FORT COLLINS — The weather wasn’t ideal, so Colorado State football coach Mike Bobo moved the second scrimmage of spring to the 70-yard indoor facility.
The reaction of the defense wasn’t ideal, either, as Bobo felt the group — which he felt stood out a week ago — didn’t come back with the same effort or energy, leading him to give the offense the upper hand in another 100-plus play workout Saturday.
“I just didn’t feel the energy from the defense out there,” Bobo said. “Defense has got to play off energy and play by running to the ball. We had a chance to change the momentum a couple of times with some turnovers that we didn’t finish the play on. I didn’t think the overall energy and aggressiveness was there.”
Offensive line coach Will Friend, who is also the offensive coordinator, wanted to come out of spring nine strong along the front.
He began with virtually four returning starters, and Bobo sees more candidates developing. One, Colby Meeks has missed time after having a good start to camp, and coaches hope he’s back for the final week.
If so, he’ll be playing catch-up.
During the day, the line protected well, with Bobo questioning the validity of the two sacks allowed. Behind them, the backs averaged 4.3 yards on 47 attempts, with Bryce Peters rushing 12 times for 96 yards and three scores, including a 45-yard jaunt.
“We’ve got some good competition there,” Bobo said of the line. “Christian Montes has come on and done a really nice job and is pushing to get into the starting five. Trae Moxley is doing good things. He still has to play with a better base. But he’s such a big human, and when he locks on, it’s hard for anybody to get off. But he’s got to learn to play under control.”
The quarterback play was strong last week with returning starter Nick Stevens having a good week, as well as true freshman Collin Hill. Faton Bauta had a good bounce-back week, backing two strong days of practice after a subpar first scrimmage, and he followed up Saturday by hitting 12-of-15 passes for 166 yards and three scores, also throwing an interception.
Bauta may be a senior transfer, but Bobo noted he hasn’t played a ton and hasn’t had consistent reps for a while.
This week, Bauta started to settle in better.
“He’s one that maybe overanalyzes everything a little bit too much instead of just going out and reacting,” Bobo said. “He’s prepared to play. He tries to think too many things, and he sees too much. Just play football and be more consistent.”
Bauta hooked up for 40-yard scoring passes to Trey Smith and Marcus Wilson and a 25-yarder to Bisi Johnson.
Peters, given a chance to improve his status, has impressed both scrimmages.
“I’m pleased with him because he’s hitting the hole, he’s hard to tackle, he’s got some size,” Bobo said.
The Rams have three more practices (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) before Saturday’s 1 p.m. Green and Gold Game at Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium.
I want to see continued improvement. As a player, what you’ve got to do assignment-wise and technique,” Bobo said. “I want to see guys step up and say: ‘Hey, I want this job. This is my job.’ That’s the main thing. Just continued improvement.”
