CSU Running Back Avery Morrow Has Wyoming’s Undivided Attention

LARAMIE -- Colorado State has grounded its "air raid" offensive attack in favor of a run-first approach this fall.

Avery Morrow is leading that charge, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. The senior from Seattle has rolled up 788 yards and eight touchdowns on just 130 attempts. His back-up, Justin Marshall, has also rushed for 477 yards.

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That has to be concerning news for a Wyoming defense that just allowed 412 yards on the ground, right?

Jordan Bertagnole sure hopes the Cowboys' Border War rivals feel that way.

"I feel like this is exactly what we need right now, after a game in New Mexico where they ran for over 400 yards," the senior defensive tackle said. "That was a terrible showing, but now everybody moving forward is going to think that they can do that on us.

"So, we have to make a decision if that's what we want our identity to be or if it's not. In my entire time here, we have always hung our hat on stopping the run and we really haven't been doing that. We have to get that message across to the guys on the defense that we really got to step up."

Shae Suiaunoa pointed to a lack of discipline and effort in that narrow 49-45 victory over the Lobos. The film study -- and many expletives -- that followed, shined a spotlight on those concerning issues, the senior linebacker added.

"This week, we're turning the page, flipping it," Suiaunoa said. "We know how important this game is."

And his thoughts on the Rams' new ground-and-pound identity?

"Running the ball, 12-personnel, that's what Wyoming did the previous five years I've been here," he added, flashing a grin. "I'm used to that. I'm ready to get back into it."

New Mexico quarterback Devon Dampier carved up the Cowboys' defense with his legs in Albuquerque, running for 207 yards and three scores on only a dozen carries. CSU doesn't possess a "freak athlete" like that under center, Bertagnole said, referring to quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, who has 61 yards on the ground this fall.

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Morrow, though, can certainly do his best Eli Sanders' impression. The Lobo running back gashed the Pokes to the tune of 205 yards. He also found the end zone twice.

While Sanders broke off a number of big runs, including a 75-yard touchdown dash late in the first half, the 6-foot, 210-pound Morrow, who has also been known to outraces a secondary or two, seeks out defenders.

"He runs hard and he'll run through your face," Bertagnole added. "He's not trying to run away from the contact, he'll run right through it, if he has to. So, there's going to be a big emphasis on tackling. He's a good running back that has a lot of experience. So, getting him down is going to be a challenge, but we're going to have to get everyone to the ball and get after it."

Jay Sawvel isn't ready to shovel dirt on this CSU passing game just yet.

Despite missing one of the best receivers in the history of the Mountain West, Tory Horton, this offense still has plenty of outside weapons, according to the Cowboys' rookie head coach.

Caleb Goodie, Armani Winfield and Jamari Person have combined for 797 yards and six touchdowns. Tight end Vince Brown has also added 159 yards and a score on 15 grabs.

The focus, though, for the first time since Sawvel arrived as the defensive coordinator back in 2020, will be on stopping No. 25.

"He gets downhill, he's physical and he does a good job," Sawvel added. "... They're winning games right now, you know, by running the ball, being really good on special teams and kind of being opportunistic with turnovers and some things of that nature. So, it presents challenges. We have to make sure that we don't make mistakes. We're going have to play very well."

The Pokes and Rams will kickoff the 116th version of the Border War Friday night inside Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. and the game will be televised on CBS Sports Network.