The Bison football team is off to a perfect start with a record of 1-0. As with every sports team, there is always something that could be improved upon.

The biggest spot that the Bison could use improvement is on the defensive side of the ball. The main issue was defending against the read option, a play that the Buccaneers used with good effect on Saturday. CSU’s quarterback, Kyle Copeland, would read the defense and either give the ball to one of the running backs or keep it himself. If Copeland kept the ball he would roll out to the side with another running back trailing behind. This was evident as the Buccaneers normally lined up in the shotgun with two running backs.

The option worked its magic on the first drive of the second half, when the Buccaneers ran four plays, and scored. The play that running back Mike Holloway scored on was a textbook play.

The defense made adjustments as the game went on, and started to shut down the option. With senior middle linebacker Nick DeLuca hopefully returning from a dislocated shoulder in time for next week, the defense should be in a good position. Even if DeLuca can’t go, Matt Plank did an excellent job filling in. If the defense works on containing the edges they will have no problem stopping that play.

Moving on to the other side of the ball, there are a couple things that need improvements. Starting up front on the offensive of line, where there is not the same chemistry as there was last year. It is hard especially when two young players have to step up in very tough roles to fill spots left from seniors last year. This is a tough roll for any athlete in any sport. To help them with the transition they have three senior linemen and a top of the line coaching staff. As the season goes on, the chemistry between the players will grow stronger and soon the offensive line will be like a stone wall.

Now the big question is how will Easton Stick play now that he is a full-time starter? Judging from the way he played last year when Wentz was injured and how he played in the opener, he will do just fine. He is a young quarterback, but like the linemen, it takes time. It is worth reminding that he is only a sophomore so he has a couple more seasons with to grow as a player.

A big concern people may have had is the turnover so late in the game. Granted you can’t turn the ball over, especially that late in the game. He is young, he makes mistakes and has had bad throws, it’s part of the game. The thing you do is brush it off and go back out and think about the next play. What happened, happened. Pick yourself up and move on.

The fact that there is still have a strong passing game with RJ Urzendowski leading the receiving core is a good sign. The connections from him and Stick over the course of this season is going to be fun to watch.

On a positive note, there can be confidence in Cam Pedersen. His 52-yard field goal was something that may not have been expected last season. With a year under his belt and time to get bigger and stronger, it is reasonable to assume he will be making some more big kicks during his career.