When Fort Air Raid was left behind, the evolution of Colorado State football became a fascinating contradiction.
Under the leadership of coach Jay Norvell, CSU seemed ready to embrace the high-octane style fans had come to love. However, when Norvell shifted to a run-first approach, it raised eyebrows. Yet, with time, this decision has proven to be a brilliant move for the third-year coach.
Norvell had a successful run with the air-raid offense at Nevada, particularly with quarterback Carson Strong, who Norvell likened to CSU’s Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi. Strong earned back-to-back Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year awards in 2020 and 2021 and amassed 9,368 passing yards—the fourth-highest in Nevada history.
This comparison speaks volumes about the potential of Fowler-Nicolosi. Coupled with the return of Tory Horton, strategic transfers, and a strong recruiting class at the receiver position, the Rams’ preseason hinted at an exciting season filled with explosive offensive plays ahead.
Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi’s stats this season starkly contrast his impressive numbers from last year, appearing even worse at first glance. This year, he averages 180 passing yards per game, compared to 288 last season, and he has only thrown eight touchdowns, a sharp decline from the 18 he posted in his first ten games a year ago.
However, what the stats don’t reveal are the significant improvements he has made in decision-making. Last season, Fowler-Nicolosi was known for taking risks and trying to make big plays, which resulted in plenty of yards and touchdowns, but also a high number of interceptions that cost the team.
This year, he has adapted to a new role focused on game management. Instead of being a reckless gunslinger, he is now prioritizing quick, smart throws while trusting his playmakers and the defense.
Throughout conference play, he has excelled in this approach, throwing just one interception in five games, which has contributed to the team’s success.
“I want a guy who wins,” said Norvell regarding Fowler-Nicolosi’s growth this season. “The most important stat for a quarterback is wins and losses, and it’s his job to put the team in a position to win.”
This transition wasn’t easy for Fowler-Nicolosi, who entered the season hoping to lead the Mountain West in passing yards once again but currently finds himself near the bottom of the stats sheet.
Typically, when a team shows marked improvement in a short time, someone has to make sacrifices for the greater good, and this has been the case with Fowler-Nicolosi, who has seen less production while his teammates thrive.
“It was tough at first,” he admitted. “Honestly, it wasn’t easy. I came in expecting to have 50 attempts a game, and suddenly it’s down to 20, forcing me to adapt and use my legs.”
Despite these challenges, Fowler-Nicolosi recognized that for the team to be successful, he needed to embrace Norvell’s vision for the offense. His aim was to embody Norvell’s coaching style on the field, a challenge for any quarterback, let alone a sophomore in a new system. The breakthrough came after the Oregon State game, when he finally felt he had become that reflection.
Since then, CSU has taken significant strides forward, reclaiming the Ram-Falcon Trophy and the Bronze Boot for the first time since 2015.
“It’s all about the work we’ve put into the offseason and adapting to the new system,” Fowler-Nicolosi stated. “We’ve both incorporated new strategies and learned how to work together as a cohesive unit.”
The foundation for CSU’s resurgence began at the end of last season, when a trip to Hawaii offered a chance to achieve bowl eligibility. The Rams, seen as an emerging threat, were expected to return victorious but instead ended the season in disappointment.
“It was heartbreaking to lose and miss out on a bowl game on the last play of the season,” Norvell reflected.
In a critical moment against Hawaii, with the game on the line, Fowler-Nicolosi found himself under pressure. A series of plays led to a dramatic last-minute touchdown, showcasing the potential of the Rams but ultimately ending in frustration as Hawaii kicked the game-winning field goal, leaving the players disheartened.
“We had so many close games last season, and it was tough to lose those,” Norvell recalled. “I knew we had to make changes moving forward.”
Despite going 2-2 in tight contests, losses often stemmed from defensive lapses, underscoring the need for a renewed identity focused on both offensive and defensive improvement.
A major part of that transformation hinged on the offensive line’s performance, with captain Jacob Gardner leading the way to control games and support the defense.
“When we control the clock, (the opponent) can’t score,” Norvell explained, emphasizing the team’s focus on balance across offense, defense, and special teams.
As the defense began to find its rhythm, the victories started to accumulate.
“We’ve focused heavily on communication and execution,” said captain Henry Blackburn. “Everyone is really engaged, which has made a big difference in our defense.”
This strong bond extends beyond just the football team, creating a unique atmosphere at Canvas Stadium that has fueled the Rams’ turnaround.
“We genuinely care about one another,” Blackburn described. “The love among teammates and coaches is palpable, and that’s what sets us apart.”
Of the 113 players on the roster, 29 are Colorado natives who understand the significance of CSU football in the community. This personal connection has intensified their desire to restore the program’s prestige and honor the teammates who have come before them.
“There’s a core group that’s been here a long time, and we’ve been dedicated to turning this around,” Blackburn noted. “The results are a testament to the hard work and culture we’re building.”
Ultimately, CSU has emerged not only as a competitive team but as one that embodies a spirit of camaraderie. The shift away from the air raid offense, once seen as risky, may have been the catalyst for a revival that could bring pride back to the program.
The atmosphere during the recent game to reclaim the Bronze Boot was electric, with the student section resounding with chants of pride for their team.
“I believe it’s important to assess your team each spring, focusing on strengths and weaknesses,” Norvell said. “It became clear we needed to improve our run game, and we have significantly.”
The Bronze Boot marks just the beginning of what could be a historic season for the Rams, setting them up for a potential bowl game and a shot at their first Mountain West championship.
“It would be amazing to play in a bowl game, but right now, our focus is on winning that championship first,” Fowler-Nicolosi concluded.
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