OXFORD, Ohio — Add penalties to Colorado State’s myriad list of problems.
In their first two games, the Rams committed the second-fewest penalties in the nation — three for 39 yards — while compiling an 0-2 record. Now, they can’t even hang their hats on that anymore. Saturday at Miami (Ohio), the Rams were charged with seven penalties for 60 yards, helping extend their two-season losing streak to 12 with a 31-10 nonconference loss.
The Rams finally found the end zone when true freshman quarterback Pete Thomas connected with wide receiver Matt Yemm for a 6-yard touchdown pass with 1:14 left in the game.
“I thought we had a good game plan coming in, but Miami played well,” said Thomas, who finished 26-of-40 for 305 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, leaving him with six for the season. “They had a great defense. We know we can move the ball. We know what we have to do.”
The touchdown was CSU’s first of the season after going 178 minutes and 46 seconds without reaching pay dirt, but the Rams might’ve scored earlier if not for two key penalties. The first was a false start on virtually the entire team with CSU lined up for third- and-goal at the RedHawks’ 2-yard line in the first quarter. The Rams settled for a field goal.
The second was an offensive pass- interference call on junior wide receiver-quarterback T.J. Borcky that wiped out a 36-yard pass from Thomas to sophomore wide receiver Lou Greenwood on fourth-and-2 from the CSU 47. The Rams punted.
“The big one was the pass interference,” coach Steve Fairchild said. “That was not a designed pick play. We have those in our playbook, but that wasn’t a play where we try to pick anybody.”
CSU (0-3) also committed four turnovers, matching the total they brought into the game and setting up two RedHawk scores, while rushing for just 1 net yard on 21 carries. The Rams went into the game averaging 127 rushing yards per game.
“We struggled offensively,” said Fairchild, who watched Miami sack Thomas for an 8-yard loss on the game’s first play. “We came out with an eight-man front, and they got a sack. That set the tone for how we played.”
CSU linebacker Ricky Brewer had six unassisted tackles and 12 total stops to lead a defense that limited Miami to 299 yards of offense, 7 fewer than CSU’s 306. Miami generated just 68 yards rushing on 39 carries.
“The defense played great today,” Thomas said. “We just let them down.”
After trading fields goals to start the game, Miami took the lead for good on its next possession. Zac Dysert capped a 10-play, 61-yard drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to redshirt freshman fullback Justin Semmes with 9:36 left in the first half.
The RedHawks took control on CSU’s next possession when Thomas was plastered in the chest by linebacker Ryan Kennedy as he was throwing. His wobbly throw was gathered in by Miami linebacker Evan Harris and returned 56 yards for a touchdown.
“All week long, we were talking about scoring on defense,” Harris said, “and once it happened, it fueled our defense for the rest of the game.”
Key stat
4: Colorado State turnovers, matching the total the Rams committed in their first two games. They included CSU’s first two lost fumbles of the season and led to two key Miami scores.
Key play
Pete Thomas’ pass attempt with a Miami linebacker plastered to his chest and the RedHawks leading 10-3 midway through the second quarter. The wobbly pass was intercepted by another Miami linebacker, Evan Harris, who returned it 56 yards for a touchdown.
Mark Schmetzer, Special to The Denver Post
Three questions
A look at how Colorado State answered Natalie Meisler’s three questions going into the game against Miami (Ohio):
Will the Rams finally find the end zone? They took it down to the wire, but 178 minutes and 46 seconds into the season, the Rams finally crossed the goal line on Pete Thomas’ 6-yard pass to Matt Yemm. Now, can CSU score two TDs in a game when it plays its home opener Saturday against Idaho?
Will the Rams’ defense gain confidence when it inevitably forces Miami to punt? The Rams’ defense had its best showing this season, holding Miami to 299 yards. The RedHawks had to punt four times, which was better than last week when Nevada’s punter didn’t have to kick as the Wolf Pack gained 631 total yards.
Can Tony Drake get the dormant running game going and take pressure off QB Pete Thomas? That would be a big “no.” The Rams had just 1 — yes, 1 — net yard rushing. Drake didn’t have a carry, and the Rams’ three backs combined for 17 yards on 14 carries (Thomas had minus-16 yards).
