Why CSU isn't special anymore

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CSU vs. SDSU is a game that should allow the Rams a chance to win their first game in over a year. I will go out on a limb and predict a 38-16 victory as a homecoming present, as SDSU's horrible defense allows the Rams to control the ball and put up points.

CSU has been itching for a chance to play someone that they easily can beat, and I think returning home to face a team that is struggling almost as much as the Rams will be the key.

The Aztecs are so poor lately, people at the university want to disband the team. CSU has struggled, but no one is going that crazy here in Fort Collins, I hope.

Longer analysis of CSU’s decline

It seems amazing to me that the Rams could be in a situation where they are expected to struggle with the perennial doormat Aztecs, when just five years ago when the Rams were the toast of the conference (yes, it was just 2002 when ago Bradlee “The Mulleted Warrior” Van Pelt skateboarding the Rams to a 10-3 record and a MWC title).

Prior to 2003 at CSU, Sonny was 84-38 in his career, but during the last five seasons his record has plummeted to 105-69, a 21-31 record.

Why?

In looking at the weekly football press release on csurams.com, I stumbled upon page nine, which focused on defensive stats for the Rams throughout the Sonny Lubick years. Two key stats, defensive scores (special teams included) and turnover margin, caught my eye as the main reason the Rams are down.

From 1993-2002, the Rams forced 23-plus turnovers every season, yet since then they have forced over 20 turnovers just once, in 2005 (their last bowl-eligible season). The Rams also never lost a season-long turnover battle in any season from 1993-2002, yet also 2005 is the only season since they the Rams have achieved not lost the turnover battle.

From 1993-2002 the Rams had one year in which they failed to score at least three times on defense and special teams, while since 2003 the Rams succeeded in scoring more than two defensive scores in 2004 only.

The lack of the big plays on defense and special teams, a staple during CSU’s glory years, is what I believe is the major driving factors of the Rams collapse.

The lack of touchdowns through defense and special teams has crushed the Rams, not giving them the high energy plays that change games.

On the same token, the Rams defense hasn’t forced enough turnovers in clutch situation to hold-off late-game comebacks by opponents, which have taken place in multiple games during the current losing streak.

CSU’s offense has taken much of the blame during the recent down years (especially last year), but CSU’s decline in game-changing plays on special teams and defense are more of a driving force.

Ultimately the blame goes on Sonny for the play of the Rams, but much of it really should fall heavily on the shoulders on defensive coordinator Steve Stanard, who took over as defensive coordinator in 2003, and Dave Arnold, who has coached special teams since 2004.

CSU needs to get more playmakers on the field, and they need to have coaches that can put them in position to make big plays.

I don’t think either coach, Stanard or Arnold, are doing an acceptable job.