CSU football finds competition is real

Colorado State receiver Bisi Johnson (center green jersey) bounces a football off the helmet of defender Caleb Smith, part of a lively practice Wednesday for the Rams. Johnson said he did it as a joke, as head coach Mike Bobo felt the team drummed up some verbal sparring on the day. (Mike Brohard / Loveland Reporter-Herald)

FORT COLLINS — The words flew.

Some of of them were taunting, others were rather pointed, challenges directed. Pushes were exchanged, and Bisi Johnson even decided to bounce a ball off the head of teammate Caleb Smith.

Not all of it was as it seemed, as Colorado State coach Mike Bobo figured.

"I think some of that chirping and a little bit pushing and shoving was a little…