Colorado State Offensive Scouting Report

Colorado State has a fairly young offense and at times it shows. For the most part they run a basic offensive scheme. Their quarterback is under center a lot, which means they are always a threat to run play action. In the run game they use two backs so you are always facing fresh legs. They also use their TE’s in different positions depending on where they feel the match-up is in their favor.

One thing I noticed about their scheme is that when they are in the shotgun they throw the ball, but if they are having problems with the rush they use the split back formation - using the two running backs as additional blockers.

Their running game uses primarily zone blocking schemes, which gives their backs the freedom to pick a gap and use their vision. They also pull their guards a lot, which not only gives them some beef at the point of attack, it disguises their play action passes very well.

I would expect a heavy dose of the running game with all sorts of screenplays. Their passing routes will be primarily short timing throws, play action passes, with the TE sneaking out on a delayed route, and one deep combination. The deep combination is tough if not handled correctly. It is a 15-yard drag from one wide out with a deep post from the opposite wide out. They also run a TE or slot receiver underneath to occupy the linebackers. This route forces the safeties to communicate and work together. One safety has to chase the dig route relying on the Mick backer for help, while the other safety has to stay deep and guard the deep post route that the corner will be chasing. The quarterback watches the Mick backer. If the Mick steps up, the dig route will be open. If the Mick helps the dig, and the safety bets on the dig, the post will be open. If all the defenders do their jobs the quarterback will be forced to either throw a ball up for grabs or take the short underneath throw for a short gain. It’s a tough concept and they use it all the time.

Offensive Line:

This year’s offensive line isn’t as talented as they were last year, especially at the tackle position. They are still a good offensive line, but in past years CSU won games was because they could control the line of scrimmage. Also some of their route combinations call for deep routes, which means your line has to hold up under pressure. Our defensive front will match-up very well against CSU’s tackles and guards. Having Russel T. back in the lineup will give us the stability we need up the middle and we should hold their running attack to minimal yardage.

Running Backs:

The Predator #5 Gartrell Johnson has carried the load since #34 Kyle Bell hurt his knee two years ago. They both get numerous carries and both have good size and speed. Jordan Wood is more effective when running zone blocking schemes because he has good vision and hits holes hard. Bell is good between the tackles and has shown a knack for finding seams when he gets the ball on screen passes.

They rotate these guys the whole game so one thing you won’t get is a tired back. If one back is having success or makes a big play to excite their team, you can bet on getting a heavier dose of that particular back. Sometimes on the same play, same side, same look. If their offense is having success running the ball they will work it to death.

Quarterback:

#15 Billy Farris is a good player. He has a somewhat awkward throwing motion, straight over the top, like a baseball throw, but he throws the ball on time and looks the safeties off.

We can use his slow 5 & 7 step drops against him in the game. The longer he holds the ball the more stationary he becomes. When coverage holds up he is often left standing flat footed in the pocket. This means the pocket can close around him and he is less likely to scramble for yards up the middle. Don’t get me wrong he can run, and does a good job of getting out of the pocket on play action passes. But when he holds onto the ball his efficiency and control go out the back door.

Wide Receivers:

Their starters are #31 Dion Morton and #84 Rashaan Greer. Dion is a little guy with great speed. He is dangerous in the open field and they run a number of double move passes with him on the receiving end.  Greer has good size at 6-1, 200 lbs and is often the receiver going over the middle for the tough catches. #1 Ryan Gardner has also shown talent in a few games. He is often the guy running the underneath route and if they feel he has a good match up they will run him deep and let him try and out jump a corner for a big play.

One thing that CSU has always done has been to run a lot of double move pass routes during a game. They will also run 1 or 2 play action bombs a game just to make sure you aren’t sleeping in the secondary. The Rams depend on their running game getting the safeties involved so they can work the double routes for easy TD’s and long balls.

Last year CSU had a difficult time running the ball, which forced them to try their play action passes and screens. If we can keep their WR’s in front of us, I think we have a great chance of limiting their offenses total yardage.

Tight End:

I know you are asking yourself, who is going to match-up against #80 Kory Sperry? The answer is hopefully we won’t have to. He is a good player and they use him in a variety of ways. He moves to the slot and runs digs and corners. Those routes use his big frame to box safeties and linebackers out, and catch balls away from the coverage. If I where on the field I would expect him to be the primary receiver anytime he is in the slot and they are in shotgun. I would also count on him getting the ball on the play action passes that CSU runs. It will take a great effort from Andrew Rich and Kellen Fowler to insure that Sperry doesn’t get deep on any seam routes. Our safeties also need to hit Sperry low and hard so he starts short arming catches.

When our defense does play man coverages our safeties or nickel guys need to be physical enough to disrupt Sperry’s route, while not getting bowled over. We also need to switch off routes and communicate so that everyone is helping when and where they need to be.

Defensive Keys:

1. Be physical against the run and force CSU to play out of their comfort zone.  We also need to be quick to recover on play actions so we don’t give up easy third down conversions.
2. Defend the deep ball and make sure coverage doesn’t breakdown late. They need the deep ball if their running game isn’t working. Keep the CSU receivers in front of you and make sure you aren’t fooled in play action.
3. Kellen - against play action and in zone blitzes, make sure you stay in the deep post. Farris will be looking at you all night. Play games with him and make sure he can’t pin down which coverage you are playing.
4. Young players are going to have to play a big role this week. Johnson, Howard, Bradley, Rich and possible Pendelton or Te’o may be called on to come into the game. Make sure you are prepared to help the cause. Don’t be a liability.
5. Keep playing no matter what happens. If our offense struggles, you can be the difference. Play with passion and cause a turnover early. You are the better team, act and play like it!!