5 takeaways from CSU football’s inadequate performance against SDSU

The Rams have been in a scramble to unlock a better version of themselves, yet their Mountain West opener 45-24 loss against San Diego State Friday proved that they remain on the same level — potentially less as hope from fans dwindles — since their first game against Washington.

CSU took it to the road at Snapdragon Stadium with a new play-caller, a still fairly new starting quarterback, but continued to produce the same results.

The Rams aren’t playing at the caliber they need, starting conference season 0-1.

Different play-caller, similar results

Besides a flea-flicker early in the second quarter, the CSU offense continued to lack urgency.

Whether it was failed screen plays or loss of yardage, the Rams went back to relying on the run which worked well enough to get a few points, but not enough to create any lasting damage.

Two of SDSU’s games have been shut-outs, meaning CSU is the first opposing team to score at Snapdragon in the 2025 season, yet that’s not enough to impress the Rams.

Loose secondary

Where the offense lacks for CSU, the defense usually makes it up, yet this was a rough night on all fronts.

The Rams could not stop whatever was SDSU presented, leading to an explosive offense that racked a handful of big-time plays such as two touchdowns that were more than 40 yards each and a 61-yard bomb that came near the end of the second quarter.

The Aztecs’ quarterback, Jayden Denegal, recorded season-high numbers with 256 passing yards and two passing touchdowns. On top of putting up career highs, Denegal threw the ball efficiently only having three incompletions, and ended the night throwing 13-16.

Unable to sustain drives

A common theme that has become evident this season is CSU’s inability to sustain drives, and Friday proved to be the same story.

The Rams often found themselves in third-and-long situations after ineffective first and second downs.

It wasn’t until the 3:11 mark of the third quarter where CSU finally found its first third-down conversion after going 0-8 prior. And when it was all said and done, the Rams ended the game with a disappointing 4-14 third down conversion rate.

Offensive line struggles

Going into the matchup, the Rams’ offensive line already knew they’d had their work cut out for them after the announcement that captain Tanner Morley was ruled out for the season with a knee injury.

And with a smothering defensive line from SDSU, the Rams offense suffered in the passing game, allowing four sacks totaling for 31 yards. Jackson Brousseau attempted to work with what he was given, but scrambled to escape an often collapsed pocket.

SDSU completes final part of puzzle, the Air Raid

New play-caller Matt Mumme, the son of Hal Mumme — aka founder for the Air Raid — was expected to transfer some of that wisdom over to the Rams, yet it was SDSU that flaunted the passing game.

The Aztecs had shown excellence in all aspects of the field leading up to the game against CSU, although the passing attack could’ve used some work, but Friday, it clicked. SDSU was playing a game of complimentary offense, showcasing an effective run and pass.

There were multiple areas that the Aztecs capitalized, making their offense unstoppable, but from the get-go they shut down the Rams, leaving little chance for survival.

CSU and head coach Jay Norvell have played most of their cards, but they still have seven more games left to either finally make that change, or continue to fall down the ranks of the MW.

Reach Sophie Webb at sports@collegian.com or on social media @sophgwebb.

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