Rams Getting Ready For League-Leading TCU

[DJRamFan]

CSU begins game-week preparations for TCU.

Oct. 31, 2005

Colorado State University football coach Sonny Lubick said Saturday night's game with league-leading TCU is the next step in a series of critical games for his Rams' team.

TCU, ranked No. 20 nationally in both major polls, leads the Mountain West Conference with an 8-1 overall record and perfect 6-0 league record. CSU enters the game 5-3, 4-1.

"They are right where they deserve to be," Lubick said of the Horned Frogs. "They are the best team in the league right now."

Colorado State is coming off a 35-25 win at New Mexico Friday night, a game in which the Rams trailed 22-5 at one point, and later in the game scored 23 unanswered points. CSU erased a 25-12 deficit using a stifling defense that caused four turnovers and limited the Lobos to just 47 total yards in the final half, after surrendering 304 yards in the first half.

"I did feel at halftime that we thought we could play them better than we did in the first half," said Lubick. "We didn't give up big plays in the second half."

"It was an excellent defensive effort in the second half. The defense was outstanding. We gave the offense the field position they needed to get the ball in the end zone."

The Rams scored 17 of the team's 35 points following the four turnovers behind the passing of Justin Holland to wide receiver David Anderson, and the timely rushing of Kyle Bell.

Holland threw a pair of scoring passes to Anderson, the last which put CSU ahead to stay in the fourth period. Holland now has 20 touchdown passes in 2005, tying the school record also held by former stars Moses Moreno and Matt Newton.

Anderson, meanwhile, became the leading receiver in school history with 193 receptions and 3,234 yards. Bell rushed for 95 yards and a touchdown in the game.





Saturday's game looms large for both teams. TCU, with a win, would clinch the school's first outright conference title since 1958. A CSU victory would put the Rams atop the conference standings with two games to play.

"We have three more games. Regardless of what happens this week, we have two more games. We're still fighting like heck. But it's not the end all, win or lose."

CSU's football program received more good news Monday when cornerback Robert Herbert was named the conference defensive player of the week and kicker Jason Smith was the special teams player of the week. Herbert made six tackles, forced a fumble, returned an interception 30 yards to set up a touchdown, and had three pass deflections. Smith made four field goals in his first starting appearance for CSU.

Saturday's game kicks off at 6 p.m. CT/5 p.m. MT. There is no television coverage of the game available either live or taped delay. The game can be heard on the Colorado State Sports Network, which includes KCOL (600 AM) in Fort Collins, and KNUS (710 AM) in Denver. The broadcast is also available online at CSURAMS.com, by clicking on the Yahoo icon on the website front page.

Rich Bircumshaw calls the play-by-play, Erik Olson is the analyst and Brian Roth provides sideline reports. Kevin McGlue is the game producer.

Following Saturday's game, the Rams return home to face San Diego State Nov. 12. CSU Director of Athletics Mark Driscoll said today the school will have special events planned for the game, which begins at 1 p.m. Driscoll said the school will honor 14 departing seniors and the 2005 Sports Hall of Fame inductees, and honor law enforcement and military personnel as part of "Spirit of America Day," at the stadium.

Driscoll also said five individuals who will be inducted into the school's hall of fame, and two current coaches who will receive hall of honor awards, will be honored during the game as well. Plus, the school annually recognizes law enforcement and military personnel as part of the "Spirit of America" activities.

Colorado State is offering several ticket specials for the final home game, including:
• Buy one ticket and receive a second one free with the purchase of a Mountain Dew soft drink can; the cans can be presented at the CSU ticket office at the McGraw Athletic Center, or game day at the stadium;
• Youth Dollar Day; fans 17 years of age and younger receive a $1 ticket to the game when accompanied by an adult with a full-priced ticket;
• Group ticket discounts, $20 per ticket for fan groups of 25 or more.

The easiest way to purchase tickets to the game is online at CSURAMS.com, or by calling 1-800-491-RAMS. Fans can also purchase tickets in person at the athletic box office on the first floor of the McGraw Athletic Center. Tickets to all CSU games are available at any King Soopers and City Market grocery store locations throughout the state of Colorado.