Colorado State University Athletics
Football Preview ? at USC
9/6/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
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Date, Site, Time: Saturday, Sept. 11; Los Angeles Coliseum; 5 p.m. PT/6 p.m. MT
Radio Coverage: Colorado State Sports Network
T.V. Coverage: ABC-TV
Telecast Crew: Keith Jackson (play-by-play), Dan Fouts (analyst), Todd Harris (sideline)
Local Coverage: KCOL-600 AM, Fort Collins; KNUS-710 AM, Denver
Broadcast Crew: Rich Bircumshaw (play-by-play); Erik Olson (analyst); Brian Roth (sideline)
Colorado State Coach Sonny Lubick (W. Montana ?60) 12th season, 91-45; 16th career, 112-64
Sonny Lubick Career vs. Southern California: First meeting
Southern California Coach Pete Carroll (Pacific ?73): 4th season, 30-9
Pete Carroll vs. Colorado State: First Meeting
Overall Series: First Meeting
Last Meeting: First Meeting
Series Streak: First Meeting
Series Streak in Los Angeles: First Meeting
First Game In Series: First Meeting
Last Game In Boulder: First Meeting
Last Rams? Road Win in Series: First Meeting
Weekly Media Events
Coach Sonny Lubick
Players
Weekly Satellite Highlights
Audio/Video Highlights
Media Relations Contacts
Game 1 Recap
Colorado State fought back valiantly from a 17-0 deficit in the second quarter to tie the opening game before dropping a 27-24 decision at Colorado to open the 2004 season. The game had plenty of highlights on both sides of the ball. Rams? QB Justin Holland threw for 403 yards - in three periods - including two touchdowns in the game. Holland completed 29-of-41 passes on the night. His favorite target was WR David Anderson, who caught nine passes for 156 yards in the game. Colorado State had four receivers with four or more receptions in the game. The Rams held Colorado to just 119 total yards in the second half while gaining 335. FS Ben Stratton led the Rams with 12 tackles, one of three players to finish in double figures. LB Jahmal Hall and CB Robert Herbert, the latter of whom made his first career start, each had 10 stops.
Injury Report
LB Landon Jones, hamstring; RB Jimmy Green, ankle; DE Terrance Carter, ankle; LB Chris Davis, knee; SS Adam Lancisero, hamstring; DT/OL Delroy Parke, ankle; HB Joel Dreessen, thigh.
Ag Day Events
The 23rd Annual Ag Day takes place Sept. 25 when CSU plays host to Montana State. The event combines the state?s agricultural heritage and ties to the university. Agricultural growers and producers prepare the state?s greatest outdoor barbecue made from quality Colorado products. Ag Day events also include activities, displays, and entertainment.
Stadium Expansion
Expansion and renovation construction continues at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium. By the first home game, more than 4,000 permanent seats will have been installed in the north end zone, along with two new scoreboards and a new video replay board. In the next year, the construction will be completed with the addition of 12 luxury suites, a renovated press box, and an expanded Rams Horn premium club seating area.
Never Twice
Colorado State has won or shared six conference titles during Sonny Lubick?s previous 11 seasons at the helm. The Rams finished third a year ago after winning the Mountain West Conference title in 2002. During Lubick?s tenure, Colorado State has never went back-to-back seasons without at least claiming a share of the league title.
Rams Chasing 6th Bowl
Colorado State enters the 2004 season with a streak of having played in five consecutive bowl games intact. The Rams concluded the 2003 season by facing Boston College in the second annual Diamond Walnut San Francisco Bowl. Since Sonny Lubick?s arrival in 1993, Colorado State has won or shared six conference titles, among top figures in the nation.
Season Victories
Colorado State has had a school-record 10 consecutive winning seasons under Sonny Lubick?s direction. The list includes:
No. Years Coach
10 1994-2003 Sonny Lubick
8 1922-29 Harry Hughes
6 1947-52 Bob Davis
4 1931-34 Harry Hughes
3 1974-76 Sarkis Arslanian
Streaks Intact
Colorado State enters 2004 with a number of team streaks intact, including:
Six Home Games
For the second season in a row, Colorado State will play six home games at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium. It is the ninth time since the facility opened in 1968 that Colorado State will play six home games, and the fourth time in coach Sonny Lubick?s 12 seasons at the helm. Colorado State, under Lubick, played six home games in 1994, ?96, and 2003.
Lubick Finalist
Rams? Coach Sonny Lubick was one of four finalists for the 2003 Eddie Robinson Coach of Distinction Award, named in honor of the former Grambling coach who won 408 games in 57 seasons. Criteria for the award includes a victorious coach who serves as a role model to his student-athletes and a community volunteer. Lubick has been active locally and nationally as a volunteer for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, St. Jude Children?s Research Hospital, the United Way Fund, and Walk to D?Feet ALS. He has also headed the university?s annual Thanksgiving food drive, helped raise funds for the university library renovation, and is an annual participant in the department?s RamForce community service group which mentors local elementary and junior high school students.
Crowd Count
Colorado State finished 2003 by drawing 183,786 fans for six home dates, the second highest season figure in school history. The 30,631 per-game average is the third highest in school history. Colorado State also ranks 11th nationally in percent capacity, 102.1
First Ever
Colorado State?s home opener in 2004 comes Sept. 18 when the Rams face the University of Minnesota. The Golden Gophers are the first Big Ten Conference member to ever play the Rams in Fort Collins at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium.
Last vs. PAC-10
Colorado State last faced a PAC-10 member in last season, a 23-21 win over Cal in Berkeley. The Rams led much of the game before falling behind in the fourth quarter. K Jeff Babcock?s 32-yard field goal with 1:57 to play in the game gave the Rams a victory. Babcock hit three field goals in the game including 48- and 27-yarders. His 48-yard field goal matched the longest of his career. WR David Anderson caught seven passes for 141 yards while HB Joel Dreessen caught two passes for 92 yards including an 85-yard catch-and-run play for a touchdown.
Rams vs. PAC-10
Colorado State is 2-4 in six previous games - all on the road - against PAC-10 members during Sonny Lubick?s tenure. Prior to last season?s win at Cal, the Rams lost, 30-19 at UCLA in 2002. The Rams? other victory during Lubick?s tenure against the PAC-10 came in 1994, 21-16 at Arizona when the Wildcats were undefeated and ranked fourth nationally.
Rams In California
Colorado State plays its 13th game during Sonny Lubick?s coaching tenure in the state of California -including three Holiday Bowls - this week at USC. The Rams are 7-5 in games in California.
Anniversary Game
Colorado State?s game at USC Saturday night will mark the 950th contest in school history.
Road Rams
Colorado State?s trip to the Los Angeles Coliseum for this week?s game with USC could be among the largest road crowds to see the Rams in action. The list of largest road/neutral site crowds in school history includes:
Atten. Year Opponent, Score
1. 93,652 1989 Tennessee, L 14-17
2. 93,272 1981 Tennessee, L 0-42
3. 92,921 1987 Tennessee, L 3-49
4. 78,491 1985 LSU, L 3-17
5. 76,379 1991 Nebraska, L 14-71
6. *76,219 2003 Colorado; L 35-42
7. *76,036 1998 Colorado, L 14-48
8. 75,625 1993 Nebraska, L 13-48
9. 75,575 1996 Nebraska, L 9-65
10. *75,022 2001 Colorado, L 14-41
*Games played in Denver.
Dreessen Career
H-Back Joel Dreessen was impressive in the opening game with four receptions for 26 yards including a catch-and-run to set up RB Marcus Houston?s one-yard touchdown plunge. Dreessen has caught 84 career passes for 894 yards and seven touchdowns. Dreessen missed four complete games in 2003 and was hobbled the entire season by a lower-abdominal strain. Dreessen enjoyed the finest receiving game of his career at UNLV, when he caught a career-most seven passes including the game-winner with under a minute to play on a three-yard pass from backup QB Justin Holland. He then caught five passes for 28 yards in the San Francisco Bowl game with Boston College.
On The Surface
Ten of Colorado State?s 11 games in 2004 will be played on natural grass. The Rams? game Nov. 6 at Utah marks the team?s only contest on an artificial surface. When the 2005 season arrives, a new artificial playing surface will be installed at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium in Fort Collins.
Holland Opens Season
QB Justin Holland was impressive in the Rams? 2004 opening game. After completing 2-of-3 passes for no yards in the first quarter, the junior from Lakewood, Colo., completed 27-of-38 passes over the next three periods for 403 yards and two touchdowns. Holland?s passing total is the fifth highest in school history, and only the eighth time a CSU signal-caller has thrown for more than 400 yards in game. Holland made the first start of his career in the Rams? San Francisco Bowl game with Boston College. Holland replaced regular starter Bradlee Van Pelt, who was still recovering from a broken hand he suffered in the team?s final regular-season game at UNLV. Van Pelt had surgery two days following the game. Holland completed 8-of-12 passes for 163 yards in his first starting appearance for the Rams.
First Start
Nine players made their first career start in the opening-game at Colorado, including three on offense and six on defense. On offense, OL Josh Day, OL Clint Oldenburg, a converted tight end, and WR Dustin Osborn started for the first time. Defensively, LB Luke Adkins, DB Brandon Cathy, DB Robert Herbert, DE Jesse Nading, DT Jon Simon, and DT Blake Smith all started for the first time ever.
Long Reception
WR Damon Morton was the only true freshman to appear for the Rams in the opening game. He caught a 50-yard pass from QB Justin Holland to set up Colorado State?s final touchdown of the game. It is the longest reception by a true freshman at CSU since WR David Anderson caught a 70-yard pass in 2002 at Fresno State.
True Frosh
A season ago, the Rams did not use a true freshman in the lineup, while Damon Morton saw reserve duty in the game at Colorado. Colorado State used three true freshman in 2002, including: WR David Anderson, WR Adam Hayward, who played on special teams and in the secondary before moving to offense late last season, and LB Courtney Jones, now the team?s starter in the middle.
Anderson Century
WR David Anderson had an impressive debut in the opening game by catching a game-best nine passes for 156 yards. It marked the seventh time in Anderson?s career - including six times in 2003 - he has gained more than 100 yards receiving. That figure is the third most in school history. Anderson, who earned first-team all-conference honors in 2003, set school records with 72 receptions for 1,272 yards. He tied another school mark with six 100-yard games, and his nine touchdown receptions are the second most in school history in a saeason.
100-Yard Receiving Games
2004: 1
Colorado 156
2003: 6
Air Force 199
Miami 167
Colorado 142
California 141
New Mexico 134
Boston College 134
Anderson Streak
Anderson has caught at least one pass in 14 consecutive games - every game in 2003 and the first game in 2004. His lowest total receptions in a game over that span came in the final regular-season game of 2003 at UNLV, one reception for 12 yards. He followed performance that by catching a career-best 10 passes for 134 yards and a touchdown against Boston College in the San Francisco Bowl. Anderson has caught at least one pass in 21 of 27 career appearances. Anderson is currently eighth in career touchdown receptions with ten.
Career Receiving Touchdowns
Player, Years TD?s
1. Mark R. Bell, 1975-78 23
2. Jeff Champine, 1980-83 21
3. Willie Miller, 1972-74 18
Paul Turner, 1993-97 18
5. Greg Primus, 1989-92 15
6. J. D. Brookhart, 1985-87 13
Frank Rice, 1996-99 13
Pete Rebstock, 1998-00 13
9. David Anderson, 2002-03 10
Anderson All-Purpose
WR David Anderson gained 271 all-purpose yards in the opening game, including 156 yards receiving, 17 yards on three punt returns, and 46 yards on a pair of kickoff returns. It is the junior from Westlake Village Calif., top single-game figure for all-purpose yards.
All-Purpose Yards
Game Rec. KOR PR Total Avg.
Colorado 156 46 15 217 217.0
After The Catch
WR David Anderson?s game-by-game totals for yardage gained after the reception include:
Game Rec. Yards YAC* Pct.
Colorado 9 156 34 21.7
*Yards gained after the catch. Pct., is percentage of receiving yards gained after the reception.
17th On List
Anderson?s 156 receiving yards in the opening game at Colorado is the 17th highest figure in that category in school history.
Rushing Totals
Colorado State has built its the success of its offensive foundation on a solid rushing game. Colorado State averages 176.5 yards per game rushing in the team?s 135 games under Sonny Lubick, including 199.5 in 90 victories. The breakdown includes:
Games Yards Avg.
Wins 90 17,959 199.5
Losses 45 5,866 130.4
Totals 135 23,825 176.5
Babcock Career
K Jeff Babcock has been the team?s starter the past two seasons. Babcock had six points including a field goal and three point-after attempts. The senior from Tampa is currently fifth on the school?s career list. The career scoring leaders includes:
Scoring (*Denotes kickers)
1. Steve Bartalo, 1983-86 294
2. *Mike Brown, 1988-90 254
3. Todd Yert, 1987-90 228
4. *Steve DeLine, 1984-86 212
5. *Jeff Babcock, 2001-03 206
Road Kicks
K Jeff Babcock converted his only field goal attempt of the game in the opener at Colorado, from 26 yards. Babcock in his career is now 23-of-26, 85 percent, on the road in field goal accuracy including 13-of-13 in 2003 and 1-of-1 thus far in 2004.
Records Recap
A recap of Colorado State?s opening-game performance includes:
First Turnover
Colorado State generated its first turnover in 2004 on DB Miles Kochevar?s first career interception at Colorado.
Streak Continues
Colorado State attempted 42 passes in the opening game. It marked the eighth time since 1983 that the Rams have thrown 35 or more passes against the team?s instate rival. Colorado State is now 0-8 against Colorado when attempting 35 or more passes.
Open Two Road
Colorado State plays back-to-back road games at Colorado and Southern California before returning to play host to the University of Minnesota (Sept. 18). It marks the first time since 1989 Colorado State opens a respective season with two consecutive road games.
On The Road
Colorado State has an impressive 42-22 (66%) road record during Sonny Lubick?s tenure, matching the team?s home wins over the same period. Colorado State was 3-2 on the road in 2003.
Starting Point
QB Justin Holland easily the finest debut statistically of the five quarterbacks to be the team?s starter during Sonny Lubick?s tenure at Colorado State. The passing and rushing comparison includes:
Year Quarterback Opponent Score
(Passing) (Rushing)
1995 Moses Moreno Montana State W 31-10 16-6-1-105-1 3- -10-0
1998 Ryan Eslinger at Michigan State W 23-16
26-13-1-205-1 5-3-0
1999 Matt Newton Colorado W 41-14
18-10-0-109-1 2- -4-1
2001 Bradlee Van Pelt Wyoming W 42-14
20-11-0-110-0 11-70-1
2004 Justin Holland at Colorado L 24-27
41-29-403-2 1- -1
Tackles Match
LB Jahmal Hall matched his career high with 10 tackles in the opening game at Colorado. He also had 10 stops last season in a game with Miami (Ohio).
Impressive Debut
CB Robert Herbert was impressive in his debut as a Ram. Herbert made 10 tackles in the opening game including eight unassisted stops, another tackle on special, and had three pass deflections and a quarterback hurry.
Career Catches
Sophomore WR Dustin Osborn from La Junta, Colo., had the finest receiving night of his career in the opening game by catching a five passes for a career-most 78 yards. He had a 20-yard reception in the game as well.
New In Secondary
Colorado State?s opening-game lineup featured two new starters at safety. Adam Lancisero, who had eight tackles, formerly played linebacker and is now the team?s strong safety. Ben Stratton, who led the Rams with 12 tackles, formerly played cornerback. CB Brandon Cathy started for the first time in his career and finished with five tackles.
Up Front Newcomers
Colorado State used a pair of redshirt freshmen in the starting lineup at Colorado. DE Jesse Nading, who had four tackles and a pair of quarterback hurries, joined DT Blake Smith in the starting lineup. They are the first redshirt freshmen to start along the defensive line for the Rams since Mike Mackenzie - currently an academic coordinator in the athletics department - opened the 1997 season as a starter. The pair played alongside another first-time starter, DT Jon Simon, who had five tackles in the game.
Linebacking
Colorado State?s trio of linebackers combined for 26 tackles in the opening game. LB Jahmal Hall, starting for the sixth time in his career, made 10 stops. LB Courtney Jones, who plays in the middle, made five tackles in the fourth start of his career. LB Luke Adkins joined Hall to flank Jones. A converted defensive end, Adkins made his first career start and finished the game with eight tackles.
Veteran Performer
DE Patrick Goodpaster is the lone returning starter along the defensive line for Colorado State. He opened the season by making five tackles at Colorado.
Rushing Defense
Colorado State has allowed 55 individual 100-yard rushing performances since 1993. The Rams are 31-21 in games where an opponent rusher has gained 100 or more yards and 55-22 when an opponent does not have a 100-yard rusher.
Receiving Figures
QB Justin Holland completed 29 passes to seven different receivers in the opening game, including nine to WR David Anderson. Four players caught four or more passes in the game. Redshirt freshman WR Johnny Walker caught six passes for 74 yards including a 31-yard touchdown late in the game as the Rams fought back from a 10-point deficit. Fellow freshman Damon Morton - a true freshman - had a 50-yard reception and WR George Hill caught one pass. The trio of freshmen receivers combined for eight receptions good for 122 yards and a touchdown.
Veteran Tight Ends
Senior HB Joel Dreessen and junior TE Matt Bartz combined for seven receptions for 104 yards in the opening game. Dreessen accounted for 26 yards on four receptions, while Bartz gained 21 yards on three catches and scored the team?s first touchdown of the new season on a one-yard pass from QB Justin Holland.
Protective Device
Colorado State?s offensive line, which included three returning starters and two new starters in 2004, allowed only one sack for a one-yard loss.
Late-Game Success
Colorado State has a 77-4 record (96%) under Sonny Lubick when the Rams lead after three periods. The four losses include:
Rams? Passing Fancy
The Rams are 7-16 in games where the team has attempted 35 or more passes and 79-26 games when attempting less than 35 passes since 1993.
At Night
Colorado State is 34-24 in 58 night games played during Sonny Lubick?s tenure at Colorado State. The Rams were 3-4 in night games in 2003.
In September
Colorado State has a 22-20 record in 42 games played during the month of September since Sonny Lubick arrived in 1993.
Ram Zone
Athletic department officials in the past several months organized several new activities in conjunction with home football games, including:
Century Rushers
Colorado State has had 78 100-yard rushing performances since 1993. The Rams are 55-12 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
2004 0 0-0
2003 6 3-3
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 77 54-12
Ranked Foes On The Road
Colorado State is 12-12 under coach Sonny Lubick against top-25 teams. On the road and in games played at neutral sites, the Rams are 11-8 against ranked opponents. Road and neutral site results against nationally-teams include:
Year Team Result
2002 Colorado W 19-14
2001 at BYU L 34-56
2000 Colorado (Denver) W 28-24
Louisville (Memphis) W 22-17
1999 Colorado (Denver) W 41-14
at Brigham Young L 13-34 So. Miss (Memphis) L 17-23
1998 at Michigan State W 23-16
1997 at Colorado L 21-31
New Mexico (LV) W 41-13
Missouri (San Diego) W 35-24
1996 at Nebraska L 9-65
1995 at Colorado L 14-42
at Air Force W 27-20
Kansas St. (San Diego) L 21-54
1994 at Brigham Young W 28-21
at Arizona W 21-16
Michigan (San Diego) L 14-24
1993 at Wyoming W 41-21
At Home
Year Rec. Loss(es)
2004 0-0
2003 4-2 Miami (Ohio); Utah
2002 4-1 UNLV
2001 3-2 San Diego St.; Fresno State
2000 5-0 --
1999 4-1 San Diego State
1998 3-1 Wyoming
1997 4-1 Air Force
1996 4-2 Colorado; Wyoming
1995 3-2 BYU; New Mexico
1994 5-1 Utah
1993 3-2 Oregon; BYU
Total 42-15
On The Road
Year Rec. Road Loss(es)
2004 0-1 Colorado
2003 3-2 Wyoming; New Mexico
2002 5-2 UCLA; Fresno State
2001 3-2 Louisville; BYU
2000 3-2 Arizona State; Air Force
1999 3-2 BYU; Fresno State
1998 5-2 Air Force; Rice
1997 5-1 Colorado
1996 3-3 Oregon; Nebraska; Tulsa
1995 5-1 Colorado
1994 5-0 --
1993 2-4 Nebraska; Kansas;
San Diego St.; Utah
Totals 42-22
Before Open Dates
Year Opponent Result
2003 Air Force W 30-20
2002 Louisville W 36-33
2002 Air Force W 31-12
2001 Nevada W 35-18
1999 at BYU L 13-34
1999 at New Mexico W 36-22
1997 Air Force L 0-24
1997 Fresno State W 41-3
1995 at Air Force W 27-20
1995 Hawaii W 22-0
1994 Utah L 31-45
1993 New Mexico W 21-20
Following Open Dates
Year Opponent Result
2003 at Wyoming L 28-35
2002 at Nevada W 32-28
2002 at San Diego State W 49-21
Neutral Sites
Year Rec. Neutral Site Loss(es)
2003 0-2 Colorado (Denver);
Boston College (San Francisco)
2002 1-1 TCU (Liberty Bowl)
2001 1-1 Colorado (Denver)
2000 2-0 --
1999 1-1 So. Mississippi (Liberty Bowl)
1998 0-1 Colorado (Denver)
1997 2-0 --
1995 0-1 Kansas State (Holiday Bowl)
1994 0-1 Michigan (Holiday Bowl)
Totals 7-8
Six Hall of Fame Inductees
Six former Rams will join the ranks of such legends as Thurman ?Fum? McGraw, Jack Christiansen, and Amy Van Dyken when they are inducted into Colorado State?s Sports Hall of Fame in a ceremony Nov. 12 at the University Park Holiday Inn in Fort Collins. Former Rams are: Stanley Albert (Men?s Basketball), Shelly Borrman (Track and Field), Becky Hammon (Women?s Basketball), Casey Malone (Track and Field), Sean Moran (Football), and Dan Sniff (Wrestling). Albert was a three-time basketball letterwinner who played in the East-West Shrine game. Borrman (formerly Greathouse), was a four-time track and field letterwinner who was named to the all-conference team seven times and won three conference discus titles and was second in that event at the NCAA Championships in 1999. The highly decorated athlete also won the school?s Mencimer award (Outstanding Female Athlete), the Virginia K. Frank award in 1999 (Outstanding Female Athlete) and as a senior won the conference award as the top scholar-athlete. Hammon played basketball at CSU from 1994-99 and averaged 21.5 points per game in her career. A three-time WAC player of the year, Hammon rewrote the record books numerous times. She set CSU records in points, assists, steals, three-point field goals made and attempted, field goals made and attempted, free throws made and attempted, and points per game. In her senior season, the five-foot, six-inch Hammon won the Frances Pomeroy Naismith award, given to the best women?s player in the nation shorter than 5-8. She became an all-star for the WNBA?s New York Liberty, and she currently plays for the both the Liberty and the Colorado Chill. Casey Malone competed in track and field at CSU from 1995-2000 and finished seventh in the 2004 Olympic Games in the discus. He became the school?s first NCAA track champion in 1998 a 200-foot, 2-inch throw, breaking the 23-year-old school record. The native of Arvada was a four-time All-American and an Academic All-American. Malone won the gold medal at the Junior World Championships in 1996 as a freshman, placed sixth at the Goodwill Games in 1998, and placed 15th at the IAAF World Championships in Paris last year. He also won two conference titles and placed fifth in the NCAA while at CSU. Sean Moran, who played football at CSU from 1991-95, is currently a member of the St. Louis Rams football team. Moran in 1994, started all 12 games and achieving All-Conference First Team and All-American honorable mention. He finished the season with seven quarterback sacks, tying for the seventh highest season total in school history. After his career at CSU, he was selected in the fourth round (120th overall pick) in the 1996 NFL draft. Former Ram wrestler Dan Sniff competed at CSU from 1950-55. In his junior year, he was the NCAA runner-up. His senior year started he went undefeated during the regular season but broke his ankle and defaulted at the Skyline Conference Championships. Sniff competed in the Olympic Trials in 1952 and served as Assistant Athletics Director under Fum McGraw from 1978-83.
