CSU defense and special teams remain central concerns

The BYU, UTSA and Oregon State losses confirm persistent problems in run defense, tackling, coverage, pass rush, kickoff coverage, penalties, takeaways and late-game execution. The change from Summers to McClendon is now the central response, with CJ Blocker, Oumar Diomande and Mukendi Wa-Kalonji among the veterans expected to help stabilize the unit.