GoldandGreenNews.com - Monday Morning Quarterback: TCU

October 19, 2009

Tom Lacock
GoldandGreenNews.com Publisher

While there isn't a lot to feel good about after a 44-6 Colorado State loss to Texas Christian in Fort Worth on Saturday, we will try. As we do each Monday, we pour over the stat sheet to discuss what worked, what didn't work and what we learned during this weekend's loss.

What worked
Fast starting Rams: Colorado State didn't get intimidatied while playing the country's sixth-ranked team, scoring the first six points of the game. The Rams held a 10:14-4:46 advantage in time of possesion and out-gained the Horned Frogs 56-52 in the first frame. It would be the last time Colorado State out-gained TCU.

Early success on the ground:   Leonard Mason is looking more and more comfortable in the Rams' offense and showed his abilities in the first quarter gaining 42 yards on just seven carries. However, after Mason went down with bruised ribs with seven minutes to go in the first quarter, the Rams gained just 65 yards (not counting sack yardage) on 24 carries.

Active linebackers: The Rams got big games from the linebacking corps, which could be a product of CSU's young backers being active or just having so many opportunities. Michael Kawulok had nine stops including one for a loss, while Mychal Sisson added nine tackles of his own and a forced fumble. Chris Gipson collected eight takles in his return to his native Texas.

What didn't work:
Starters sitting:   If ever there was a Mountain West Conference game where you wanted all your starters onboard with you, it would be on the road against sixth-ranked Texas Christian. However, Saturday, the Rams were without four starters including leader of the defense, Klint Kubiak, linebacker Alex Williams, tackle Mark Starr and end Ty Whittier. That meant a pair of first-time starters taking the field for the Rams in Davis Burl and Ivory Herd. Things didn't get much better after the start of the game when running back Leonard Mason bruised his ribs in the first quarter. All told, the Ram starters have lost 18 games to injury this season - 10 of those coming on the defensive side of the ball.

Third down blues continue: Not to beat this dead horse, but you can't beat anyone when you are giving up first downs on half of the third downs your team. Offensively, a team can't win if it doesn't convert on more than 2-of-13 of its third down opportunities and none of its eight third-down chances after the first quarter. The Colorado State coaches are well aware of this and will no doubt continue to improve in this area.

Not so special teams: The Rams special teams have spent much of the last two years as a liability. Saturday was no different. The Rams gave up a touchdown on a punt return and gave up an average of 31.3 yards per kickoff return. Take away Jeremy Kerley's punt return for a touchdown and he still averaged 17 yards per punt return.

A need to get the passing game on track: After averaging 298 yards per game in the air coming into the Utah game, the Colorado State passing game has gone off the tracks and Saturday was as bad as it has been in two years. TCU held the Colorado State passing game to just 112 yards passing and just 59 by starter Grant Stucker, who completed 7-of-15 and was sacked three times. Only three of the Rams completions Saturday went for more than 12 yards. Ram starters Dion Morton and Rashaun Greer combined for 40 yards on just three catches.

46-275-14:What a huge game on the ground for Texas Christian. The Frogs managed to spread amongst 14 different runners in one of the stranger box scores you will ever see. TCU were led in rushing by a man (Skye Watson) who ran just twice, but gained 47 yards. If you are a TCU running back or playing a position to run the ball and didn't get a handoff during this game, you may want to transfer.

What we learned:   Colorado State is coming out like a house on fire this season, out-scoring opponents 58-24 in the first quarter. However the second half has proven the Rams' undoing as they have been outscored 123-70. Once again, the Rams seemed not to have anything left in the second half for TCU. 
Last weekend the Rams took on Utah and played well enough for Rams fans to believe they were capable of playing with the Mountain West Conference's - and nation's for that matter - elite when playing their best. This week, the Rams showed if they play at a level of something less than their best, they will need to scratch for every win they get the rest of the season.

Just as important, we may have learned the Rams' psyche may be in worse shape than originally thought. After getting off to a quick start, a punt return for a touchdown sent the Rams into a funk, got their daubers down, put them into a tailspin, however you want to say it.

The big concern here is there seems to be a feeling of, "here we go again," attitude that can creep into the minds of a team on a losing streak. If that attitude is allowed to continue, this season could spiral out of control.

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