FORT COLLINS — Look at Colorado State’s 80 points in the past two weeks, and there’s a big correlation with the number of times receiver Dion Morton has touched the ball.
Finally healthy, the offensive line has matured, and quarterback Billy Farris has grown into his role as a first-year starter under new coach Steve Fairchild.
But Morton really started to come on against San Diego State two weeks ago. He ran reverses three times, scoring twice. Against BYU last week, he scored twice on pass receptions, and the former high school quarterback also threw for a first down after running a reverse.
“It does seem I’m involved a lot more, but I don’t think it’s necessarily because of my playmaking abilities,” Morton said. “A couple of guys on our team seem to have that. It seems I’m working harder in practice. The coaches see that and want to give me the ball. I appreciate anything I can get.”
When the offense stalled at midseason against the Mountain West’s better defenses, Fairchild spared no one’s feelings. He criticized the lack of consistency among the receivers. Offensive coordinator and receivers coach Greg Peterson said the coaches challenged the receivers to show immediate improvement in all phases of their game.
“Certainly Dion did in the last two games,” said Peterson, who said he has been most impressed with Morton’s downfield blocking. “He had six or seven pancakes. For 160 pounds, that’s pretty good.”
All of Morton’s reverses and throws off reverses have been in the offensive package since spring ball. The wraps came off at San Diego State.
“I like to see other guys get the ball, too,” Farris said. “It’s not all on me. It’s a real team effort.”
Going into Saturday’s game at Air Force, Morton’s increased role is in some ways reminiscent of how Air Force used receiver and tailback Chad Hall last year to line up all over the field. Hall’s second-best game came at CSU’s expense: 256 yards rushing and four touchdowns.
Falcons coach Troy Calhoun said there are some parallels, but CSU has more diversified threats in receiver Rashaun Greer, running back Gartrell Johnson and tight end Kory Sperry.
Look for more from Morton.
“There’s a lot of things we’ve had since Day One that we haven’t used,” Peterson said. “There are more things we’re comfortable with, like the reverse pass. It’s something we’ve been massaging for a long time, and we found the right time and right place.”
Natalie Meisler: 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
The Lowdown
By Irv Moss and Natalie Meisler, The Post
CSU (4-5, 2-3 Mountain West)
Player to watch: LB Mychal Sisson.
The quick, athletic redshirt freshman is coming off a big game, with two fumble recoveries against BYU. Especially when CSU goes to its 3-4 packages, Sisson’s speed on the outside will be essential in trying to contain Air Force’s option attack.
Key for Rams: Ball control.
The Rams must beat the Falcons at their own game. CSU has emphasized improvement on third-down defense, and the defense needs to get off the field early. Defensive coordinator Larry Kerr had a fair amount of success against Air Force in his previous tenure, but Air Force has evolved since.
AIR FORCE (7-2, 4-1)
Player to watch: DE Jake Paulson.
The senior has been a stalwart on the line against both the pass and the run. He has 41 total tackles and 13 1/2 sacks. CSU QB Billy Farris and running back Gartrell Johnson will keep Paulson busy.
Key for Falcons: Find the end zone.
With only three TDs but six field goals in the past two games, the end zone has become unknown territory. QB Tim Jefferson may be a freshman, but he knows the difference between six points and three points. He wants six.
