Colorado State University Athletics
Rams Begin Preparations For Nevada
9/19/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 19, 2005
Fort Collins - Colorado State University footbal1 coach Sonny Lubick will in six days know the results of his team's four workouts during a open date last week.
"We tried to emphasize some shortcomings we saw in the first two games," said Lubick of his team's workouts last week. "We need to strengthen our running game, be a bit better defensively, and be better on special teams. Time will tell."
"We want to be a better football team each week. It's kind of hard to judge the first two games. I came away from Colorado feeling pretty good. We did some good things, but we made some errors. I had a hard time when I came away from t he game with Minnesota. But we've played two good defensive football teams in the first two games."
Lubick said following last week's workouts his team had improved, and he wants to see it translate to success on the field.
"I don't think it will take much (to be a better team), but it has to happen. Every week is a new set of challenges. We have only had spurts of that in the first two games."
Colorado State returned to the practice field Monday for a 90-minute workout in preparation by Saturday's home opener against the University of Nevada at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium. Kickoff time for the annual Ag Day game is 4 p.m.
Lubick said only a few players hobbled by injury will not play Saturday. Offensive guard Brandon Alconcel, who dislocated his right elbow in the game at Minnesota, is out. Runningback Nnamdi Ohaeri, the opening-game starter, missed the game at Minnesota with a left ankle injury, and is doubtful.
Sophomore Nick Allotta and redshirt freshman Dane Stratton will replace Alconcel in the lineup.
"Ohaeri has improved significantly, but he's more than doubtful this week. I would like to error on the side of caution," Lubick said. He figures Ohaeri will likely return for the team's Sept. 29 Mountain West Conference opener against Air Force in Fort Collins.
Quarterback Justin Holland, who sprained an ankle at Minnesota, saw only limited practice duty last week but figures to be full speed by Saturday.
The Rams face a Nevada team coming off a 22-14 win over instate rival UNLV last week.
"They have a good offensive football team with an excellent quarterback. He's big, strong, and runs real well," Lubick said of Nevada's Jeff Rowe.
Rowe enters the game having completed 40-of-64 passes for 484 yards and one touchdown in two games. His favorite target has been receiver Caleb Spencer, who has caught 19 passes in two games for 270 yards and a touchdown.
"Offensively, they are a sound, solid football team who can move the ball. Defensively, they played well against UNLV. We're going to have to play very, very well, and play smart."
One of the other goals Lubick established during the team's bye week was identifying more special teams contributors.
"One of the goals I have is that we need more guys to step up. We have a lot of guys who have really put themselves toward contributing to the football team," he said. "We have four or five young guys who feel they can help us."
He named wide receiver George Hill, who is averaging 21.2 yards per kickoff return - third best in the conference, as a primary candidate to continue special teams contributions.
Tickets to all CSU games are available by calling 1-800-491-RAMS, or online at CSURAMS.com. Tickets are also on sale at all King Soopers and City Market grocery store locations throughout the state of Colorado.
