Vol. 126 No. 25 September 16, 2016

PHOTO BY LUKE WALKER COLLEGIAN

Inside the Lines Sept. 16, 2016

Colorado State vs. UNC Ag Day Edition

Passing of the torch

Freshman Collin Hill takes over as CSU’s starter following two weeks of dismal play by upperclassmen PAGE 4

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Inside The Lines Friday, September 16, 2016

Collegian Weekly Staff Picks Chad Deutschman Sports Editor

Colton Strickler Asst. Sports Editor

Eric Wolf Football Reporter

Justin Michael Sports Columnist

Record: 12-3

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Record: 13-2

Record: 9-6

Colorado State vs. UNC

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Colorado St.

Colorado St.

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North Dakota St. vs. Iowa

Iowa Khakis

Iowa Michigan

Hawkeyes Big Blue

NDSU Not CU

Nike Guys #HookEm

Nebraska Texas

Duckies Texas

Corn People ‘Horns

‘Bama Birds

Houndstooth Florida St.

Saban Louisville

#RollTide ‘Noles

Michigan vs. Colorado Oregon vs. Nebraska Texas vs. California Alabama vs. Ole Miss Florida St. vs. Louisville Texas A&M vs. Auburn

#MoneyManziel

Mich. St. vs. Notre Dame Ohio State vs. Oklahoma USC vs. Stanford UCLA vs. BYU Georgia vs. Missouri Oklahoma St. vs. Pitt

Notre Dame Ohio State Tree Mascot #BruinGang Georgia Pittsburgh

Inside The Lines

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Inside The Lines Friday, September 16, 2016

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CSU preparing for Northern Colorado’s potent offense Saturday in rivalry showdown

By Chad Deutschman Looking at the 2016 Colorado State football schedule, there were not many games that could be penciled in as Rams wins.

When Colorado State (1-1) faces off for Ag Day on Saturday against the University of Northern Colorado (2-0), it is a game that could have originally been penciled in as a CSU win.

But after an inconsistent offensive performance in weeks one and two, the matchup with UNC has turned away from a CSU will win mentality, and taken form to a CSU should win mentality.

The Rams remain a heavy favorite against the Bears, however UNC comes into Fort Collins putting up 56 points per game while averaging 574 yards of offense through the first two weeks.

“UNC has looked extremely well in the first two games, especially offensively averaging over 50 points a game,” Bobo said. “Coach (Earnest) Collins

and his staff have done a nice job of going hurry up offense, balancing the run with the pass.”

The major difference between the two teams thus far has been quarterback play, as they sit on opposite sides of the spectrum.

On one end, the UNC passing attack is running on all pistons, averaging 310 yards per game. On the other end, the CSU passing offense is running on maybe one piston, with a measly 86 yards per game.

UNC lost starting quarterback Jacob Knipp to a shoulder injury last week just three plays into the game, but nothing changed for the Bears as backup Kyle Sloter came in to throw for 408 yards and six touchdowns.

“I’m impressed watching them,” Bobo said. “I see skill guys on the perimeter making plays. I see quarterbacks that are cutting it lose and letting their guys make plays, which (makes them) a confident team.

They’re winning ball games.

Winning breeds confidence, it’s good for team morale, they are having production so they are a confident group right now.”

While UNC has seen success no matter who is under center, CSU has featured two starting quarterbacks in as many games and played three.

True freshman Collin Hill now

Colorado State vs. UNC Where: Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium When: Saturday, 2 p.m.

Watch: ROOTSPORTS Annual Ag Day BBQ begins at 11 a.m.

enters the role against UNC. “Right now, we have no confidence offensively,” Bobo said.

“We have to find a way to get that this week.”

Somewhere the Rams have gained some confidence on

the offensive end is in the run game. Led by redshirt junior Dalyn Dawkins, CSU is averaging 190 yards on the ground per game this season.

Expect Colorado State to ease Hill into his starting role by establishing the run game early, and UNC to try and force the Rams to throw.

"Defensively they have a new coordinator," Bobo said.

"I’m looking for them to probably load the box, ask us to throw the ball so we’ll have to be able to do what we do at a higher level."

At the same time the Rams are able to move the ball on the ground, the Bears are more than capable of a ground and pound approach. UNC is averaging 264 yards rushing in their first two games.

As unimpressive as the CSU offensive stats may look next to those of UNC, it is important to note that the level of competition the teams have played varies significantly.

Colorado State has played a power-five opponent in the

University of Colorado and an improved UTSA team. UNC, who plays in the Big Sky conference —the Big Sky is in the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision —, has played Rocky Mountain College and Abeline Christian University.

Coach Mike Bobo doesn’t see lesser competition; he says the team can’t afford to do that. He views UNC as a team that can give the Rams a run for their money if CSU doesn’t show up to play.

“You respect everybody you play,” Bobo said. “You’re going to watch these guys offensively and they are very, very dangerous. They’re putting up points, they’re playing fast; on special teams they have two of the best returners that we’ll face all year and defensively they are going to give us some different things that we haven’t seen. We have to adjust and we’ve got to get ready to play.”

Chad Deutschman can be reached by email at sports@ collegian.com.

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Inside The Lines Friday, September 16, 2016

PHOTO BY JAVON HARRIS COLLEGIAN

Hill takes over reigns of struggling CSU offense

By Chad Deutschman In 1981 John Miller started at quarterback for Colorado State. At the time, Miller was 18 years, 10 months and 20 days old.

When Colorado State (1-1) takes on the University of Northern Colorado (2-0) Saturday, a new era of CSU football will begin.

True freshman Collin Hill (18 years, 11 months, eight days) will jog onto the field and take the first snaps at quarterback, becoming the third youngest quarterback to play for CSU in the past 35 years. Only Miller in 1981, and Pete Thomas (18 years, 10 months, 24 days) in 2010 took their first snap at a younger age.

When Miller started Sept. 26 1981, it was the team’s third game of the season, just like Hill’s first start. Miller and the Rams fell to the West Virginia 49-3. The 1981 Rams went on to finish the season 0-12.

Thomas faired a little better than Miller, leading CSU to a 3-9 record in 2010.

In 2016, Collin Hill will have his chance to shine.

Since coming to the program in the spring of 2015, Hill has steadily worked himself into the starting quarterback competition. So much so, in fact, that had the team not played in the Rocky Mountain Showdown to start

the season, Hill probably would have been named the starter earlier, according to head coach Mike Bobo.

“Coming out of spring, Collin was not there,” Bobo said. “I knew that, just having fifteen days of practice. But as fall camp started he really started to progress…Going with the twos, his numbers were as good or better than the other guys.

"We were going with experience. If we went off straight numbers he probably would have been the quarterback (to start the season), but there is a lot that goes into playing quarterback," Bobo continued.

"There’s the intangible factor, are you ready to lead a football team? Playing your first game at Mile High Stadium in front of 70 thousand, straight out of high school, it just felt like he wasn’t ready."

Bobo wanted to give Hill time to grow, time to improve upon the skill set he already possed. According to Bobo, the worst that the team could have done to Hill was start him before he was ready.

“The worst thing you can do with a young quarterback, you put them in too early,” Bobo said.

“He doesn’t have success and you can damage him for a while.

But the whole time, even after game one where we named Nick,

we said (to Collin) you’ve got to keep getting ready, keep progressing.”

Being a true freshman, Hill may be behind his competitors in terms of understanding how to play the position. Redshirt junior Nick Stevens and graduate transfer Faton Bauta have been around more football; naturally, they may have a better handle on the ins and outs of the position. Bobo understands that, and wasn’t ready to throw the fresh-

Collin Hill Height: 6’5 Weight: 215 lbs.

Hometown: Moore, SC Major: Undeclared

man into the fire right away.

“There’s the intangible factor, are you ready to lead a football team,” he said. “Playing your first game at Mile High Stadium in front of 70 thousand, straight out of high school, it just felt like he wasn’t ready.”

After Stevens and Bauta struggled to put together any sort of momentum in the first two games of the season, com-

pleting only 12 of their 37 passes, Bobo had no choice but to play Hill, virtually eliminating his chances at redshirting.

Hill came in during the fourth quarter against Texas-San Antonio, going 2-6 for 26 yards. His first career attempt went for 11 yards to sophomore Olabisi Johnson. While Hill didn’t come into the game and domintate, Bobo saw enough to pass the torch to young freshman from Moore, S.C. The CSU offense has been riddled with shaky quarterback play to start the year. Hill is included in that during his minimal playing time thus far.

However, Hill has done enough to earn his shot. Whether or not he keeps the starting job moving past the UNC game depends on how the team plays with him at the helm, according to Bobo.

“We have got to play better offensively,” Bobo said. “We need to get some consistency at that position and right now you’re probably thinking ‘well, we’ve had two games, had two quarterbacks and played three.’

Hopefully that consistency will start on Saturday with improved play and go from there.”

It is now Hill’s turn to prove to his coach he can provide the consistency Bobo wants. That might be easier said than done, but Bobo, and the team, have the

upmost confidence that No. 15 is up for the job.

“I feel comfortable with (Hill) going forward,” Bobo said.

“I expect him to play well. I expect us to improve in our passing game and improve offensively.

Hopefully we’ll do enough to put ourselves in position to win the ballgame on Saturday.”

Tight end Nolan Peralta shared the coaches thoughts. “(Collin) is a confident guy, he definitely has a lot of ability,” Peralta said. “The coaches have a lot of respect for him and what he has been able to come in and do since he came in this spring.

He is one of those guys that is real mature in the offense and doesn’t really have that deer in the headlight look. He is coming out slinging it and ready to play.

As an offensive unit, that kind of gives us some confidence. We hope that he can trust in us to get the job done as well.”

Coming in as a true freshman can be a daunting task.

There are tremendous amounts of pressure put on the quarterback position. It takes a certain mentality to be able to handle those pressures. Hill appears to be up to the challenge. “(Collin) is very, very calm, he has an even temper,” Bobo said. “Sometimes I think he’s too calm cause he throws a good pass see HILL on page 13>>

Inside The Lines Friday, September 16, 2016

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Inside The Lines Friday, September 16, 2016

When the Rams are on defense...

Colorado State Northern Colorado 94 - Darnell Thompson, LDE, 6-4, 270, Junior

8 - Kyle Sloter, QB, 6-5, 215, Senior

92 - Josh Lovingood, NT, 6-4, 290, Junior

27 - Trae Riek, RB, 5-11, 200, Sophomore

91 - Jakob Buys, DT, 6-4, 265, Junior

44 - Quinn Zamora, FB, 6-0, 235, Senior

43 - Evan Colorito, RDE, 6-4. 245, Junior

87- Stephen Miller, WR, 6-3, 205, Senior

52 - Tre Thomas, SLB, 6-2, 235, Sophomore

81 - Alex Wesley, WR, 6-1, 180, Sophomore

42 - Patrick Elsenbast, MLB, 6-0, 210, Junior

80 - Michael McCauley, TE, 6-3, 230, Sophomore

33 - Kevin Davis, WLB, 6-2, 240, Senior

76 - Marcus Piechowski, LT, 6-5, 292, Senior

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

73 - Coleman McCann, LG, 6-3, 300, Junior

8 - Jake Schlager, FS, 5-11, 195, Junior

67 - Austin Hendrickson, C, 6-4, 305, Senior

7 - Demontrie Taylor, SS, 5-10, 190, Sophomore

75 - James Floyd, Jr., RG, 6-3, 315, Senior

5 - Tyree Simmons, RCB, 5-11, 190, Senior

77-Zach Wilkinson, RT, 6-5, 270, Junior

When the Rams are on offense...

Northern Colorado Colorado State 15 - Collin Hill, QB, 6-5, 210, Freshman

9 - Mikhail Dubose, DE, 6-2, 255, Senior

1 - Dalyn Dawkins, RB, 5-9, 175, Junior

90 - Myles Overton, DT, 6-4, 290, Senior

81 - Olabisi Johnson, WR, 6-0, 190, Sophomore

48 - Chuntony Johnson, DT, 6-0, 285, Senior

88 - Elroy Masters Jr., WR, 6-2, 215, Junior

59 - Keifer Morris, DE, 6-4, 250, Sophomore

23 - Marcus Wilson, WR, 5-10, 190, Sophomore

31 - Noel Reid, OLB, 5-11, 210, Freshman

32 - Nolan Peralta, TE, 6-3, 245, Senior

17 - Bryan Stansbury, MLB, 6-3, 225, Sophomore

61 - Zack Golditch, LT, 6-6, 295, Junior

15 - Kyle Newsom, OLB, 6-2, 230, Senior

51- Colby Meeks, LG, 6-3, 305, Sophomore

1 - Marshawn Cameron, CB, 5-10, 185, Freshman

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

43 - Tyler Bloyer, FS, 6-0, 220, Senior

54 - Fred Zerblis, RG, 6-3, 305, Senior

3 - Stone Kane, SS, 5-11, 205, Junior

60 - Trae Moxley, RT, 6-6, 325, Junior

4 - Thomas Singleton, CB, 5-10, 180, Senior

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GOOD LUCK RAMS! Proud supporter of the CSU Rams for 35 years!

Inside The Lines Friday, September 16, 2016

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KEEGAN POPE COLLEGIAN

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Inside The Lines

Inside The Lines

Friday, September 16, 2016

Friday, September 16, 2016

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It ain’t the size of the dog in the fight...

Despite his small stature, Colorado State walk-on linebacker Patrick Elsenbast has earned a starting spot on a team loaded with talent and experience at his position

By Eric Wolf

Four Colorado State football walk-ons earned scholarships over the course of 2016 fall camp.

Junior linebacker Patrick Elsenbast was not one of them.

On Saturday against the University of Texas-San Antonio, Elsenbast started at middle linebacker, finishing the game with six tackles.

Elsenbast is unique in that

he is a walk-on playing significant snaps for this football team. Last season it was special teams. Last week, it was as a starter.

Elsenbast was called into the starting role by defensive coordinator Marty English after the team failed to be productive from the "mike" position in the Rocky Mountain Showdown.

Elsenbast's six tackles, to go along with Josh Watson's eight (Watson started against

CU), was the kind of production English was expecting from that position.

But to an outside eye, Elsenbast certainly does not fill the expectations of what a “mike” linebacker should look like.

Elsenbast stands 6-foot1 and is lucky to weigh 215 pounds soaking wet.

Because of his size, outsiders might never have expected Elsenbast to produce as a defensive player in a game, or

Colorado State walk-on linebacker started last week against Texas-San Antonio after playing primarily special teams the past three seasons. PHOTO BY LUKE WALKER COLLEGIAN

even start a game for that matter.

But for English, Elsenbast, and this CSU team, Elsenbast's emergence was certainly never meant to be a novelty, rather, it has been in the works for a long time.

Predecessors

English said that he wished Elsenbast was 230 pounds instead of the 210 range, and Elsenbast will be the first to tell you that he wishes that too, but he’s not going to use that as an excuse.

His body might not look like your prototypical middle of the field run-stuffer, but he makes up for that with his mind.

A dedicated student of the game, Elsenbast enjoys the challenge of studying opposing teams and learning what they are going to do offensively.

Forming an intrinsic knowledge of the other team's offense allows him to read plays quicker, and arrive at the point of attack sooner.

If he knows what the other team is going to do before they do it, then he can be there first.

That’s why he spends so much time preparing, that’s where all of his film study comes from.

He is also a technicion of linebacker technique. He can not be the biggest player on the field, but that does not stop him fron being the most fundamentally sound.

Former undersized CSU middle linebackers come to mind when trying to put a label on Elsenbast. Linebacker Kevin Davis compared him to Max Morgan. Aaron Davis and Deonte Clyburn could also be included in that mix.

Morgan and Davis made up for their physical shortcomings by being the most technically sound and studied players on the football field. It’s the same approach Elsenbast takes.

He says he learned from the best of them.

“They (Morgan and Davis) just went out every single day in individual (drills), it didn't matter what drill or what rep, they went 110 percent and they just like perfected it. I just saw the way they prepared. I just tried to take after what they did,” Elsenbast said.

English said that to be an undersized linebacker in the middle of the field, you have to have a certain toughness and confidence in your game.

You take pride in playing that position, and playing it well, especially if you are not the physical model of a “mike” linebacker. Morgan, Davis, and now Clyburn all had that.

So does Elsenbast.

“Patrick is downhill, your old school typical mike linebacker,” defensive lineman Jakob Buys said. “(He’s) all downhill, just coming to knock you out. You really don’t even notice that he is only like (210 pounds) he’s ready to come hit you.”

And like Morgan and Davis, Elsenbast takes a certain pride in being technically sound. He has to. If he’s not, that’s when he really feels like he is 210 pounds.

The Educator

It’s that love of the fundamental aspect of the game that pushes him into his next chapter of his life.

At CSU, Elsenbast is double- majoring in history and education. For an athlete, it has future coach written all over it, and that’s exactly what Elsenbast is trying to do.

The history part he got when he was a kid. A self-proclaimed history buff, Elsenbast grew up in a family of educators, reading through American history books.

“For some weird reason I don’t know why, I can remember the most random dates and the most random events, but if you put me in a math equation or some chemistry question I won’t know what to do. History just came natural,” he said.

Also from an early age, Elsenbast knew he wanted to coach later on in life. He loved practices, he loved his coaches, and he loved the technical aspect of sport.

“We will see where the road takes me, I don’t know if I’d ever want to a be a college coach but high school, I’d love to be there and you know that's just all about fundamentals and stuff like that at that level,” Elsenbast said.

He is a dedicated student

of the game he plays now. It’s what sets him apart.

At the same time, he can’t wait to pass that on to someone else. Ideally as a football coach, but if a school needed a freshman basketball coach, well, he would be glad to take that too.

His desire to be a coach helps drive the way he approaches the game, and vice-versa. Youth sports and the high school level are all about getting the most out of kids who might not be as physically talented by hashing out the fundamentals.

It all fits Elsenbast to a tee.

“I’m not the fastest, or the biggest, or the strongest so it’s kind of like the suit I had to fall back on and so I take a lot of pride in my hard work off the field. Studying, working my butt off in fundamentals, That’s what I have to fall back on. That's what a coach is, that's kind of what they do,” he said.

His Role

A three-sport athlete from Chatfield High School in Littleton, Colorado, Elsenbast had options to get a football scholarship coming out of high school. The University of Northern Colorado and Colo- Patrick Elsenbast runs through a drill during a Colorado State practice earlier this week. PHOTO BY LUKE WALKER COLLEGIAN rado State University-Pueblo coming a special teams player, along the way, walk on or not. on it. Im gonna do it.” both offered the linebacker. gram. He’s completely self asHe is a player completely sured in what he is doing, and But Elsenbast had to weigh or for now, the starting Mike He thinks he has done enough work, and done it the right way in-tune with his responsibili- why he is here. out all of his options when Col- linebacker.

Through it all, his approach over these last four year years, ties on this football team. orado State linebackers coach “It doesn't really matter To compete as a walk-on, how many scholarship offers has never changed, even if his that his teammates have taken Marty English came calling. you have to be hungry, and you had or how many you stars notice.

CSU might not of extended role on the team might have.

They have, and it was an ex- Elsenbast is, but he is also you had or if you even had a That’s why English said he a scholarship offer to the linebacker, but Elsenbast could not did not see anything different citing experience for his team- humble. scholarship offer. I think what There have been a lot of matters is what you do when pass up an opportunity to head out of Elsenbast on the day he mates to see Elsenbast on the tough days in his years at CSU, you get here. I think I really to CSU and play under the tute- got the start. He was excited, field as a starter.

“With the amount of work but from fellow Chatfield have earned the respect of a lot anyone would be, but Elsenlage of English.

"Coach English always bast attacked that game the that he puts in, and again his product and former CSU walk- of my teammates. I don’t even came coming back, (he) always same way he attacked coming approach to everything, I think on, James Skelton, Elsenbast think about being on scholarkept calling me. For me, a Col- into Colorado State as an un- people were excited for him. I learned how to handle those ship or not right now,” he said. terrible days. really do,” English said. orado kid seeing Marty English dersized walk-on.

He said the only time he And he learned what to ever had any doubts about Now that he’s started a “That’s what he does day in coming and just wanting to talk to you, that's like just amazing and day out. His preparedness game, Elsenbast says there's look to when those days did what he was doing here, and so it’s like you know what CSU and his approach to football still no satisfaction, and he al- come. For Elsenbast, it was why he was sticking through is where I want to be. I always and his love of the game has ways wants more, but at the what he found out way back everyhting as a walk-on, he said I always might be in doubt been the same," English said. same time, he still sounds like when going through youth was a freshman, and he put it or in some regret if I never took "It didn’t matter if it was all the same kid who walked into football practices. He loved out of his mind real quick. special teams, or if he was gon- CSU four years ago looking for the game. a shot,” Elsenbast said.

In the end, it all came down “You just gotta look back to one simple thing. The same Ever since he arrived, he na be on the sideline and have any way to help the team.

“Whatever I’m asked that’s and say why are you playing,” reason he is here now. has a had a clear understanding to cheer everybody on. His approach is what I want every- what I’m gonna do,” he said. “If he said. “It’s for the love of the of his role.

“I was part of the team, I that's special teams, if that's game. That's why I never gave had a job to do. I played ball,” No matter what the team body’s approach to be."

Elsenbast's approach to the to be the backup, if that's to be up. I always stuck with it.” asked him to do, he was going he said.

He did always stick with it, to do it. Be it supporting his game has earned him plenty the starter, wherever my role is Eric Wolf can be reached at teammates on the sideline, be- of respect from his teammates that’s my job. I’m gonna focus no matter his status in the pro- sports@collegian.com.

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Inside The Lines Friday, September 16, 2016

Roadrunners Spotlight

Rams Spotlight

Kevin Davis, LB

3

796

172

136

Sacks against Texas-San Antonio

Career Tackles

THEY SAID IT: “He’s matured up a lot in the past couple of years, so he’s playing great. He’s been watching film more, been really reading the O-line better and all of his keys, tackling, stuff like that.”

Trae Riek, RB

17

Solo tackles against Colorado

Career Rushing Yards

Rushing Yards vs.

Abilene Christian

7

Rushing TDs in 2015

-Former CSU linebacker Cory James

THEY SAID IT: “The best way to describe this young man is that he’s very hungry. As a freshman, he believes ... he believes that he’s the best running back we have.”

-UNC coach Earnest Collins Jr.

Coaches’ Corner

Coaches’ Corner

Mike Bobo

Earnest Collins Jr. Coaching Career

Coaching Career 1998 1999 2000 2001-06 2007-14 2015-Present

1996–1999 2000–2003 2003–2006 2007 2008–2010 2011–present

Georgia (admin) Georgia (GA) Jacksonville State (QB) Georgia (QB) Georgia (OC/QB) Colorado State

THEY SAID IT: "He’s very passionate about his job. He takes it seriously. With his offensive skills, he can definitely help them improve and move the ball. He’s a high-energy guy. He’s going to get on you, but it’s going to make you better. His offense really helps young guys and gets you ready for an NFL career if you get that opportunity. He’s going to be balanced and utilize his talents.”

-LA Rams RB Todd Gurley

8-7

Career Record

25-53 Career Record

$1.35M $150K 2 9 Annual Salary

Years as Head Coach

Annual Salary

Years as Head Coach

NW Missouri St. UNC (DB/ST) Kansas (DB/ST) UCF (DB/ST) Alcorn State Northern Colorado

THEY SAID IT: “When you see him coming, you kind of get a little nervous. I think that’s how it’s supposed to be with a head coach. You want to have that respect for him. You don’t want to let him down.”

-Former UNC QB Dylan Orms

Inside The Lines Friday, September 16, 2016

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CSU-UNC rivalry goes back more than 100 years

By Colton Strickler

The Colorado State Rams and the University of Northern Colorado Bears will face off for the 21st time when they take the field at Hughes Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

When it comes to the series, the Rams have the Bears in a stranglehold with an all time record of 19-0-1. The lone tie of the series took place back in 1899, the second ever time the Bears and the Rams faced off. Each team only mustering up five points.

The series itself dates back to 1893, the year that both football programs were founded. UNC was only the fourth school CSU ever played.

Although the distance between Fort Collins and Greeley is only a measly 30 miles, the two teams haven’t been regular opponents since the 1940s.

Follow Online Collegian writers Chad Deutschman and Colton Strickler will provide live coverage and tweets from Saturday’s game.

Both CSU and UNC were originally members of the Colorado Football Association, one of college football’s earliest conferences. As the name suggests, the conference was home to all of Colorado’s college football teams from 1890 to 1908. After the league dissolved, the still existing Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference was born.

Colorado State was a member of the CFA from the program’s birth in 1893 up until 1902 when they decided to go independent.

CSU joined the Rocky Mountain Conference in 1910 and UNC followed in 1923.

The beef of the history between these two teams came between 1924 and 1945. The Rams and the Bears faced off 12 times in the 21 year span.

Following the Bears 24-14 loss in 1945, the two teams didn’t meet again until 1977.

Saturday’s game will be the fifth meeting between the Rams and the Bears since

1977.

The Rams defeated the Bears 48-10 in the 1977 matchup, CSU’s largest margin of victory in the 20 times they’ve played against UNC. Excluding the tie, the Rams’ smallest margin of victory came in their 6-5 over the Bears in 1905.

In the 20 meetings, CSU has shut out UNC six times with the last shutout coming in 1945. The Bears have never scored more than 20 points on the Rams. The only time the Bears have scored 20 points came in their 41-20 loss in 1983.

This will be the first meeting between the two teams since 2011, a game in which the Rams defeated the Bears 33-14.

The Rams have been able to keep the Bears in check up until this point, but the 2016 UNC Bears have already shown that they have the ability to put up some points.

The Bears have scored at least 55 points in both games they have played in this season.

Even for an FCS school, UNC’s high-powered offense could give CSU some trouble and the Rams know it.

“Number one you respect everybody that you play,” head coach Mike Bobo said. “They’re very, very dangerous. They’re putting up points. They’re playing fast. They’ve got two of the best returners that we’ll face all year.”

No matter what the outcome is, it seems only fitting that one of the final games at Hughes Stadium is against a school the Rams have played off-and-on since 1893.

Colton Strickler can be reached by email at sports@ collegian.com.

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Inside The Lines Friday, September 16, 2016

Michael: What I’m going to miss about Hughes Stadium when it’s gone Justin Michael When Colorado State takes on Northern Colorado Saturday afternoon, the Rams will be wearing their Aggie uniforms for the last time in Hughes Stadium.

The 35th annual Ag Day celebration is one of many “lasts” that will take place at Hughes Stadium this season. Although the Ag Day tradition will certainly carry over to the on-campus stadium in 2017 and beyond, it is still weird to think that this is the last time Hughes will be filled with a sea of orange in the stands.

Six times CSU has donned the

pumpkin and alfalfa, and all six times the Rams came away victorious in front of the Hughes crowd.

The orange-out games have led to some of the biggest crowds and best game day experiences in my time at CSU. The annual Ag Day has given Ram fans a chance to celebrate the unique heritage of CSU and will be one of the many traditions I’ll miss taking place at Hughes.

The on-campus stadium will be the crown jewel of a CSU football program and for numerous reasons will be a significant upgrade from Hughes. Even with renovations, Hughes is outdated, which makes sense for a stadium that opened in 1968. A perfect example is the men’s bathrooms, where many young Rams fans see trough urinals for probably the first time in their lives.

The dirt parking lots resemble

a fairground in the midwest more than an entrance for a division-I football program. Inside the stadium, the video board and sound system are severely inadequate, but even with all it’s flaws, Hughes has been an excellent home of CSU football for almost half a century.

Hughes has it’s own mystique and located right next to Horsetooth Reservoir, there truly is a sense of “defending the Fort”.

Even though Hughes is old and outdated, the game day experience is one of the best around and that is certainly what will be different in the OCS. Any given Saturday, the wide-open lots are filled with the Ram faithful for hours prior to kickoff.

Take a stroll through the masses and you are likely to encounter people playing cornhole, tossing a football or maybe even cracking a few cold ones open (le-

gally of course).

Going to a game at Hughes is about an experience much larger than just the football game itself.

Hughes on game day is really a celebration of the entire community.

One day a week, for nearly the last 50 years, the Fort Collins community has had Hughes to bring everyone together in celebration of CSU football.

Legitimately, Hughes provides the best tailgating scene in the state and out of all of the Mountain West stadiums I have caught a game in, none of them have a tailgating scene even remotely close to CSU. Right up next to the hogback mountain, with the sun in the sky and fans all around, Hughes provides a great experience for Ram fans of all ages.

Hughes may not be the aesthetically pleasing work of art that the on-campus stadium is projected to be, but the simplicity and

openness allows for a game day experience not possible with facilities located on the campus itself.

Like most Colorado State fans, I am excited to see the OCS come to reality and how it will effect this football program. However, I will miss the stadium that I grew up watching Bradlee Van Pelt race for touchdowns in. The stadium I attended my first collegiate game in. The stadium I first experienced from the sidelines in, both as a team employee and later as a reporter.

I will always remember roasting in the student section in early September games and freezing through late October nights. The on-campus stadium is an exciting moment in history for CSU, but this last season is a chance to honor everything that happened along the way.

Justin Michael can be reached by email at sports@collegian.com.

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Inside The Lines Friday, September 16, 2016

>> HILL from page 4 tion he is kind of nonchalant, he’s just got a great temperament.”

Hill inherits a sound offensive line and a workin-progress receiving core.

Both position groups are ready to move forward with Hill has their quarterback and help him with the transition.

“I think we are confident with all three of these guys, but especially with one-five back there,” center Jake Bennett said. “If you’ve ever watched the kid throw, he’s definitely got some talent.

There is going to be some growing pains with how young he is, but I think with how experienced we are up

front we can help him out.”

“I think a lot of the veteran receivers that are here can help him out on different calls or plays because we know what’s going on,” wide receiver Elroy Masters said.

“Then just give him some confidence and some boost when we’re in the huddle and if he’s kind of getting tense or something say ‘hey, calm down, lets just play catch.”

Colorado State is about to embark on a journey with a true freshman quarterback, something they have seldom done in the past 35 years. Collin Hill is now the guy.

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“The kids respect Collin,” Bobo said. “Number one, they see him practice and see him throw the ball.

And two, they respect him because of the type of person he is and how he works.”

Chad Deutschman can be reached by email at sports@ collegian.com.

Today: Sept. 16

Cinema Under the Stars: Secret Life of Pets Sept. 16, 7pm, LSC Watch the featured film, The Secret Life of Pets along with other fun activities such as face painting, a photobooth, snacks and more!

CSU Volleyball vs. New Orleans Sept. 16, 7pm, Moby Area Come support CSU women’s volleyball team as they face head to head against New Orleans!

Tomorrow: Sept. 17 CSU vs. UNC Football Sept 17, 2pm, Hughes Stadium Come cheer on on the Rams as they play against the UNC Bears.

Next Week All Campus Career Fair Sept. 20-21, 10:30am-3:30pm in LSC Grand Ballroom Connect with employers within the Agricultural Sciences, Natural Resources, Technical, Computing, Biotech, and Life Sciences fields.

Cuba Spring Break Info Session September 22, 10 am- 3 pm, LSC Room 380 Come engage with prospective employers, learn about career trends, and find potential career opportunities.

Upcoming Events College of Engineering: Fall 2016 Career Fair September 29, 10 am- 4 pm, Hilton Fort Collins

Cans Around the Oval-CANstruction Oct. 5, 10am-2pm at LSC Plaza Cans Around the Oval is a Colorado State University tradition to raise awareness about the facts surrounding the issue of hunger, as well as raise food and monetary donations.

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14

Inside The Lines Friday, September 16, 2016

Competition key for young CSU team still trying to find identity in Week 3

By Eric Wolf Coming out of the loss to the University of Colorado, the Colorado State coaches wanted to make it clear to their players that nothing on the team was set in stone.

College football is a production business, and the team was not producing. By turning up the competition on the football field, the coaches hoped to instill a heightened sense of urgency in their team.

During Saturday’s game against the University of Texas-San Antonio, there was evidence that some players got the picture, and coach Mike Bobo thought that the increased competition in practice showed in the game. But for the team as whole, it is not there yet.

“We better fight, we better compete,” Bobo said. “If we don’t do that you will not play on Saturday. Nobody, not one position on that football team in my mind has arrived. Like this guy is the man, he’s the starter. I haven't seen it.”

After Tuesday’s practice, Bobo backtracked a little bit, saying that, yes, linebacker Kevin Davis has “arrived.” But Bobo left it at that.

The first two weeks have brought plenty of personnel changes to this team. The quarterback position has shifted three times, Trae Moxley took over for Nick Callender on the offensive line, and a set group of receivers has yet to emerge either. While on defense, Kevin Nutt Jr. replaced Jordon Vaden at corner, and Patrick Elsenbast started in place of Josh Watson at “mike” linebacker against UTSA. After Watson struggled against CU, defensive coordinator Marty English moved Elsenbast into the starting role in hopes that the team could get some production out of the position.

The two players combined for 14 tackles against UTSA, Watson with eight, Elsenbast with six. It was the kind of production that English was looking for.

“Pat earned it, and with that being said, Josh answered the call,” English said. “They both played pretty good games. Josh played the way I expected him to play, but it’s the way I have expected him to play for a long time, so I’m glad he stepped up to that.”

For Watson, getting jumped in the lineup pushed him

through a much more focused week of practice.

“The competition brought more fight (to) not to give up on what my personal goals are and to not to let a setback keep you back, but to step up and be the player that you are called to be,” Watson said.

The coaches have been trying to instill the idea in the players that no one is entitled to anything. It’s a constant fight for playing time. It’s a constant fight to represent Colorado State University on the field.

Above all, it is a production business.

“You got to produce. You got to have the confidence to go out there and make plays. It’s not what you did last year or what (you) did last week," Bobo said.

"It’s not that I am supposed to be a starter because I was penciled as a starter coming in. It’s about making plays for your teammates."

For the players, the competi-

“You have to earn the trust of everybody in the room. It’s not the YMCA where everybody gets to play or little league where everybody gets a trophy. You got to earn the right to go out there and play.”

MIKE BOBO CSU HEAD COACH

tion brings a heightened sense of vigilance. Bobo has made it clear that nothing is cemented on his football team. Players have to be looking over their shoulder.

“If you don’t compete and you don't show results then the next guy’s opportunity is up and they are gonna compete. No spot is guaranteed,” Davis said. “You just have to work that much harder.”

It makes the individuals and the team that much better throughout the week of practice.

If the players want that opportunity, they have to earn it every day.

That competition is something that has been stressed since spring camp started, but now it is all the more real. Players are getting their jobs taken no matter who they are. The coaches are not just handing out veiled threats anymore.

Colorado State head coach Mike Bobo has preached the idea of competition to his team this season, even replacing returning starters who haven’t lived up to expectations. PHOTO BY JAVON HARRIS COLLEGIAN

“If you follow through on things you say you are going to follow through on they understand it. It’s not just words, it’s not just a bunch of empty talk,” English said. “And then, (as a player), you have to be man enough to take it. You got to understand.”

Take Watson for example.

The week after he struggled mightily against the Buffaloes, he had his spot taken by Elsenbast.

The same week, he went out and had what Bobo called the best game he has had as a Ram. Watson understood it, and he used it. Then he went out and produced. It’s what Bobo needs to see out of all of his players.

“We can’t take for granted the opportunity we have,” Bobo said. “It’s not a right to go out there and say I play for CSU and get to walk out on that field. No, you gotta earn that right. You have to earn the trust of everybody in the room. It’s not the YMCA where everybody gets to play or little league where everybody gets a trophy. You got to earn the right to go out there and play.”

Eric Wolf can be reached by email at sports@collegian.com.

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

Across 1 D.C. fundraisers 5 Throat-clearing word 9 Square root of 64 14 Marathon aftermath 15 Singer Horne 16 Versailles send-off 17 Moscow : nyet :: Berlin : __ 18 Paper or plastic choice 20 Detective Pinkerton 22 Protest singer Phil 23 “Okay, __ do it!”

24 Waitstaff boss 27 Gravy container 28 Cocktail 31 Online company with many drivers 33 Tot’s piggies 37 Religious symbols 39 “__ culpa” 40 Misfortune 42 Tales of __: misfortunes 43 Bamboo eater 45 Watson of “Harry Potter” films 46 Learning by memorization 47 Carrier that added “ways” to its name in 1997

49 Butter toffee bar 51 Popular climb from Lone Pine, California 57 Car rental giant 60 Most of the Jolly Green Giant’s laugh 61 “Done!”

62 Fries, slaw, etc. ... and what this puzzle’s circles represent 65 “Terrible” tsar 66 Coral island 67 West Point initials 68 Take a break 69 Oater law group 70 Gas company with toy trucks 71 Neighborhood Down 1 Old TWA rival 2 High-speed Amtrak service 3 Legumes used in cook-offs 4 McCain or McConnell 5 Math subj.

6 King of Judea 7 Firstborn son of Cain 8 Ultra-manly 9 Corn piece

Inside The Lines Friday, September 16, 2016

10 Peaceful 11 Barb 12 Furnace output 13 Harbor craft 19 Cornerstone abbr.

21 Gun lobby org.

25 Kett of old comics 26 Christine’s lover in “The Phantom of the Opera” 29 Ultimatum words 30 Tie the __: marry 31 Strike caller 32 Older brother of Jeff Bridges 34 “__ to Billie Joe” 35 Large shade tree 36 Total in math 38 “Understand?”

40 Scott of “Happy Days” 41 Flea market payment 44 Ones “in distress” in old films 46 Tax-sheltered nest egg 48 German coal valley 50 Modeler’s buy 52 “Obviously, Einstein!”

53 “__ are the times that try men’s souls”: Paine 54 Early-bird catches 55 Rub out 56 Gossipy sort 57 Without delay, in memos 58 Don Corleone’s first name Yesterday’s solution

Yesterday’s 59 Nuptialsolution vows 63 Barcelona cheer 64 Carrier to Copenhagen

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Inside The Lines Friday, September 16, 2016

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