Matt L. Stephens

matthewstephens@coloradoan.com

CSU football coach Mike Bobo wants his quarterbacks to do one thing: make plays.

That's why, he said Monday, Faton Bauta will take over as the Rams' starting quarterback this week against Texas-San Antonio.

Bauta, a graduate transfer from Georgia, came off the sideline during Friday's 44-7 loss to the University of Colorado in Denver to complete 6 of 9 pass attempts for 32 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 39 yards on four carries.

Nick Stevens, who was second-team All-Mountain West in 2015, started at quarterback for Colorado State University in Week 1 and was 6 of 20 passing for 31 yards and threw two interceptions.

"I did not think we gave Nick a lot of help, offensively, but at the end of the day, we still turned the ball over and failed to make some routine plays," Bobo said. "(Bauta) gave us a little more energy. The game was out of hand (when Bauta came in), but the ability to make some plays with his legs — until we get on the same page offensively — I think will help us."

Bobo noted that gone from last year's offense on a team that went 7-6 with a berth in the Arizona Bowl are eight of CSU's top 10 playmakers. Bauta's ability to run the ball out of the zone read can help give the Rams an extra spark that Stevens lacked in Week 1.

MATT STEPHENS: Meet Faton Bauta

And what does Faton have to do against the Roadrunners to avoid putting the CSU quarterback situation in limbo again come next week?

"We have to run an offense that's run with a quarterback who is going to generate first downs. First downs usually result in points or field position, which can help your defense," Bobo said. "We have to move the ball and get first downs and put us in position to win the football game."

CSU was 5 of 16 on third-down conversions against the Buffs and didn't get its first first down until halfway through the second quarter.

Bauta made one career start in four seasons at Georgia. In that game, which came against Florida last fall, he completed 15 of 33 passes for 154 yards, no touchdowns and four interceptions.

The Rams (0-1) host UTSA (0-1) at 2 p.m. Saturday at Hughes Stadium.

Depth chart shakeup — Quarterback isn't the only position that will see a new starter this week. Offensive coordinator Will Friend said Monday that junior Trae Moxley will get the start ahead of senior Nick Callender at left tackle because of the production the Rams had on offense late in the game when Moxley was on the field.

Defensive coordinator Marty English added that Kevin Nutt will have an excellent chance of starting at left cornerback ahead of senior Jordon Vaden, a converted wide receiver. Patrick Elsenbast will move from "Will" linebacker to "Mike" and compete for playing time against starter Josh Watson. Deshon Mayes, who was the backup "Mike" linebacker, will move to "Will" behind Kevin Davis, who had 19 tackles against CU.

Thurston doubtful — Bobo said Monday that starting left guard Paul Thurston, a graduate transfer from Nebraska, is "very, very doubtful" this week against UTSA. Thurston sprained his MCL against CU but will not require surgery. He's expected to be back by the time CSU plays at Minnesota on Sept. 24. Colby Meeks is scheduled to start in his place.

Williams suspended — Wide receiver Xavier Williams did not play against CU as part of a two-game suspension for a violation of team rules. He'll also miss this week.

Williams is the Rams' leading returning receiver from 2015, when he caught 19 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns. He caught two passes for 48 yards and a touchdown in last year's 33-31 win at UTSA.

For insight and analysis on athletics around Northern Colorado and the Mountain West, follow sports editor and columnist Matt L. Stephens at twitter.com/mattstephens and facebook.com/stephensreporting.