Colorado State’s Owen Long Leads Charge Against Air Force’s Run-Heavy Offense
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Colorado State’s defense, spearheaded by standout linebacker Owen Long, is bracing for a physical showdown against Air Force this week, anticipating a game dominated by a relentless rushing attack. The Rams are preparing for what promises to be an “old school” football contest, emphasizing downhill play and aggressive tackling.
A Nationally Ranked Tackler Prepares for the Challenge
Long currently leads the nation in tackles with 134, averaging 12.2 per game, and is demonstrably eager for the challenge. “Personally, this is something I take a lot of pride in because I think this is something I’m built for,” a sophomore linebacker stated. “Because you know they’re coming at you sometime, somewhere. It’s 100% that. I mean every time, every single play you have a chance to go run to the ball and finish on the ball which is something to be excited about.”
The Rams understand Air Force will test their discipline and assignment soundness. While acknowledging the Falcons will employ misdirection and play-action passing, the core of their offense remains a commitment to running the football. Colorado State’s defense is preparing to meet that challenge head-on.
Decades of Preparation for the Option Attack
The unique nature of the option offense employed by Air Force necessitates specialized preparation. Colorado State devoted time to understanding its nuances during spring practice, fall camp, and a bye week, ensuring familiarity when the game arrives. This focused approach stems from past experiences, including a pause in the rivalry with Air Force due to the difficulty in preparing for this specific offensive style.
Defensive coordinator Summers recalls his first encounter with the option offense a decade ago, emphasizing the extensive study required with veteran coaches George Boba and Marty English. “It’s probably corny to say, but I spent the majority of my time studying them,” Summers said. In that 2014 contest, Air Force amassed 406 total yards, 269 on the ground, in a 38-23 victory, but the Rams’ defense forced two crucial turnovers.
Summers noted that while variations exist, the fundamental tactics for defending the option remain consistent. “I think there are certain defenses that are very specific to options,” he explained. “So, hopefully we’ll be able to do all those things.” Air Force currently ranks fifth nationally in rushing, averaging 256.5 yards per game on 53 carries with a 4.8-yard average.
A Family Affair: The Moran Legacy
The intensity of the rivalry extends beyond the field, with family legacies adding another layer to the contest. Defensive lineman Jack Moran is preparing for his first experience against Air Force, knowing it will be a physically demanding test. He’s leaning on his father, Sean Moran, a former CSU player who went 4-0 against the Falcons from 1992-95, for guidance.
“It helps a lot, especially knowing what we’re going into,” Jack Moran said. “It’s just good knowing what I’m about to go into and what type of game it’s going to be different. I would say it’s the most disciplined game you have to be.” Sean’s strong feelings towards Air Force are still evident, a testament to the competitive nature of the rivalry. “Definitely, because he definitely didn’t like playing against them,” Jack added, noting the Falcons’ tendency to utilize cut blocking.
Balancing Aggression with Discipline
Long understands the need to balance aggressive play with disciplined awareness. He aims to be aggressive in every game but recognizes the importance of tempering that aggression during practice to unleash it fully on game day. “During the week is your chance to kind of slow everything down,” Long explained. “When you get to the time of the game it’s all about playing fast. Especially against a team like this that runs the option. You can’t play slow — that’s where they’ve got you. So, the game plan is playing as fast as you can and ultimately not thinking while you’re out there.”
Long is just four tackles shy of entering the top-10 list for single-season tackles in program history, having registered fewer than 10 tackles in only two games this season. As Colorado State prepares for this potentially final meeting with Air Force for some time, the Rams are focused on executing their game plan with speed, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of the ball carrier.
