Colorado State University Athletics
Football Preview - Colorado
8/25/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Frontier Airlines Rocky Mountain Showdown
Colorado State University opens the 2003 season Saturday, Aug. 30 by facing instate rival Colorado at INVESCO Field at Mile High. Kickoff time has been set for 5:45 p.m. for the matchup of the state?s two largest public institutions. The game will also be televised live nationally by ESPN. Ron Franklin will call the play-by-play, Mike Gottfried is the analyst, and Adrian Karsten will provide sideline reports.This season?s game is the sixth year in a row that the instate rivals will have met at a neutral playing site in Denver, and third game in a row at INVESCO Field at Mile High.
Lubick Coaching Streak
Colorado State is in the midst of the most successful period in school football history under Sonny Lubick?s guidance, including:
Lubick Coaching Capsule
Lubick Among Leaders
Colorado State coach Sonny Lubick is one of 18 active Division IA coaches with 100 or more career victories, including:
Coach, Current School, Wins
Joe Paterno, Penn State, 336
Bobby Bowden, Florida State, 332
Lou Holtz, South Carolina, 238
Jackie Sherrill, Mississippi State, 178
Ken Hatfield, Rice, 159
Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech, 159
Dennis Franchione, Texas A&M, 155
Fisher DeBerry, Air Force, 149
Dennis Erickson, Oregon State, 144
Mack Brown, Texas, 135
Mike Price, Alabama, 130
Paul Pasqualoni, Syracuse, 129
John Robinson, UNLV, 124
Bill Snyder, Kansas State, 116
John L. Smith, Michigan State, 110
Sonny Lubick, Colorado State, 105
Phil Fulmer, Tennessee, 103
Returning And Lost
Category, ?02 Total, ?03 Ret., Pct., ?02 Lost, Pct.
Rushing, 2880, 1220, 42.4, 1660, 57.6
Passing, 2560, 2553, 99.7, 7, 0.3
Returns, 1439, 1177, 81.8, 262, 18.2
Punting, 40.3, 00.0, 00.0, 40.3, 100.0
Field Goals, 24, 24, 100.0, 0, 00.0
Points, 418, 270, 64.6, 148, 35.4
Tackles, 1007, 694, 68.9, 313, 31.1
QB Sacks, 18 11, 61.1, 7, 38.9
Consecutive Seasons
Sonny Lubick is among the national leaders among coaches with the most consecutive winning seasons, nine, a school record, and sixth most nationally.
Coach, School, Seasons
Bobby Bowden, Florida State, 25
Mack Brown, Texas, 13
Phil Fulmer, Tennessee, 11
Bill Snyder, Kansas State, 10
Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech, 10
Sonny Lubick, Colorado State, 9
Joe Tiller, Purdue, 9
Four 10?s Or Better
Coach Sonny Lubick has guided the Rams to the only four 10-win-or-better seasons in school history. The team has three times won 10 games (1994, 10-2; 2000, 10-2; 2002, 10-4), and in 1997 set the school record for most wins in a season with an 11-2 record.
Title Winners
Rams? coach Sonny Lubick has won or shared more conference titles as an NCAA Division IA head coach than any other MWC mentor. The list includes:
Coach, School, Titles Won, Last Title
Sonny Lubick, Colorado Sate, 6, 2002
John Robinson, UNLV, 5, 1995
Fisher DeBerry, Air Force, 3, 1995
Gary Crowton, BYU, 1, 2001
Rocky Long, New Mexico, 0, --
Tom Craft, San Diego State, 0, --
Urban Meyer, Utah, 0, --
Joe Glenn, Wyoming, 0, --
Percent Capacity
Colorado State drew 152,307 fans for a five-game home schedule in 2002, 30,462. The average is 101.5 percent of total capacity. The top figures for percent capacity include:
Year, G, Attendance, Avg., Pct.*
1998, 4, 125,169, 31,292, 104.3%
1994, 6, 187,344, 31,224, 104.1%
2002, 5, 152,307, 30,462, 101.5%
1997, 5, 147,973, 29,795, 99.3%
1996, 6, 173,308, 28,885, 96.3%
2001, 5, 138,184, 27,763, 92.5%
1999, 5, 137,884, 27,577, 91.9%
2000, 5, 137,696, 27,540, 91.8%
1995, 5, 136,867, 27,373, 91.2%
*Percent based on 30,000 capacity.
Six-Game Slate
Colorado State in 2003 will play six home games at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium for only the eighth time since the facility opened in 1968. It will be the third time in Sonny Lubick?s 11 seasons at the helm that Colorado State will play six games in Fort Collins, including 1994, and ?96. The five other times Colorado State had six home games in Fort Collins were 1973, ?77, ?86, ?90, and ?92.
Third-Year Starters
QB Bradlee Van Pelt has a 16-7 record as the team?s starting quarterback since taking over in the fourth game of the 2001 season. The last time that the Rams had a two-year starter returning at quarterback was 1997, when Moses Moreno led Colorado State to an 11-2 record - the only 11-win season in school history - a league title and a win over Missouri in the Holiday Bowl.
Starters, Part II
Van Pelt is the fourth quarterback to start at least two seasons or morein coach Sonny Lubick?s 11 seasons at the helm. The previous three had a combined 31-6 record, 3 conference titles and 3 bowl games, including:
Year, Quarterback, Rec., Finish, Bowl
2000, Matt Newton, 10-2, 1st, Liberty
1997, Moses Moreno, 11-2, 1st, Holiday
1994, Anthoney Hill, 10-2, 1st, Holiday
Senior Starter Opener
Colorado State is 3-0 in season-openers under coach Sonny Lubick when the Rams have a returning senior starter as quarterback, including:
Year, Quarterback, Opponent, Result
2000, Matt Newton, Colorado+, W 28-24
1997, Moses Moreno, Nevada, W 45-13
1994, Anthoney Hill, at Air Force, W 34-21
+Denver.
On Rankings
Colorado State is ranked among the top 25 in both major polls to begin the season. The Rams were ranked in the preseason in 1998 and 2001. The 1998 team opened with a win at Michigan State then lost in Denver to Colorado and fell out of the polls. The 2001 team was ranked 24th but lost to Colorado and fell out of the polls.
On Rankings, Part II
Colorado State has a 15-9 cumulative record (8-4, 1998; 7-5, 2001) in seasons where the team is ranked in the A.P. preseason poll.
Second Straight
The 2003 season marks the second campaign in a row that Colorado State plays instate rival Colorado in Denver then ventures to play a PAC-10 team on the road. A year ago the Rams played at UCLA the week following the game with Colorado.
Full House
The past five meetings of the Rams and Buffs in Denver have been played before the largest crowds in state history to see a collegiate sporting event, including:
Year, Result, Atten.
1998, Colorado 42, Colorado State 14, 76,036
2002, Colorado State 19, Colorado 14, 75,531
2001, Colorado 41, Colorado State 14, 75,022
1999, Colorado State 41, Colorado 14, 73,438
2000, Colorado State 28, Colorado 24, 67,466
Denver Television
Each of the six games played between Colorado State and Colorado in Denver have been shown live nationally, incluidng:
Year, Result, T.V.
1998, Colorado 41, Colorado State 14, Fox
1999, Colorado State 41, Colorado 14, ESPN
2000, Colorado State 24, Colorado 20, ESPN2
2001, Colorado 42, Colorado State 14, ABC-TV
2002, Colorado State 19, Colorado 14, ESPN
2003, Colorado State vs. Colorado, ESPN
Rams Rushing
In eight games during Sonny Lubick?s tenure vs. Colorado the Rams have averaged 100.8 yards per game, as compared to 144.1 yards per game against all other opponents. The breakdown vs. CU:
Year, Att., Yds., TD
2002, 38, 152, 3
2001, 29, 108, 0
2000, 28, 65, 0
1999, 38, 227, 3
1998, 38, 78, 1
1997, 33, 70, 0
1996, 25, 81, 1
1995, 29, 25, 0
Totals, 258, 806, 8
Sibling Rivalry
Colorado State WR Russell Sprague?s younger brother, Dusty, plays for opening-game opponent Colorado. The siblings? oldest brother, Aaron, is a former defensive back for the Rams.
Van Pelt On O?Brien List
Rams? QB Bradlee Van Pelt is one of 42 players listed on the 2003 Davey O?Brien National Quarterback Award list. The Award will be announced Dec. 11 on the ESPN College Football Awards Show from Orlando, Fla.
Opening Game
Colorado State is 8-2 in 10 season openers during Sonny Lubick?s tenure, including:
Year, Opponent, Result
1993, Oregon, L 9-23
1994, at Air Force, W 34-21
1995, Montana State, W 31-10
1996, Tennessee-Chattanooga, W 61-19
1997, Nevada, W 45-3
1998, at Michigan State, W 23-16
1999, Colorado (Denver), W 41-14
2000, Colorado (Denver), W 28-24
2001, Colorado (Denver), L 14-41
2002, Virginia, W 35-29
All-Time Opening Games
Colorado State is 51-48-2 all-time in opening games including an 8-2 record under coach Sonny Lubick.
Field Goal Record By Babcock
Sophomore K Jeff Babcock kicked 24 field goals in 2002, breaking Derek Franz? record, 21, set in 1998. Babcock scored 118 points, the second most in a season behind Calvin Branch?s record, 132, in 1996. Babock kicked four field goals in the final regular season game, the fourth time in 2002 he has kicked three or more field goals in a game, and second time he kicked four or more in a game.
Tight Ends Receiving
Colorado State?s H-backs and tight ends make the most of their receiving opportunities. The trio of HB Joel Dreessen, TE Matt Bartz and TE James Sondrup combined for 38 receptions. Of the 39 receptions, eight resulted in touchdowns. Dreessen had two TD?s in 29 receptions, four of Bartz? eight catches went for scores, and both of Sondrup?s receptions were for TD?s.
Dreessen On Lists
H-back Joel Dreessen has been named to the 2003 Lombardi Award list, presented annually to the nation?s top offensive or defensive lineman, and the John Mackey Award presented to the top tight end. Dreessen earned first-team all-conference in 2002 and has 59 career receptions. The most career receptions by a tight end in school history is 153 by former All-American Keli McGregor (1981-84), including a school single-season record 69 in 1983. McGregor is now the vice president of the Colorado Rockies baseball club.
Babcock Named To Groza List
K Jeff Babcock is one of 30 preseason nominees for the Lou Groza Award presented annually to the nation?s most outstanding. Babcock led the team in scoring a year ago with 118 points by making 24 field goals (a new school single season record). His 118 points is the second highest season total in school history and most ever by a kicker.
Dreyer On Rimington List
C Mark Dreyer is a preseason candidates for the Dave Rimington Trophy presented to the nation's most outstanding center. Dreyer is a six-foot, four-inch, 275-pound senior from Brighton, Colo., who earned second-team All-Mountain West Conference honors in 2002.
Starting Line
The Rams return four starters and a top reserve to the offensive line in 2003. Mark Dreyer (26), Erik Pears (16), Albert Bimper (13), and Mike Brisiel (9) were starters in 2002 and along with top reserve Jamie Amicarella (2) have combined for 66 career starts. Dreyer has started every game the past two seasons and was a second -team all-conference selection in 2002. Dreyer also earned CoSIDA All-District academic honors.
Pittman Production
WR Chris Pittman had 60 receptions, tying for the fifth highest total in school history. Pittman is bidding to become the fourth receiver in Sonny Lubick?s 11 seasons to lead the Rams in receiving in back-to-back seasons. The last to turn the trick was Pete Rebstock in 2000 and ?01.
New Punter
Colorado State?s punter in 2003 will follow in the footsteps of all-league performer Joey Huber, the team?s starter the past three seasons and is fourth on the school?s career list. In Huber?s first game in 2000 against Colorado in Denver, he averaged 38.7 yards on six punts.
And Holding
The Rams will not only have a new punter in 2003, but for the third year in a row, the team will have a new holder for placements. WR Pete Rebstock held for kicks in 2001, and WR Joey Cuppari did the same in 2002. WR David Anderson, a sophomore, enters 2003 as the projected holder, backed up by QB Justin Holland and QB Joey Kearney.
Wynn Seeking Three-Peat
DB Dexter Wynn has earned first-team all-conference honors in 2001 and ?02 as a return specialist and also has earned postseason honors as a defensive back. Wynn was fifth nationally in 2002 as a punt returner. The last Colorado State player to earn at least three consecutive first-team all-conference selections was DB Greg Myers, who was named to the first-team four seasons in a row, 1992-95.
Tackles Duo
LB Eric Pauly (242) and LB Drew Wood (211) have combined for 453 career tackles entering 2003. They form arguably one of the nation?s finest linebacker tandems. Pauly was a first-team all-league pick in 2001 after leading the MWC in tackles that season and was second-team a season ago. Wood is a two-time honorable mention choice.
Tackles Duo, Part II
Pauly (242) and Wood (211)both have an opportunity to join the school?s career top 10 list for total tackles. Pauly needs 70 and Wood 101, respectively, to tie former DB Erik Olson for 10th on the list.
Not Since 1993
Colorado State enters the 2003 season having lost two games in a row. The Rams lost their final regular season game then dropped a decision in the Liberty Bowl. Colorado State has not lost three games in a row during Sonny Lubick?s tenure since the 1993 season - Lubick?s first in Fort Collins - when the Rams were beaten by BYU, at Nebraska and at Kansas.
Title List
Colorado State?s 2002 MWC championship is the 15th won outright or shared in school history. Colorado State has now won 11 titles outright including 2002, and shared four others.
Title List, Part Two
Under Sonny Lubick, the Rams have won four titles outright (1994, ?97, 2000, ?02) and shared two others (1995, ?99).
Length Of Service
Colorado State returns 15 starters from the 2002 conference title team. Of that total nine players - five on offense and four on defense - were starters in 2001 and again in ?02. Six others were starters for the first time in 2002.
Receiving Streaks
Two Rams? receivers - WR Chris Pittman and H-back Joel Dreessen each caught at least one pass in all 14 games in 2002. Dreessen has the team?s longest active streak with at least one reception - 24 games in a row - dating back to the 2001 season.
Late-Game Success
Colorado State has a 71-4 record (98%) under Sonny Lubick when the Rams lead after three periods. The only four losses include:
QB 100-Yard Rushing Games
The 100-yard rushing games by Rams? quarterbacks since 1950 include:
Quarterback, Game, Year, No.-Yds-TD
Bradlee Van Pelt, at BYU, 2001, 21-174-2
Bradlee Van Pelt, vs. Fresno St., 2001, 14-141-1
Bradlee Van Pelt, at Nevada, 2002, 13-128-1
Bradlee Van Pelt, at Fresno St., 2002, 9-125-1
Bradlee Van Pelt, New Mexico, 2002, 11-106-1
Keith Lee, vs. UTEP, 1978, 19-122-1
Mike Gimenez, at New Mexico, 1989, 10-102-0
Van Pelt Starting Record
Rams? QB Bradlee Van Pelt has made 23 career starts, during which time the Rams have a 16-7 record. He made his first career start in 2001 at Wyoming, a 42-14 Rams? victory.
Quarterback Season Rushing
Colorado State QB Bradlee Van Pelt set a new school record for most rushing yards in a season by a quarterback. Van Pelt gained 819 rushing yards, eclipsing his own previous record, 546, set in 2001. The list of the top rushing quarterbacks since 1950 includes:
Quarterback, Year, Yds.
1. Bradlee Van Pelt, 2002, 819
2. Bradlee Van Pelt, 2001, 546
3. Anthoney Hill, 1993, 433
4. Keith Lee, 1978, 392
5. Pat Juliana, 1972, 339
15 Every Start
Fifteen players on the roster (7 offense, 6 defense, 2 kicking specialists) started all 14 games in 2002.
Nucleus Returns
Colorado State coach Sonny Lubick figures to have a strong nucleus that returns for the 2003 season, including 15 starters (8 offense, 7 defense, 1 kicker). The breakdown includes:
Offense: TE Matt Bartz, OL Albert Bimper, OL Michael Brisiel, HB Joel Dreessen, OL Mark Dreyer, OL Erik Pears , WR Chris Pittman, and QB Bradlee Van Pelt.
Defense: DL Patrick Goodpaster, DB Benny Mastropaolo, LB Eric Pauly, DL Bryan Save, LB Adam Wade, LB Drew Wood, DB Dexter Wynn.
Specialists: K Jeff Babcock.
Rams? Passing Fancy
In Sonny Lubick?s career at Colorado State, the Rams are 7-13 in games where the team has attempted 35 or more passes and 77-25 games when attempting less than 35 passes.
Rushing Defense
Colorado State has allowed 49 individual 100-yard rushing performances during Sonny Lubick?s 11 seasons. The Rams are 29-17 in games where an opponent rusher has gained 100 or more yards. Colorado State is 55-21 when an opponent does not feature a 100-yard rusher.
Century Rushers
Colorado State has had 72 100-yard rushing performances in games during Sonny Lubick?s 10 seasons including seven in 2002. The Rams are 51-10 in games where a back has gained 100 or more yards, and 33-28 in games where the team has not had a back gain more than 100 yards.
Year, Total, Record
2002, 12, 7-4
2001, 6, 2-2
2000, 5, 3-1
1999, 6, 6-0
1998, 5, 4-0
1997, 10, 8-1
1996, 13, 8-1
1995, 8, 6-1
1994, 4, 4-0
1993, 3, 3-0
Totals, 72, 51-10
The 10 losses in games where a back surpassed 100 yards include:
