OXFORD, OHIO — Add penalties to Colorado State’s myriad list of problems.
The Rams had committed the second-fewest penalties in the nation — three for 39 yards – while losing their first two games. Today at Miami (Ohio), they were charged with six fouls for 55 yards, helping extend their two-season losing streak to 12 games with a 31-10 nonconference loss.
The Rams did finally find the end zone with true freshman quarterback Pete Thomas connecting with junior wide receiver Matt Yemm for a 6-yard touchdown pass with 1:14 left in the game. The touchdown was CSU’s first of the season.
CSU (0-3) also committed four turnovers, matching the total they brought into the game and setting up two RedHawk scores, while rushing for 1 yard on 21 carries. The Rams went into the game averaging 127 rushing yards per game.
“We struggled offensively,” said CSU coach Steve Fairchild, who watched Miami sack Thomas for an eight-yard loss on the first play of the game. “We did not protect like we’re capable. We’ve got to get a much better game from our front guys. We came out with an eight-man front and they got a sack. That set the tone for how we played.”
Ben DeLine gave CSU its first lead of the season on a 25-yard field goal with 5:53 left in the first quarter. The possession started at Miami’s 45-yard line when the fourth-down snap to true freshman quarterback Robert Partridge sailed over his head.
The RedHawks capitalized on a CSU mental error to tie the game. Sophomore Marcus Shaw, trying to block on a Miami punt, was touched by the ball. The RedHawks recovered, setting up the game-tying field goal.
Miami took the lead for good on its next possession. Zac Dysert capped a 10-play, 61-yard drive with a six-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.
“I thought we had a good game plan coming in, but Miami played well,” said Thomas, who finished 26-of-40 for 305 yards and a 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. We have to put the ball in the end zone.”
