Light on the notes today, but I’ll be back Thursday with some more player notes leading up to Saturday’s Liberty-CSU game in Charleston. FCS picks will come Thursday as well.

Here’s my Q&A with David Shelton, who covers CSU for the Post & Courier:

CL I know Jay Mills touts the experience that the players get from playing teams like Miami, Florida and Hawaii. But the monetary benefits are clearly tangible as well. What kind of plans does CSU have for upgrading its football facilities using some of the checks earned from these guarantee games?

DS For several years now, CSU has been working to raise money for a locker room facility at the stadium. The building would house the football program, as well as the men’s and women’s track programs. It would also include offices for coaches and a training room. All of the money raised through guarantees has been designated for that building. When complete, every CSU athletic team would have their own lockerroom, which has never been the case at CSU. Currently some teams share locker rooms (women’s soccer in fall, softball in spring, etc).  The current stadium center, which houses the football coaches offices on the second floor, would be converted into a full scale academic learning center for student-athletes.

CL Despite some shaky numbers (undoubtedly because of the level of competition CSU faced early), Mills seems to have a lot of faith in QB A.J. Toscano. What are Toscano’s strengths and what has he struggled with so far?

DS A.J. has benefitted greatly from a redshirt year. His knowledge of the offense is as good as any quarterback Mills has had since Collin Drafts. He can make plays with his feet and his arm but has struggled with some throws early on. His poorest performance came last week against Gardner-Webb but overall he has been consistent. He is clearly CSU’s best option at quarterback right now.

CL How much better is Gerald Stevenson than he was last year? It seems like Mills is trying to get him the ball in any way possible this season.

DS Gerald is the team’s best offensive weapon, by a long way. He is quick, athletic and very tough. It would not be a reach to say he will lead the team in rushing and receiving, as he does currently. His return numbers are a bit down as some teams have chosen not to kick to him but he is a threat to score everytime he touches the football.

CL The lack of a running game has been an issue for several years now for CSU. Are there any signs that the run game is improving?

DS The Bucs are actually having more success on the ground than in year’s past. They had 198 yards rushing against a good Gardner-Webb defense last week. The offensive line is a veteran unit and has managed to stay healthy so far. It’s not a power running game but the spread offense does create some opportunities for backs and receivers (Stevenson).

CL Who has been the heart of the CSU defense this season?

DS I would say senior linebacker Andrew McKain and sophomore safety Chris Kuzdale, but frankly, the defense has issues. The Bucs are not real big or real fast defensively. They bend a lot and allow yards but seem to be good in the red zone most of the time. They do not stop the run very well and they only have two interceptions.

We thank David for his time. I’ll be back tomorrow with another post.