Five keys to the CSU Rams’ success in Year 2 under head coach Jay Norvell. CSU opens the season Saturday against Washington State (5 p.m., Canvas Stadium).
Keep Clay upright. After CSU rolled out the nation’s worst offensive front last year, the new-look O-line has to keep quarterback Clay Millen upright and give the sophomore time to make plays. Much of that onus falls on left tackle Saveyon Henderson (Lane College transfer) and right tackle Drew Moss (Lamar).
Weather early adversity. Jay Norvell preached the need to start fast after his first year began with four consecutive blowout defeats. But the fact is the Rams open against Wazzu, a team that worked them by 31 points last year, and then take on CU and Coach Prime in Boulder. The Rams must realize 0-2 isn’t the end of the world if they’re there.
Horton & Holker. If the O-line can buy Millen enough time, and if CSU can get run-pass balance via its stable of running backs, receiver Tory Horton and tight end Dallin Holker get the opportunity to be stars. Horton, coming off a 1,000-yard season, is likely to deliver again. Holker, a transfer from BYU, must provide a middle-of-the-field presence.
Secondary as advertised. While junior safety Jack Howell is the headliner of the group (the former Valor Christian player is on the watch list for the Nagurski, Bednarik and Thorpe awards), the Rams secondary is a strength of the 2023 team. CSU also needs safety Henry Blackburn (Fairview) and nickel back Ayden Hector to keep the lid on big plays.
Win close games. Norvell anticipates playing a lot of close games this year, and that means the Rams need to be sharp with the details. CSU will play all its best players (i.e., Horton, Holker, Howell) on special teams. It will certainly fall on kicker Jordan Noyes, a graduate student from England who previously played at Utah, to deliver in the clutch.
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