Colorado State University Athletics
Rams Looking For Offensive Spark Against New Mexico
10/24/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 24, 2006
Colorado State University football coach Sonny Lubick figures there is a simple solution to help the Rams' offensive attack.
"We are a more explosive football team, but we have to get the run game going," Lubick said Monday during his weekly news conference.
"It makes everything so much easier."
The Rams are averaging 80 yards per game on the ground, and 223 through the air. Lubick figures an improved running game will provide a spark for his team's offense.
"We're just not running the ball like we have to do to be successful. That's our challenge: to get the running game going. You can rely on the long ball all day long."
Lubick hopes to see that improved running game this Saturday, when the Rams entertain the University of New Mexico.
Colorado State enters Saturday's game 4-3 overall, 1-2 in Mountain West Conference play. UNM is 4-4, 2-2. The Rams are at home for the team's next two games, facing BYU Nov. 4 at 4:30 p.m.
The veteran Rams' coach is also hopeful the team's injury situation clears a bit by Saturday.
Center Nick Allotta (left foot) is doubtful after being injured in last week's game. Defensive end Jesse Nading (right ankle), offensive tackle Dane Stratton (left knee) and safety Mike Pagnotta (left knee) are doubtful. All three missed last week's game.
Lubick said defensive tackle Erik Sandie (left knee) is questionable, while cornerback Joey Rucks (right ankle) is listed as probable. Both Sandie and Rucks missed last week's game.
Kickoff time Saturday is 3:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast by the Colorado Sports Network, which includes KCOL (600 AM) in Fort Collins and ESPN Radio (560 AM) in Denver.
There is no television or webcast coverage of the game.
Fans who bring a Mountain Dew beverage can featuring CSU's 2006 schedule on the panel can purchase one ticket and receive a second one free for this week's game. Tickets are also available online at CSURAMS.com.