It is no secret that the 2020 season for Colorado State was a struggle. A new head coach, a roster in transition, and COVID restrictions would equal a disaster for nearly any program. The 1-3 record that they recorded certainly doesn’t tell the whole story about where they experienced success and maybe where they were weak. On the other hand, the Jackrabbit spring season went about as well as one could hope. The team was fairly healthy, caught some good breaks, and had one new coach on staff. It was a tale of two seasons for the Rams and the Jacks. With that said, there are a lot of unknowns entering this game. Here is what the Jackrabbit Illustrated team is keeping an eye on Friday night.
- Jackrabbit Tackles vs. Ram DEs
The Jackrabbits have two excellent tackles in Garret Greenfield and Aron Johnson. Greenfield made most All-American lists following the spring season while Johnson is on the radar of NFL teams. The Rams start two big and athletic defensive ends in #1 Scott Patchan and #0 Toby McBride. They are disruptive as pass rushers and stout defending the run. If the Jacks can contain Patchan and McBride it will allow the passing attack to challenge the CSU secondary. If not, it could be a long night for the new Jackrabbit QB Chris Oladokun.
2. Logan Backhaus vs. Trey McBride
I don’t know if Logan will matchup with McBride but he may be the Jackrabbits best bet to slow down the freak tight end. McBride has put up strong numbers and is the number one tight end on Todd McShay’s draft board entering the season. Logan is excellent in coverage and has the size and speed to stick with McBride. However, Logan is not on a single list of FCS draft prospects even though he is one of the best linebackers in the division. Neutralizing McBride would catch the attention of scouts and more importantly go a long way in securing a Jackrabbit victory.
3. Turnovers
The Jackrabbits were very good at protecting the ball during the spring season and were excellent at forcing turnovers. I have no doubt that Canvas Stadium will be filled with energy. It is the home opener, young alumni weekend, the Rams will be sporting the all green look, and the weather forecast looks beautiful. The Rams will come out fast and furious. The Jacks will have to weather the storm and they MUST not contribute to the swell of energy that the Rams will be feeding off of. The team needs to protect the ball throughout the entire game but especially early. If the defense is able to force a turnover early in the game and turn it into a score it would go a long way in taking the air out of the stadium. Start fast Jackrabbits!
4. Chris Oladokun and Landon Wolf
These two have high expectations surrounding them as we start the season. Mark Gronowski was a freshman phenom but is rehabbing his knee injury this fall so in steps Chris Oladokun who has 11 starts on resume between USF and Samford. All reports out of camp are that he has been phenomenal. He can make plays with his arm and with his feet. I’m excited to finally see him in a game. As far as Wolf, we have been hearing his praises since January when he joined the team. As an FBS graduate transfer, he could have just worked on himself and waited for his time in the fall. Instead, he became a demon on the scout team and worked hard to prepare his teammates throughout the season. He joins a talented offensive group but his presence and playmaking ability may take the offense to a new level.
Have fun Jackrabbit fans and lets hope we come out with the WIN!
#GoJacks
Ben, Brendan, Chad, Dallas, Kyle, Matt