Vol. 128, No. 23 Friday, September 7, 2018 by The Rocky Mountain Collegian

INSIDE THE LINES page 4

Wide receivers are the lifeblood of CSU

page 6

Hawkins and Pagofie share special bond

page 10

take s

csu

u . a raz rk

orba cks

Vol. 128, No. 23 Friday, September 7, 2018

Preston Williams is NFL material

9 9 . $9 12PK CANS

2 inside the lines

Power Five Pick ‘Em Game #3

Luke

Eddie

2-3

1-4

Mamadou Sydney 0-0

3-2

Mack 0-0

#24

vs S. Carolina #10

Georgia #17

vs Stanford

USC

vs Nebraska

CU #2

vs Texas A&M

Clemson

vs CSU

Arkansas

COVER ILLUSTRATION BY ASHLEY POTTS | PHOTOS BY TONY VILLALOBOS MAY, ASHLEY POTTS AND ELLIOTT JERGE COLLEGIAN

Lory Student Center Box 13 Fort Collins, CO 80523 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.

entertainment@collegian.com Meg Metzger-Seymour | Design Editor design@collegian.com Tony Villalobos May | Photo Director photo@collegian.com Colin Shepherd | Photo Editor photo@collegian.com Mikaela Rodenbaugh | Digital Production Manager mrodenbaugh@collegian.com Gina Johnson Spoden | Social Media Editor socialmedia@collegian.com Gab Go | Night Editor copy@collegian.com Natalia Sperry | Webmaster

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inside the lines

The belief in John Jancek has never wavered for CSU football By Luke Zahlmann @lukezahlmann

This year was pegged to be different, better even. Despite a rough start, the Colorado State defense still believes that it will improve under the lead of coordinator John Jancek. After two games, the Rams rank 118 out of 123 FBS teams in total defense, dead last in their conference, after allowing an average of 606.5 yards per game. That tally includes a whopping 8.79 yards per play, on average nearly a first down for every play ran against them. The switch in leadership, as well as the system, was set to lead the Rams to new heights on defense and compliment their explosive offense. A switch from 3-4 to 4-3 was set to allow free reign to the linebackers, the lifeblood of the CSU defense. Unfortunately, though the tackles and counting stats have been there, the success has not. The linebackers have maintained enthusiasm though and are seeking to compete at a high level, the way they had planned in the preseason.

“Coming into practice and meetings, if anything (the energy) is higher,” linebacker Max McDonald said. “The product we put on the field the last two weeks is, in our minds, not representative of our skill level and our ability.” Redshirt seniors Tre Thomas and Josh Watson are in the topthree tacklers for the Rams with Watson leading the way by a double-digit margin with 28. One of the biggest problems is present in who is tied with Thomas for second: Jamal Hicks. An increased reliance on the safety to make tackles closer to the line has shown in the Rams lack of ability to contain wide receivers over the top, exemplified in the 378 yards a game through the air they currently allow. Normally, the leading tacklers of a given team will be the linebackers as they tend to clean up once a ball carrier is past the line, with other tackles coming in the gaps. For the Rams though, those same ball carriers and receivers are reaching the second level before they can even be

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see Jancek on page 4 >>

www.bookstore.colostate.edu

Defensive Coordinator John Jancek yells during a drill at practice August 2. PHOTO BY ASHLEY POTTS COLLEGIAN

Mon - Fri 7:45am 5:30pm | Sat 10:00am - 5:00pm

Downtown in the Northern Hotel On Campus in CSU’s Canvas Stadium

4 inside the lines

Jancek >> from page 3 met by Watson or Thomas. The role of the linebackers has been made clear by Jancek, a role that they have failed to meet. Juxtaposing that failure is the goal for the linebackers against Arkansas and each subsequent opponent on the Rams’ 2018 schedule. “We have to start faster,” McDonald said. “If we can get some early-game stops and make them adjust their game plan, that would be big.” The outside world will tend to point the finger towards the Jancek, but the personnel on de-

fense has taken the opposite approach. They have looked in the mirror and pointed the fingers at themselves. “It’s not about the coaching, it’s not about what we say we’re gonna do, it’s not about the game plan, it’s not about the calls,” junior Anthony Hawkins said. “It’s about executing and about the actions. It takes everybody.” Even nationally, the Rams are being scorned as ESPN.com published an article claiming the Rams have one of the worst programs in the nation, with their season now boiling down to a “Pillow Fight of the Century” game against San Jose State. Thought to be something players dedicate time to, the noise from the media outside the program has

PHOTO COURTESY OF ESPN.COM

failed to penetrate the confidence of the players under Jancek. “Everybody else is gonna say what they want, but all that matters is what we have and what’s in-between our individual group,”

Thomas said. “We block everything out and just worry about our next opponent and our next day at practice.” The next opportunity for the Rams to turn their season around comes Saturday as they host Ar-

kansas, only the second SEC team to visit Fort Collins in the teams’ history. The game kicks off just after 5:30 p.m. Luke Zahlmann can be reached at sports@collegian.com.

Preston Williams matches up favorably with star NFL wideout Luke Zahlmann @lukezahlmann

A scattered off-field history has led to Preston Williams rolling under the radar thus far in college. With those issues behind him, Williams can now play the role of Colorado State’s next great wideout. After spending his first year at the University of Tennessee where he originally committed as a five-star recruit, Williams transferred to CSU. Following a season that was lost to NCAA transfer rules, he once again was forced to sit out due to both a misdemeanor assault charge and violation of team rules. In his first official season as a game day participant for the Rams, Williams has already begun to showcase the skills that made him a 2015 Under Armour High School All-Star Game participant as well as Scout’s top-rated receiver of that same class. A 210-pound receiver that boats a 6-foot-4 frame, Williams has identical measurables to seven-time Pro Bowler A.J. Green of the Cincinnati Bengals. Though the track record of the two is lopsided in favor of Green due to his NFL allure, Williams has the potential to reach heights near Green’s level. In college, Green had one 963-yard season, sandwiched with two seasons he finished in the 800s. The trio of totals is all below what Williams is currently on pace for this season. As well as yardage, Williams is on pace to catch 12 touchdowns this season, three more than Green’s junior season (9). In college, Williams is al-

2018

ready set to bypass Green’s highest-output season, with identical measurables and skill set. Though competing in the Mountain West as opposed to the SEC, Williams has the ability to make up for the opposing talent difference with exponentially better numbers. The off-field issues aside, Williams only concerning feature is the lack of weight on his large frame. The problem can be muted if he can stay healthy throughout the 12-game slate of games, proving his durability despite the lack of girth. The same was true for Green, who has subsided those concerns during his career having missed just over a game per year in his professional career. Speed is what can truly separate Williams for the other lanky receivers in college football, just like it did for the 4.5-second 40-yard dash running Green. Shown in a video from the CSU football performance Twitter page, Williams was shown going head-to-head with running back Marvin Kinsey Jr. in a foot race, one that resulted in a virtual tie. That speed mixed with the leaping ability he showcased as a Mountain West Indoor Track & Field Men’s Athlete of the Week in the triple jump are set to reign supreme for the Rams. The flashes this year have already occurred for the junior wideout as Williams handled the University of Hawaii with ease in the Rams’ first matchup of the year with a stat line of nine receptions for 188 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The yardage and touchdown totals both posed as the highest totals in the game. The performance was ignited by a 69-yard reception in which he stiff-armed multiple Rainbow Warriors’ defenders and served as a catalyst for the

Colorado State Wide Receiver Preston Williams goes up for a catch in the end zone during the fourth quarter of play against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors at Canvas Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Fort Collins, CO. PHOTO BY ELLIOT JERGE COLLEGIAN

Rams’ comeback attempt. In the Rocky Mountain Showdown, Williams was unable to replicate his opening-day numbers, partially due to the ineffectiveness of either Rams’ quarterback. Despite the 181 yards that the signal-callers were able to combine for against the University of Colorado, Williams was still able to catch six balls for 49 yards, second on the team. The upcoming pair of matchups in Arkansas and

Florida will give Williams an opportunity to rapidly grow his potential NFL Draft stock. Both games will be televised nationally with the latter airing on the SEC Network, a matchup that several eyes will surely be on. A wide receiver with the skills that Williams has is potentially game-changing in the NFL. The ability to leap over defenders, along with the speed to gain ground of a majority of defensive backs will light up the screen.

As the season draws on, despite the Rams’ team success, the Lovejoy, Georgia native will be sure to draw in NFL scouts in waves. Though the Rams have shown two polar opposite potentials on offense, Williams has the ability to overcome the roller coaster of quarterback performances, with the possibility of the unit steadying as the Rams enter their conference schedule. Luke Zahlmann can be reached at sports@collegian.com.

REC

YDS

LONG

REC/G

AVG/C

AVG/G

237

7.5

15.8

118.5

inside the lines

Rams’ linemen have the chance to show improvement against Arkansas Mack Beaulieu @Macknz_James

Neither side of the ball has been pretty for Rams’ linemen this year, especially in regards to the running game. This weekend’s game against Arkansas will give them each a chance to prove how capable they can be. On offense, Colorado State’s line will finally be working with a full complement of running backs after ranking near the bottom of the FCS in rushing yards per game through the season’s first two games. Defensively, if the line can hold up against what looks like a weak Arkansas running game, then their success containing the more dynamic Razorbacks’ passing game should increase. So far, through two games, CSU’s offense ranks 103rd in the country in rushing yards per game. Part of that can be attributed to the fact that they have been depleted at running back, with a power back leading the way in Izzy Matthews. While Marcus McElroy has shown flashes of big-play ability, he is more of a bruiser as well at 5’11 and 220 pounds. This week the Rams will get both Rashaad Boddie and Marvin Kinsey back.

Boddie gives the Rams a more explosive back who averaged almost six yards per carry as the Rams’ third-string back last year. Kinsey had a fantastic freshman year with the Rams in 2016, leading the Mountain West in touchdowns by a freshman running back. He fell back a bit last year, but still averaged well over five yards per carry and should get a chance to take on a bigger role with the running game struggling. None of that will matter though if the Rams cannot block better as the returning running backs may be more elusive than McElroy or Matthews, but they cannot be depended on to escape on every play. Matthews and McElroy went down on a number of plays last week where a defender went unblocked. It is hard to analyze how good the Razorbacks’ rushing defense really is this year as they allowed only 3.1 yards per rush in week one, but that was against Eastern Illinois University. The Rams have proven to have an effective running game in recent years, partly because of a variety of runners. If the line can help get them free long enough to average anywhere near the five yards per carry that Arkansas allowed last year, it should allow the entire offense to breathe a easier. The same type of thinking goes for the defensive line. They are even worse than the offense statistically, allowing

the 109th most yards per game in the FBS. On the other side, the Razorbacks carried the ball for a paltry 2.16 yards per carry, but at least one Arkansas running back claimed they were merely missing holes against Eastern Illinois. The lack of a back does not mean the Rams can take anyone lightly, as they have basically been the defensive equivalent of Arkansas’ week one rushing performance as they are allowing six yards per carry. So far the Rams line has not done anything to suggest that those holes will not be there. Still, holding the Razorbacks in any sort of check will be big in the team’s effort versus Arkansas. If the Razorbacks cannot get it going on the ground, that leaves the pressure on their passing game. It could lead to less Arkansas points or a shoot-out, either of which would mean a more attainable win for CSU. This game will not necessarily be as much about winning as it is about getting better for the Rams. Coach Mike Bobo spoke at length this week about having to come together to maximize each other’s skills. That usually starts at the line of scrimmage and this game should give the Rams a great chance to improve and build confidence in that area. Mack Beaulieu can be reached at sports@collegian.com.

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One coupon per visit. Not valid with other offers. Expires December 13, 2018. K.J. Carta-Samuels huddles with his offensive line before a drill at practice on August 2. PHOTO BY ASHLEY POTTS COLLEGIAN

6 inside the lines

The CSU receivers are dynamic and ready to contribute By Mack Beaulieu @Macknz_James

With a season in disarray, the one Colorado State constant has been bulk production from the receivers, the most consistent position in coach Mike Bobo’s tenure. At a time when the Rams are struggling in many areas, the Rams’ receiving core looks to have not missed a beat after losing Michael Gallup to the NFL draft. Olabisi Johnson is once again helping set the table and Preston Williams has shined as well. The pieces are part of a group effort that extends beyond just catching passes. This year, as he has in years past, wide receivers’ coach Alvis Whitted has helped mold the group of playmakers. “He’s taught me a whole bunch,” Johnson said. “ All these guys… He’s made a bunch

of guys that came into CSU ten times better than they were before.” Johnson has been partly in the shadows in his Rams career behind dynamic receivers like Gallup and Rashard Higgins before him. This year, he’s moved into a leading role alongside Williams. He is averaging almost 120 yards per game, slightly more than Williams. Though the Rams came into the year without a superstar, it has not stopped their core from striving to be great. Johnson has been diligently working for four years, Williams is a big bodied-SEC quality athlete and sophomore Warren Jackson has over-thetop ability down the middle of the field. Even tight end Cameron Butler, arguably the fourthmost dynamic receiving option, was on the preseason watch list for the nation’s best tight end.

“(Gallup) did his own thing,” Butler said. “We have our own different ways of playing, so in our own way, I think we are just as good as last year… I think everybody has a huge piece in it … We all do a great job and hopefully that can keep us having some success.” Overall, the Rams’ receiving core is more balanced than it has been in recent years as both Johnson and Williams are on pace for 1300 yard seasons with Jackson on pace for nearly 500 of his own meaning opponents will not be able to key in on one guy. The final stats will certainly spread out more evenly than last year’s almost 800-yard difference between Johnson and Gallup. Even with a receiving group that is so dominant, the Rams wideouts will be asked to do a little more in other aspects of the game if they are hoping

to come together. Particularly when it comes to helping a run game that’s struggling more than it ever has under Bobo.

2018 SEASON STATS ■ Johnson, Olabisi

12 receptions, 239 yards and 3 touchdowns ■ Williams, Preston 15 receptions, 237 yards and 2 touchdowns ■ Jackson, Warren 6 receptions, 84 yards and 0 touchdowns “We’re not tied together like we should be,” coach Bobo said. “The run and pass game, we gotta get tied together. When you’re not tied together offensively, it’s hard to be successful

or for the quarterback to get in a rhythm offensively.” Butler says the Rams’ receivers are up to that task of helping the Rams’ line and running backs, even if they haven’t always been great this season. “We take pride in our blocking,” Butler said. “We’re not always going to make the best block, but we do take pride in trying to get our ball carriers open.” That will be big this weekend against Arkansas, who will be keying in on the Rams’ receivers after CSU has struggled to get it going on the ground through the first few games. A few unexpected key blocks, to go along with the big receptions, could go a long way in the eyes of the Rams’ offensive pieces. Mack Beaulieu can be reached at sports@collegian.com.

Bisi Johnson and Cameron Butler celebrate in the end zone following Butler’s 50-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter against San Jose State Nov. 18. PHOTO BY TONY VILLALOBOS MAY COLLEGIAN

inside the lines

Playmakers Boddie and Kinsey bring versatility to CSU’s offense By Eddie Herz @Eddie_Herz

The offense has not been the issue for the Colorado State Rams this season through two games. But, if the defensive struggles continue, CSU will take all the offensive compensation it can get. In the upcoming weekend, the Rams will be getting a boost to their run game as coach Mike Bobo announced on Monday that running backs Rashaad Boddie and Marvin Kinsey Jr. had their suspensions lifted after missing CSU’s first two games. Starting running back Izzy Matthews was effective as the main backup behind Dalyn Dawkins last season. But this season, Matthews has gotten off to a slow start. Without any help behind Matthews besides sophomore Marcus McElroy, the senior has averaged only 3.1 yards per carry this season. Last season, with more running backs in the mix, Matthews averaged 4.6 yards per carry and scored eight times. CSU’s run game will embrace the depth and versatility that Boddie and Kinsey bring to the table, but, it may take some time for the running backs to earn the trust of their team back. After all, this was not the first time Boddie and Kinsey were suspended for violating team rules. Boddie was suspended earlier in fall camp as well. Both Kinsey and Boddie also served a suspension during the first half of the New Mexico Bowl last season. “It’s just earning trust from the players,” redshirt sophomore fullback Adam Prentice said. “I think that comes from them coming every day prepared to work and having perfect discipline on and off the field. That is how they are going to earn the respect back from us and this team... They are doing a good job since they’ve come back.” In terms of privileges, Bobo believes that the running backs earned them back by diligently serving their suspensions. “There are other things that they are doing off the field that are part of that suspension,” Bobo said. “We still love them when they come back. They’re part of the team and they’re ready to go. If you are back, you are back. The best guy is going to play. You’ve handled your suspension, you’ve handled your discipline.” Aside from depth, the two running backs introduce a different dynamic to CSU’s rushing attack as both Matthews and McElroy are similar “ground and pound” type running backs while Boddie and Kinsey have far different skills to offer. “Boddie is just a pure tough back,” Matthews said. “A big dude that runs hard. He gets his pads down and can run anybody over.” At the same time, Boddie also provides speed. Prentice even compared Boddie to 13-year NFL running back and two-time Pro-

Bowl selection Herschel Walker. Boddie showcased his talents by putting together a productive true freshman season in 2016 where the sophomore scored four touchdowns and collected 254 yards on 44 carries. Even though he could not practice while suspended, Bobo noted that Boddie has not missed a beat since returning to the field. In fact, he hit the ground running. “I thought Rashaad Boddie had the best practice he’s ever had since he’s been here yesterday,” Bobo said on Tuesday. On the other end, Kinsey specializes in speed and makes defenders pay when he finds open space. The junior struggled to bounce back last season after suffering a season-ending torn ACL as a freshman in 2016. But, like Boddie, Kinsey showed what he was capable of as a true freshman. Kinsey rushed for 546 yards and seven touchdowns on nearly 100 carries in 2016. With the quickness Kinsey possesses, eclipsing his single-game high of 127 yards this season is more than a possibility. Prentice described Kinsey as “extremely elusive” while Matthews went even further in illustrating the running back’s swiftness. “Marvin (Kinsey) is probably the most explosive player that we have as far as speed,” Matthews said. “If you give him some open space, there is nothing you can do to stop him.” With the return of Boddie and Kinsey, the Rams have different players to fulfill different needs on the ground. Boddie and Kinsey are also bigger playmakers than Matthews and McElroy. So, CSU’s big-play potential on the ground has increased as well. What having more options in the backfield also helps is the production of Matthews. As mentioned earlier, the balanced running back was significantly more effective last season when his carries were split at a greater rate. “Basically having that veteran experience coming back and having four guys now that can carry a load instead of splitting between two guys is big,” Matthews said. “I’ve been taking a lot of snaps. It’s going to be better for our bodies and better for our team’s pace and explosiveness.” While Bobo and CSU players are thrilled to have the two running backs eligible again, Boddie and Kinsey have portrayed their eagerness personally. “They are just two guys who love the game of football and have been waiting for this Saturday,” Matthews said. “They keep tweeting about it, posting about it. You can just tell that they are genuinely excited.” Their first chance this year comes against Arkansas on Saturday. Eddie Herz can be reached at sports@collegian.com.

CSU Freshman Running Back Marvin Kinsey Jr. (25) celebrates a touchdown with the offensive line during the Rams win over Fresno State. COLLEGIAN FILE PHOTO

Colorado State Running Back Rashaad Boddie runs for a touchdown during the forth quarter of play against the Boise State Broncos on Nov. 11. PHOTO BY ELLIOTT JERGE COLLEGIAN

8 Friday, September 7, 2018 | The Rocky Mountain Collegian

The Rocky Mountain Collegian Friday, September 7, 2018

10 inside the lines

CSU defenders Paogife and Hawkins’ alliance stems from home By Eddie Herz @Eddie_Herz

Even for the best collegiate athletes, transitioning from the high school to collegiate level can be difficult. In addition, adjusting to a new environment can be challenging when moving away from home for the first time. The sentiment could have been the case for Colorado State sophomore defensive lineman Livingston Paogofie, who came all the way from Arlington, Texas to play for the Rams. Paogofie did not know much about Colorado before CSU began recruiting him out of Bowie High School in Arlington. But, Paogofie was fortunate enough to have a piece of home engrained in Fort Collins when he was going through the recruiting process. That piece was high school teammate and current CSU cornerback Anthony Hawkins. “We weren’t too close in high school but when the recruiting process started for me our relationship became closer,” Paogofie said.

Paogofie and Hawkins played together at Bowie High School for three seasons and were both touted players. Off the field, they fell somewhere between acquaintances and friends. But, as Paogofie noted, when the Rams began looking at him, his relationship with Hawkins started to grow. Paogofie reached out to his former high school teammate, who was a freshman at the time. Hawkins, only wanting the best for Paogofie, gave him an honest assertion about his experience. But, he had nothing but positive things to say about CSU’s program. So, Hawkins pitched it to Paogofie. “I just told him about the brotherhood we have and I told him about our culture,” Hawkins said. “That’s basically what makes or breaks a team. The culture of CSU football is just building off of each other and feeding off of each other. I also told him about the campus and the things that he can get involved in to help him progress as a student.” With the sentiments coming from a credible source, Paogofie bought in immediately. Though he did not solely

make his decision based off of Hawkins’ interpretations, the CSU cornerback’s influence was felt. After all, Paogofie was being heavily recruited by Utah State, Lamar, and Texas State as well. All of which paled in comparison as he did not know personally anyone that attended. “It brings a little bias in having an alumni from your high school to talk to, a guy that you actually played on the same side of the ball with in high school,” Hawkins said. “It’s pretty cool having that upper hand. A lot of times you have to go into places where you don’t know anyone.” Though the two players were not extremely close growing up, their relationship extends further than just being teammates at two programs. Hawkins actually went to Elementary school with a few of Paogofie’s cousins. They also happened to be pretty close friends. Hawkins grew up about two blocks away from Paogofie’s cousins. He recalls frequently walking over to their house after school to play basketball. Paogofie’s mother, Falemalama,

Defensive line Livingston Paogofie runs from Air Force players during the game on Oct. 28, 2017. PHOTO BY TONY VILLALOBOS MAY COLLEGIAN

even gave Hawkins a call when her son committed to CSU reminding him to watch out for Paogofie. When Paogofie arrived in Fort Collins, the two began to spend a lot of time together and develop a friendship outside of football. Hawkins made a concerted effort to take Paogofie under his wing when Paogofie was a freshman. The comfort that Hawkins provided aided Paogofie at smoothly getting accustomed to his new life. “Whenever I needed something he was always there, even a ride since he had a car,” Paogofie said. “He was like a big brother to me and still is. He would even cook for me sometimes. It’s really nice, I love that dude.” Now a sophomore that Bobo praises the potential of, Paogofie is clearly settled into what was once a new, intimidating environment. In the end, a significant amount of recruiting draw came from Hawkins, a feat that has changed the relationship of the two Rams. Eddie Herz can be reached at sports@ collegian.com

Colorado State Corner Back Anthony Hawkins squares up CU Wide Receiver Shay Fields during the second half of action at the Rocky Mountain Showdown Sept. 1, 2017. PHOTO BY ELLIOTT JERGE COLLEGIAN

inside the lines

We can appreciate both the military and the kneeling movement Jayla Hodge @Jaylahodge

Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board. Football and the military have been torn asunder and are now topics of a strong political debate, but this weekend they come back together as we celebrate our servicemen and women when Colorado State hosts Arkansas in the university’s official Military Appreciation Day. After Nike’s announcement that Colin Kaepernick, former Mountain West conference and NFL player who started the kneeling movement, would be starring in their new line of promotions, the debates around kneeling, social justice and regard for our military have sparked back up.

“Social justice and the love of football belongs to no singular race, religion, or creed and neither does patriotism.”

Football players kneeling during the national anthem and the debate around if it is disrespectful to our servicemen and women has polarized people so much that some can not see that they are by principle, interconnected. We must change the discourse around this subject. Instead of letting this issue divide us, we must let it unite us. Football is an American past time. A game of endurance, strength and unity. It opens the door to opportunity, a founding principle of the land. It’s a game that has defined us as a nation. Thank you to the servicemen and women, of the past and present, that have risked everything to make sure our liberties are protected and upheld. Thank you to the people working every day, social justice activists and those in sim-

ilar career fields that are making sure their sacrifices were not in vain but are applied to all. Our servicemen and women work to defend our nation and we must work at helping it improve. Kneeling is not out of disrespect, but out of dedication and a motivation to promote justice, something we as a nation hold ideal. Bo Shonka, a prior service airman and CSU student who supports kneeling and understands the misunderstanding of the protest believes patriotism can be displayed in many ways, not just service. “A true aspect of patriotism is when it is performed in sacrifice rather than personal benefit. To stand up for what’s right is a stronger example of patriotism than doing it because it’s easy or expected,” Shonka said. Everything our servicemen and women do is out of a desire for our country to reach our maximum potential. This potential cannot be reached until we recognize and deal with our downfalls; one being the mistreatment of racial minorities and marginalized peoples. There is a false connotation that those who do not serve are not as aware of the sacrifice that goes into honoring the flag, or that those from diverse communities do not have the same dedication to this countries principles. According to Pew Research Center, racial and ethnic minority groups made up 40 percent of Defense Department active-duty military in 2015. Many people of all races have tight connections and bonds to the military. Kneeling, and any form of peaceful political protest, should not be seen as a sign of disrespect but as a gesture of support. America has always been and will continue to be a place where the citizens have a right, if not a duty to remain critical of our governance and call out injustice. We can fully support both sides. Those against injustice and our servicemen and women. Social justice and the love of football belongs to no singular race, religion or creed and neither does patriotism. Patriotism is not just caring of the lives of those in our mil-

San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Eli Harold (58) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) take a knee during the national anthem before a game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. PHOTO BY AL DIAZ MIAMI HERALD/ TNS

itary, but the lives of all Americans. To not care of issues that marginalized identities face, is to not truly love America and its diverse peoples. It’s is only fitting that football has been used as a platform to help spread awareness and promote conversations in this country. When Kaepernick and other players kneel, they do it with the same intentions as those who serve: out of

love for their countrymen. At the end of the day, when you look at both sides of the kneeling debate, both sides are angry over the loss of someone. It’s Black Americans and other minorities who are subjected to injustice, brutality and blood spilled in the streets and the service men and women who bravely protect and bleed for the country. It’s the

blood of us as a nation, and we must not let a difference of perspective divide us on issues of humanity. Whether it be the social justice workers putting in the work every day, or members of our military serving proudly, the goals are the same: one nation with liberty and justice for all. Jayla Hodge can be reached at letters@collegian.com.

12 inside the lines

Throwback to 1981

Rams miss upset, lose to MSU By Craig Young @RMCollegianSpts

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on October 12, 1981. For a team ranked No. 6 in the infamous Bottom Ten poll, CSU sure was acting out of character Saturday as the Rams gave 19th-ranked Mississippi State a scare before falling 3727 at Hughes Stadium. The Ram’s 0-4 record had made deriding the school football team a popular pastime at CSU, and Saturday’s Homecoming contest with Southeastern Conference power MSU was supposed to be yet another example of the Rams’ ineptitude. But CSU, with the help of sophomore backup-quarterback Tom Thennel, threw a few surprises at the Bulldogs and the fans. As the game opened before 24,700 spectators, things seemed to be going as predicted. The Bulldogs punched out a 67-yard touchdown drive that took 11 plays and 4½ minutes to get on the scoreboard in the first quarter. The Rams answered, in customary fashion, with a drive that fizzled on the MSU 47. The ball changed hands a few more times before MSU again used its crushing running game to rack up another touchdown and a somewhat comfy 14-0 lead. It was then that CSU’s offense began to click and the surprises started happening. Occasionally going to a shotgun formation behind a study offensive line, Thenell picked apart a Bulldog defense that seemed bewildered by the aerial aspect of football. Aided by a facemask penalty and two carries by running back Troy Lindsay, Thenell passed his way into MSU territory via tight end Mike Camp and wide receivers Richie Hall and Jeff Champine. The final play of the drive brought back memories of Thenell and Champine’s playing days at Mullen High as the quarterback found his high school buddy all alone in the right corner of the end zone. Jon Poole’s kick made the score 14-7, and the Rams’ appetite was just being whetted. MSU’s next possession was similar to its previous ones, with running back Henry Koontz breaking through the CSU line at will. A fumble and a Greg Tillman recovery at the CSU 16 ended the drive and gave CSU life again with 5:48 left in the half.

The Rams thrilled fans and startled their opponents with another ragged but effective passing drive that ended in a 15-yard TD strike to Lindsay. As the half ended, David and Goliath headed to the locker rooms locked in a 14-14 tie. CSU, its sights obviously set on that unlikely-yet-possible upset, came out shooting in the second half. Thenell directed yet another aerial march downfield, again using infrequent running plays to keep the MSU defense guessing. This time Thenell went back to Champine for the touchdown pass that put the Rams ahead of the now-worried Bulldogs 21-14. But then MSU came on strong, running for two more touchdowns to put CSU back in its place, 28-21. The Rams weren’t out of the game yet, though, as they came back with another touchdown— this one a long ball to Hall in the end zone—to make score 2827. But the chance to tie it up slipped past CSU as a bad snap muffed the point-after attempt. MSU then pulled away by eight with another touchdown as the time began to run out on CSU. The Rams, by now determined by the hard-hitting Bulldogs, were playing on sheer guts as Thennel and Co. tired to put together a last-minute comeback. The attempt failed with less than two minutes left, and then the Bulldogs took over again. MSU marched back toward CSU’s goal line, with the clear intention of putting this upstart Colorado team away for good. But the Ram defense hung on, stopped by the ‘Dogs at the six, and gave Thenell just one more chance with 10 seconds left on the clock. The comeback was not to be, however, as MSU crunched Thenell in the end zone while CSU receivers raced long, and the Bulldogs added a safety to their tally to make the final score 37-27. Though CSU’s record fell to an even worse mark of 0-5, the team brought a few things out of the loss. Most important for Coach Sark Arslanian was the emergence of a new team leader and starting signal-caller in Thenell. Thenell’s 24-of-47 passing performance netted 308 yards and four touchdowns, and he was not interrupted once. Receiver Champine also raked in a laurel or two with a record-setting 12 receptions

COLLEGIAN ARCHIVE PHOTO

against the Bulldogs-a new CSU and Hughes Stadium mark. The Rams compiled 353 yards of total offense—most of them through the air—while MSU got all but 36 of its 526 tards on the ground. Fr the defense, linebacker Kevin Scheesley tallied 20 tackles and a fumble recovery, with safety Tillman also putting forth an outstanding effort for

11 tackles and two recoveries. Cornerback Mike Faucett had 10 tackles. And though the physical Bulldogs knocked the defense’s Andre Augustine, Andy Poremba and Kirk Powell out of the game, the Rams stand more ready for a win next week than they’ve ever been. CSU coaches and players alike termed Saturday’s per-

formance—combined with last week’s embarrassing loss to Air Force—a positive turning point in CSU’s season. The Rams will face Utah next week in Hughes Stadium to try to prove they have indeed undergone such a turnaround. The Collegian Sports Desk can be reached at sports@collegian.com.

The Rocky Mountain Collegian | Friday, September 7, 2018

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14 inside the lines

Defenders to keep your eye on

From top left to bottom right, Tre Thomas, Jordan Fogal, Max McDonald and Jamal Hicks all take part in various Colorado State football events. The Rams defenders will be relied upon heavily once again against Arkansas on September 8. PHOTOS BY DAVIS BONNER, ELLIOTT JERGE AND JAVON HARRIS COLLEGIAN

inside the lines

A taste of the south: tailgating recipes for CSU vs. Arkansas By Luke Zahlmann @lukezahlmann

In honor of Colorado State football hosting only the second SEC team to Fort Collins in their history, here’s a list of southern game day recipes in the spirit of the occasion. Cajun Grilled Shrimp Skewers

INGREDIENTS FOR THE MARINADE: ■ 12 fresh raw jumbo

shrimp, peeled and deveined, tail tips intact ■ 3 garlic cloves, smashed ■ 1/3 cup olive oil ■ 1/3 cup lemon juice ■ 1/3 cup honey ■ 1/2 teaspoon paprika

turn, baste with melted butter, and return to the grill to finish. Step 3: Drizzle with hot sauce, remove from skewers and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Oven Baked Louisiana Hot Wings

INGREDIENTS ■ 4-pound package of chicken

wings ■ Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste ■ 4 tablespoons of butter, melted ■ 1/4 cup of hot sauce ■ 1 tablespoon of chopped pickled

jalapenos ■ 1 tablespoon of sliced green onion ■ Bleu cheese or ranch salad dressing, for dipping

■ 1/2 teaspoon Cajun or Creole

seasoning (like Slap Ya Mama), or to taste ■ 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

FOR THE SKEWERS: ■ 1 bell pepper, quartered ■ 1 red onion, quartered ■ Sea salt or kosher salt, to taste ■ Freshly cracked black pepper ■ 4 large cherry tomatoes, or 1

large tomato, quartered ■ 3 tablespoons of melted butter Directions: Step 1: Put shrimp into a zipper storage bag or glass bowl, add the smashed garlic and toss. In a separate bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, paprika, Cajun seasoning & Old Bay. Pour mixture over the shrimp, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to two hours. Step 2: When ready to grill, preheat grill to high. Alternate 3 shrimp with the bell pepper and onion on metal skewers, leaving room at the end for tomato. You’ll add the tomatoes toward the end of cooking. Sprinkle skewers with salt, pepper and additional Cajun seasoning, if desired. Place over direct heat on a hot grill, close lid and cook, turning once, about two to three minutes per side depending on the size of shrimp, or until cooked through, basting with the marinade. Add a tomato wedge to the end of each skewer the final

degrees. Butter an 8x8 inch glass baking dish. Toss peaches with the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Place into the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle top of peaches generously with cinnamon sugar mixture. Step 2: In a separate mixing bowl whisk together the flour and 1 cup of sugar. Add the butter, milk, and egg; mix together until well blended. Stir in lemon zest if using. Pour batter over the peaches and bake uncovered, at 325 degrees, for 55 minutes to one hour, or until golden brown and firm in the middle. Best served warm with a drizzle of heavy cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of homemade ice cream. Hoppin’ John Hush Puppies

INGREDIENTS ■ Peanut Oil ■ 1 (15-oz.) can seasoned field peas

Directions: Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place wings on an aluminum foillined baking sheet with the fat side of the wing facing up. Season the wings with salt and pepper. Bake on the lower rack of the oven for 20 minutes. Turn over, top side down, season the other side, and return to the oven for 10 minutes longer. Step 2: Increase the heat to 425 degrees. Remove the wings, brush with the hot sauce and butter, turn top side up, brush again and return to the oven on the middle rack; bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes. Step 3: Continue to brush, turn and brush the wings for another 20 to 25 minutes or until done. Be sure to brush up from the drippings also. Summertime Fresh Peach Cobbler

and snaps, drained and rinsed (about 1 cup)*

■ 1 cup yellow self-rising cornmeal

mix

■ 3/4 cup buttermilk ■ 1/2 cup all-purpose flour ■ 1/2 cup chopped country ham ■ 1/2 cup cooked long-grain rice ■ 1/2 cup sliced green onions, light

green parts only

■ 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and

diced ■ 2 garlic cloves, pressed ■ 1 teaspoon baking powder ■ 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper ■ 2 large eggs, lightly beaten ■ Tomato-Corn Relish

INGREDIENTS ■ 4 cups sliced peaches ■ 2 tablespoons granulated sugar ■ Cinnamon Sugar, to taste ■ 1 cup self-rising flour ■ 1 cup of granulated sugar ■ 1/3 cup of unsalted butter, melted ■ 1/2 cup of whole milk ■ 1 large egg ■ 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, optional

Directions: Step 1: Preheat oven to 325

SAVE MONEY ON

Directions: Step 1: Pour oil to a depth of 3 inches into a large, heavy skillet or Dutch oven; heat over medium-high heat to 350 degrees. Step 2: Stir together field peas and next 11 ingredients in a large bowl. Step 3: Scoop pea mixture by rounded tablespoonfuls, in batches, and drop into hot oil. Fry 3 to 4 minutes or until hush puppies are golden brown. Drain on paper towels; keep warm. Serve with relish. Luke Zahlmann can be reached at sports@collegian.com.

Available in the Lory Student Center

16 Friday, September 7, 2018 | The Rocky Mountain Collegian

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Proud CSU alumni and supporters of Ram Athletics.

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