitive edge and strive for excellence goes way beyond the football field. When thinking about Stevens, the redshirt senior’s accomplishments on the football field naturally come to mind first. After all, Stevens has led the Rams to their first 4-0 start in Mountain West play since 2002. He ranks fourth among all FBS quarterbacks with 2,486 passing yards through eight games and sixth with 20 touchdowns. It’s not as if Stevens has just been flinging the ball up and hoping for the best, either. The quarterback has been extremely efficient, evidenced by his passer rating of 153.9, good for 21st in the nation. However, Stevens also piled up a hefty amount of academic accolades throughout his collegiate career as well. And just as the athletic milestones continue

to pile up, so do the academic accomplishments. Stevens was a member of the All-Mountain West Academic Team in 2015. In addition, he has already earned a bachelor’s degree in finance, a far cry from a typical “jock” degree. He did so last semester and still has plenty of academic goals in which he is pursuing. Currently, Stevens is attempting to earn a master’s degree in tourism management. The tourism management program is a vigorous, nine-month course online with weekend deadlines. Still, Stevens hopes to extend his academic tenure even further. “I really want to end up going back and getting my MBA,” Stevens said. “But I didn’t want to have a situation where I would do a semester and then I would go train somewhere and kind of have to come back in a few years and finish it, or be in a situation where I was $50,000 in debt. So I picked one that I could finish and had an interest in and it’s going really great so far.”

Stevens has aspirations of going into the finance world when his football career is all said and done. But it’s clear Stevens is keeping his future career paths wide open. That’s the reason why he also is studying tourism management. Something that comes with building a strong foundation for the future is having a lot on one’s plate. This is obviously the case for Stevens, who has balanced two degrees with his duties as CSU’s quarterback.

Nick Stevens ■ Position

Quarterback ■ Class Redshirt senior ■ Homewtown Murrieta, Calif. ■ Named second team All-Mountain West as a sophomore ■ Currently ranks fourth in the nation in passing yards and sixth in passing touchdowns

However, Stevens doesn’t seem the least bit overwhelmed with keeping his priorities straight. “Balancing everything hasn’t been too bad,” Stevens said. “All of my classes right now are online so it works out a lot better with my football schedule. The tough part about online classes is sometimes there are weekend deadlines. So it really makes me get on top of things earlier in the week, which I haven’t really ever been super good at. But, I’ve been building another skill I guess.” Though the unfortunate truth is that many scholarship athletes take their free education for granted, this is definitely not the case for Stevens. That mindset didn’t just arise at CSU, either. Stevens also shined in the classroom at Vista Murrieta High School where he accumulated a 4.21 GPA. As a result, the Murrieta, Calif. native was a member of the Southwestern League All-Scholastic Team in 2011 and 2012. Stevens also began

college with over 50 credits under his belt after completing numerous AP and dualenrollment courses in high school. “It kind of just started with being really good with math,” Stevens said. “I was always in advanced math growing up and then when I got to high school I just was thinking about my future early on and wanted to put myself in the best position possible. I wasn’t all that interested in anything besides math, but it was just something I could do to challenge myself and kind of help out my future as well.” Though they weren’t too harsh on grades, Stevens’ parents emphasized that he gave maximum effort in everything he did. This helped translate into Stevens prioritizing academics at a young age. The positive parental influence in Stevens’ life undeniably factors into what he has accomplished on the football field and in the classroom. “You know his dad is a police officer,” starting center

Inside The Lines Friday, October 27, 2017

Jake Bennett said. “I think he’s got a pretty good foundation at home. He’s just a good all around dude. He’s definitely the type of guy that’s well beyond his years.” Stevens is definitely a few steps ahead of where most Division I athletes imagine themselves being during the thick of their athletic careers. Alongside the emphasis he puts on academics, Stevens’ mature demeanor can be seen in his personal life as well.

More than a football player ■ Member of the Academic

All-Mountain West Team in 2015

■ Earned a bachelor’s degree in

finance in May of 2017. ■ Pursuing a master’s degree in tourism management. ■ Plans to return to school to earn MBA. Last year, on their four-year anniversary, Stevens proposed to his high school sweetheart Haley Scheer. The two got married in May of 2016 and have been together since. Stevens and Scheer discussed if it was the appropriate time to get married since Stevens still had a full season left of college football. But, “when you know, you know” and they knew. From football to school, Scheer has

been the backbone of support to Stevens. “She’s totally supportive of everything I’m doing from academics to athletics to my free time,” Stevens said. “She’s an awesome wife. She’s super supportive and understands that sometimes I can’t devote all of my attention to her because of other things I have going on. She’s really great about that.” Despite prioritizing things in life similar to how a middleaged adult does, Stevens doesn’t appear to carry the same stress as a married, working man. If he does, Stevens doesn’t show it in the way he carries himself. Stevens can be described as a relaxed, easy-going guy who takes everything in stride. “He doesn’t take himself too seriously,” Bennett said. “He’s still that So-Cal guy who’s a little laid back and carries himself in that way. But when it’s time to be professional, he can throw that on. When it’s time to hang out with the guys, he can for sure do that too.” From taking a look at Stevens’ personal life, he exemplifies what the quarterback and leader of every team should: Give everything 110 percent, make the most of your opportunities, and keep your priorities straight. Eddie Herz can be reached at sports@collegian.com

Quarterback Nick Stevens looks to pass the ball downfield in CSU’s Homecoming victory over Nevada.

PHOTO BY JACK STARKEBAUM COLLEGIAN

Colorado State quarterback Nick Stevens throws a pass during the fourth quarter of action against the Colorado Buffaloes on Sept. 1 during the Rocky Mountain Showdown. The Rams lost 17-3 to the Buffaloes. PHOTO BYELLIOTT JERGE COLLEGIAN

18 Friday, October 27, 2017 | The Rocky Mountain Collegian

The Rocky Mountain Collegian | Friday, October 27, 2017

Tune in to 90.5 KCSU FM For live play-by-play coverage of these CSU Volleyball games! October 26

AIR FORCE

MOBY ARENA

7:00PM

November 2

UTAH STATE

MOBY ARENA

7:00PM

November 4

BOISE STATE

MOBY ARENA

1:00PM

November 15

FRESNO STATE

MOBY ARENA

7:00PM

November 25

UC DAVIS

MOBY ARENA

12:00PM