1. Passing defense: Just as the Rams have experienced all season long, the secondary continues to struggle. CSU has given up big-yardage plays to Washington State that have awarded Cougar quarterback Connor Halliday with five touchdowns. Halliday has connected with his receiving corps 16 times for 221 yards, with all five of his scores coming from a new target. Kevin Pierre-Louis, Bernard Blake and Tyree Simmons have all been burned in the secondary in plays which resulted in touchdowns.
2. Defensive line: Halliday is finding success with the help of his offensive line that continues to protect him on nearly every play. Halliday has time in the pocket to scan the field. The Rams will need to start putting pressure on him to disrupt his groove if they have any hopes of remaining in striking distance of this game.
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3. Rushing production: The Cougars have stuffed CSU star running back to only 56 yards through the first half. CSU relies on the production of Grayson and Bibbs to put points on the scoreboard, however, the offensive line hasn’t been able to give him the opportunity to break free. The Rams have 23 points but a large amount (nine) of them have come via kicker Jared Roberts. CSU will need to turn those field goals into touchdowns.
