Beat the Frogs

When I started this blog, I hoped that it would provide me with many opportunities to talk about CSU football, some positive, and some negative.

I have, after three weeks of trying to find a silver-lining to escape my natural cynicism, run out of positives. It really is now or never for this year’s Rams.

If they can’t beat TCU, then they will be in line for a terrible season.

Enough talk of how a win will come.

Enough talk of trying hard.

Enough talk of how the streak doesn’t really matter because this team is different than last year’s.

It is the same. Losing games the same.

Until they prove differently.

Ten games. Basically a whole year.

CSU is truly in a must-win game. Last week was close, but this week CSU must start conference play 1-0, or they will not recover.

Preview:

When CSU is on offense: One-third of the way through the season, the Rams offense is their strong point. They have put up points and controlled the clock most of the time. Now, they face a very strong test.

TCU is tough to score on, but they are weakened by the loss of stud Tommy Blake. CSU is thrilled with his absence, as he has been instrumental to the last two TCU beat-downs of CSU.

Advantage: Rams CSU will score 20-plus points on this defense. They have the skill to do so, and if Air Force can get 17 with their anemic offense, the Rams better get more.

When TCU is on offense: TCU is stable on offense, but their key will be the play of redshirt freshman quarterback Andy Dalton. He has struggled thus far this season, throwing costly picks and missing on some big plays. The key to TCU will be running back Aaron Brown (Brown Back, CSU section), who has been nursing an injury all year.

Meanwhile, CSU has let two redshirt freshman quarterbacks, Cody Hawkins and Case Keenum, look like all-stars. They need to force Dalton into at least three turnovers (they had chances versus the first two) if they have any shot at a victory.

Advantage: Push The Horned Frogs will move the ball, but hopefully the Rams can bend, but not break. Forcing turnovers will be the key for the Rams.

Coaching and other intangibles: TCU’s coach Gary Patterson always seems to have the Frogs ready to go, and Saturday will be no different. The problem will be the lack of experience at some key positions. Sonny Lubick and his staff have struggled lately to call a complete game, but they are getting close.

CSU also will not be shocked by the Texas heat, as this is their second game in as many weeks in the Lone Star State, and it will take place closer to evening.

Advantage: Horned Frogs Home-field advantage is huge, along with a team that knows how to finish, against one that has failed for 10 consecutive weeks.

Prediction: 28-20 Horned Frogs
Maybe if I boldly predict the Rams will lose, fortunes will reverse. It is worth a shot?