Colorado State University Athletics
Rams Prepare For Rocky Mountain Showdown
9/4/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 4, 2006
Colorado State University football coach Sonny Lubick said Monday he's excited for the Rams' game Saturday against in-state rival Colorado.
Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. at INVESCO Field at Mile High.
"I expect to play a very good football team," said Lubick of this week's opponent. "There is not question in my mind that Colorado has a lot of good personnel."
Lubick said the game's return to Denver for the first time since 2003 excites him.
"One thing that spices up the rivalry is playing at INVESCO," he said.
He's hopeful for improvement in several areas from last week's 30-6 win over Weber State.
"We've got to be better in all phases: offense, defense, special teams," he said. "Offensively, I'd like us to run the ball a little better. We're gong to have to block better to get our runningbacks some running room.
The Rams will stick with a runningback rotation that includes Gartrell Johnson, Michael Myers and Nnamdi Ohaeri as the team plays its second game without former starter Kyle Bell. Bell, who gained 1,288 yards in 2005, is out for the season after suffering a right knee injury last Tuesday.
"There is no doubt we miss Kyle Bell. But I think we'll be okay. Gartrell did a good job. Michael Myers did a good job, and he'll improve on a weekly basis. Nnamdi will get more carries," Lubick said.
Lubick said in general he was pleased with his team's defense, which held Weber State to just 86 total yards, a school record.
"The best thing is that we eliminated the big play," he said. "But, we had two very foolish penalties that could have cost us a ballgame. The players have to realize that. Things like that will beat you."
Lubick praised his team's defensive front as a group, and also the play of quarterback Caleb Hanie.
"I liked Caleb's play," he said. "He's a sharp guy and he's tough. He's going to be good for us."
The last four meetings of the team have been decided by a total of 18 points, including the past two, which were each decided by field goals.
Lubick was asked if close losses in the past three games have impacted his team.
"Every game you lose haunts you," he said. "But, you must move on. You have to move on. They've been good games, and the fans get their money's worth."
Monday, the team was set to review videotape of last week's win over Weber State, then begin preparations for the game Saturday with Colorado. The Rams return to the practice field Tuesday afternoon at 4 p.m.
Tickets to the game remain available online at CSURAMS.com.
