Setting the Stage: Building Up a Following

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Nov 15

1:00 PM

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at New Mexico

Nov 22

6-Days

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at Boise State

Nov 28

1:00 PM

Football

vs Air Force

Dec 5

TBA

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vs Mountain West Football Championship

Part of constructing a program is building a following.

Last week's home game with New Mexico produced the third sellout of the season at Canvas Stadium, the most in a single season since the facility opened in 2017. The game with Colorado produced the largest crowd in Fort Collins, 40,099. The homecoming contest with the Lobos came in at 36,980, the fourth-largest crowd.

The three sellouts this season rank among the top six crowds at CSU, and there are two more home dates (both Friday games, Wyoming after the bye, Utah State the day after Thanksgiving).

"We want our fans to be proud of what they see in this stadium. Our record the last two years in Canvas is starting to be pretty good," Norvell said, his team 4-2 at home last year, 4-1 so far this season. "That's the way we want to be. We want to win all of our games in Canvas, and when our fans come and see us play, we want them to expect to see us to win. That doesn't just happen. It happens over time and a lot of hard work. We're proud of that, and we're proud of the fans, the way they've responded. I really love our game atmosphere, what it's turning into here at Canvas.

"At the end of the game when we sing the school song, there's a lot of kids in the stands, and that's awesome."

Norvell has made it a point to thank everybody involved for watching, from the band to the spirit squads and especially the student section, the group which does the most to create the atmosphere on game day.

The players say the crowds make a difference as the team is trying to do the same and end a six-year bowl drought string.

"It's awesome seeing the community out; we love seeing the stands packed," safety Henry Blackburn said. "We love bringing home wins for the community. I think it just makes everybody a little bit happier, release some stress. It's great to have support from everybody who comes to the games."

Full Support

While they may be competitors on the field, all of the Colorado State community is supporting Nevada's offensive coordinator.

Matt Lubick, an assistant under his father, Sonny, at Colorado State, is currently undergoing treatment for leukemia.

"I got a chance to spend some time with Matt when we first got here. I've known of his reputation as a coach," Norvell said. "He's a very, very bright guy and has done a great job. He's going through a tough stretch, but he's come through it and done a fantastic job this year. I'm happy for his success and I hope it continues."

Matt was on his father's staff with the Rams from 2001-04 and went on to build an impressive resume. Nevada is the 12^th stop on his path, serving previously as the offensive coordinator at Oregon, Washington and Nebraska. The Wolf Pack offense has taken a strong turn under his guidance, averaging 25 points and 379.7 yards per game.

Something New

When injuries hit the tight end room, it left the Rams seeking options to still run 12 personnel, which has been so effective in the run game this season. They went big, employing reserve offensive linemen Alex Foster and Christian Martin in the role.

Foster, the starting left guard the first three games before suffering an injury, is more than glad to fill a new role at this point of the season.

"It's a blast. Just to be able to learn something new, and it's always a plus to not wear a knee brace," Foster said. "I'll take that any day I can. Any chance to be able to contribute to the team and be able to play and make an impact is a great opportunity. I'll take any opportunity it can get."

And yes, they've both asked when they get to run routes.

Peter Montini, whose injury necessitated the move, is expected to return this week, which also bodes well for Colorado State's special teams.

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