Colorado State University Athletics
Rams Back on Field
10/3/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 3, 2006
Colorado State University's football team has plenty at stake Saturday, when the Rams entertain UNLV to open Mountain West Conference play.
Topping the list is continuing the team's hot start. Sonny Lubick's Rams are 3-1 for the first time since 2002 following a 35-23 win at Fresno State last week.
More importantly to Lubick and his staff is the MWC race. Having played all four of the team's nonconference games in the first month of the season, the Rams' next eight contests are of the league variety beginning with Saturday's date with the Rebels.
"I thought practice went okay," said Lubick following a two-hour workout Tuesday afternoon. "They worked hard. We know that we have to be ready to go this week."
Saturday's game is also the first contest for the Rams at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium in five weeks - since CSU opened the 2006 season Sept. 2 with a win over Weber State.
Injuries remain a concern for Lubick and his staff. Quarterback Caleb Hanie is nursing a sore left ankle, injured during the fourth quarter of last week's win at FSU but went through all drills Tuesdasy. Safety Ben Stratton, Lubick said Monday, will continue to receive treatments on his sore neck. Wide receiver Dustin Osborn (left ankle) and center Tim Walter (right knee) have both missed the past three games after opening the season as starters. Both are expected to be available Saturday against UNLV after practicing at full-speed Tuesday.
Defensive end Jesse Nading has a sore left groin and did practice Tuesday, but is expected to be ready by Saturday's game.
Tickets for Saturday's conference opener are selling at a rapid pace. CSU officials expect a crowd in excess of 30,000 for the game. Tickets are available online at CSURAMS.com.
