Colorado State University Athletics
Rams Getting Ready For Air Force
10/10/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 10, 2006
Colorado State University's football team faces the dual challenge of preparing for Air Force's option attack and doing so during a shortened work week made more difficult by wet practice field conditions.
The Rams, 4-1 on the year and 1-0 in Mountain West Conference play, travel to meet the Falcons Thursday night in Colorado Springs. Air Force is 2-2, 2-0. Kickoff time is 6 p.m.
How the Rams adapt defensively, Lubick said Monday, will be a key to the game for his Rams.
"That will be the question that will be answered Thursday," Lubick said.
Lubick said preparing for the Falcons' option attack is unlike anything else the Rams do the rest of the season.
"It's all completely new, and we have only two days to get ready. We'll make some adjustments for this style of offense. Sometimes, if you make too many, you get in trouble. You have to make sure the players are capable of playing carefree."
Colorado State was set to return to the practice field Monday afternoon - weather permitting - on a day during normal weeks the team spends watching videotape. But with a late-week game, CSU had plans to be on the field.
Wet weather in Fort Collins could change that, Lubick said. His team may be forced indoors if the cold, wet weather persists later Monday.
The veteran Rams' coach said the Falcons want to control the ball during Thursday's game.
"They are going to run the football. They are confident in a good quarterback (Shaun Carney) who is a three-year starter who can also throw the football and make tough throws."
Carney has rushed for 254 yards in four games, and thrown for 305 more. He is third on the team in rushing behind Chad Hall, who has gained 317 yards on the season for the Falcons.
Colorado State counters with an offense behind the steady hand of junior quarterback Caleb Hanie. He completed 23-of-28 passes for 257 yards and a touchdown in last week's 28-7 win over UNLV. Hanie ranks second in the nation in completion percentage, having hit 87-of-121 passes for 1,063 yards and five touchdowns, a 71.9 completion mark.
Lubick said injuries remain a concern. Starting tackle Josh Day (left ankle) and cornerback Joey Rucks (right ankle) both left last week's game early with injuries and Lubick doesn't know if either will be available for play Thursday.
