Scrimmage takeaways: Colorado State football offense’s goal to establish control

Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi said quarterbacks coach Matt Mumme gave him a one-word mandate for Saturday’s scrimmage.

“Dominate.”

The Colorado State football team held its first 2024 spring scrimmage on a cold, windy morning at Canvas Stadium but Fowler-Nicolosi said the top offense executed as commanded.

“Leave no question. I think the (No.) 1 offense made that very clear today. I don’t think there was any question,” Fowler-Nicolosi said.

The No. 1 offense mostly faced No. 2 defense and vice versa for the No. 1 defense. The team scrimmaged and also worked a bevy of end-game drills.

Here are takeaways from the first of three spring scrimmages, with the last one coming in the spring game on April 20.

Working to take control

CSU had three losses in 2023 of games decided at the very end. One of the focuses of spring has been working through those late situations.

“We’re really focusing on our end-of-game decision decision-making, our end-of-game coverages, our end-of-game strategies and putting our players in those situations so we can coach and learn from them,” CSU coach Jay Norvell said.

That means end-game, 2-minute and red zone drills, which were all run through Saturday.

While the defense must improve from a unit that allowed 30 per game last season, a chunk of fixing that comes down to the offense.

Finding offensive consistency

Fowler-Nicolosi connected on big pass plays to Caleb Goodie, Dylan Goffney and Cincinnati transfer Donovan Ollie in the scrimmage. There was a mix of deep balls and shorter pass plays, but also plenty of run-game.

Justin Marshall scored on the first drive. Kobe Johnson, Damian Henderson and Avery Morrow all had significant carries.

The No. 1 offense moved the ball consistently but without the need for a big play to be the only route to yardage.

“I think the efficiency was a big deal to…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/scrimmage-takeaways-colorado-state-football-185420509.html

Author : The Coloradoan

Publish date : 2024-04-06 18:54:20

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