Colorado State

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Aug 27, 2000

Question: Kevin McDougal's replacement at RB?

Answer: Rahsaan Sanders, 468 yards last season.

Rams' gameplan

Leave it to Sonny Lubick to figure out something.

He did last year. When the team was 3-3 and lamenting its crashed bowl possibilities, Lubick settled the squad. The Rams produced a five-game winning streak, a Liberty Bowl berth and an 8-4 final mark.

Lubick might need another coaching gem in 2000. The Rams haven't been picked by many to defend their share of the Mountain West Conference championship. Utah seems to have that acclaim.

"I see a positive carryover here," Lubick said. "I keep telling our players that talent wins games, character wins championships."

He's brought a lot of character to Fort Collins. The main picture on the back of team's media guide shows the four league championship rings from the past six seasons.

Lubick, 57-27 in his seven Ram seasons, will depend on senior quarterback Matt Newton to ring up another Mountain West Conference title. That's a possibility as long as he's throwing the football to experienced receivers such as Dallas Davis, Frank Rice and Pete Rebstock.

Rahsaan Sanders, Duan Ruff and Cecil Sapp will take over at running back for the graduated Kevin McDougal, the 1999 league offensive player of the year.

"Who the heck played Kevin as a true freshman?" said Lubick with a slight grin. "He should be starting right now for us."

Lubick doesn't make many mistakes on defense. His latest search will be for defensive ends now that school career sacks leader Clark Haggans is gone. At least senior linebacker Rick Crowell was issued an NCAA injury waiver to return for one final season.

"I see Rick Crowell and I see almost half the defense there," Lubick said. "It would be like us not having Clark Haggans last year."

Rebound

After starting last season 3-3, the Rams recovered by winning their final five games before losing in the Liberty Bowl.

Upset city

Could Colorado fall again in the season opener?

Colorado State did it a year ago. OK, Colorado was regrouping after Rick Neuheisel departed for Washington. But that was some butt- kicking.

The Rams hate being second to Colorado in money and prestige. One way to change the scenery is to dump another L on those Boulder guys.

Colorado State has all the ingredients needed to repeat the feat: experienced offense, enough talent on defense and some spark from the special teams. Oh, yeah, and coach Sonny Lubick. This guy can coach and he'll never brag.

Difference makers

Dallas Davis - When in trouble, get him the ball. He can own a game as a receiver or a kick returner. He led the team with 665 yards in receiving in 1999.

Rahsaan Sanders - He gets the first crack at replacing leading rusher Kevin McDougal. Sanders rushed for 468 yards last season, one of the best freshman totals in school history.

Tim Stuber - The 6-foot-5, 315-pound senior offensive tackle started 24 games the past two seasons and appears to be one of the best linemen in the Mountain West Conference.

Mike Mackenzie - The senior defensive tackle started all of last season and had seven tackles for loss.

Adam Wade - Colorado State won a recruiting battle for him in California and the linebacker proved his worth last season as a freshman when he started nine games.

John Howell - He was second on the team in tackles with 117 last season.

The forecast

Colorado - Matt Newton should be able to keep the Rams close enough to pull out a second straight victory over the Buffs.

East Tennessee State - Former Air Force assistant coach Paul Hamilton brings the Division I-AA Bucs to Hughes Stadium for a loss to the Rams.

Arizona State - This would be a fine road win for the Rams. Arizona State isn't that powerful, but good enough to win this game.

Nevada - The trip to Reno, Nev., could be dangerous. CSU coach Sonny Lubick said Nevada should have beaten his team last year. The Rams are wary and ready to win.

New Mexico - After nearly a month away from Hughes Stadium, the Rams should celebrate with a victory.

UNLV - Danger! Danger! Coach John Robinson has brought in West Coast talent like sophomore quarterback Jason Thomas. CSU still should win.

Utah - The Utes are picked to stay among the Mountain West Conference elite. This game - a CSU loss - proves it.

San Diego State - CSU seeks revenge for the snowy home loss last season. The Aztecs can't go back-to-back.

Brigham Young - ESPN. Thursday night. Hughes Stadium. The Cougars have too much for the Rams to prevent their third straight loss in this series.

Air Force - Colorado State's speed should be able to secure a road conference victory.

Wyoming - The "Border War" takes its act to Thursday night and ESPN. It's close, but it's CSU.

Final projection - 8-3 and another bowl trip.

Three deal breakers

MATT NEWTON

Matt Newton comes prepared for a glorious cap to his career. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound senior from Cherry Creek High School guided the Rams to a share of the first Mountain West Conference championship last year.

He threw for 2,368 yards - ninth best in Rams history - and 18 touchdowns during 1999, his first season as the starter.