Revamping the defense is a priority for a Colorado State football program which gave up nearly 400 yards per game last season. Under newly re-appointed defensive coordinator Marty English, and a return to the 3-4 alignment, linebacker play will be crucial for an improved Ram defense this fall.
Last season the defense had ups and downs, generally performing well, but often susceptible to giving up the big play. The Rams got after their opponents early in halves last season, outscoring opponents 130-74 in the first quarter and 80-65 in the third quarter last season. In the second and fourth quarter however, CSU was outscored 114-88 and 95-77 respectively.