A Look Ahead: Texas

The eyes of Texas will be clearly be focused on the Longhorn's first real test of the season against the cougs. Was last years Longhorn's 5-7 record only a hiccup or actually something much bigger? Texas finished with a 2-6 record in last years Big12 matchups. With such a disappointing disrailment major changes were inevitable where winning seems to be the constant. In the aftermath five assistants were replaced including bringing in Boise State's Bryan Harsin looking to right the longhorn ship. Off the field the Longhorns continued recruiting strong despite the on the field performances. All but one recruit was from Texas and all but six (of 22) had rankings of 4 star or higher. The recruiting website scout.com had the Longhorns ranked nationally 3rd overall from this years incoming crop.

Leadership under center would likely begin with former Gatorade player of the year in Garrett Gilbert who seemed to be a mess last season throwing 17 TDs and no longer the solidified starter. Gilbert who may not have the "it" factor also appears to be pressed heavily by sophomore Case McCoy (yes that's Colt's brother). The longhorn offensive trenches anchored by senior center David Snow will look to three new starters under the direction of new position coach Stacey Searels. The QB position will eventually shake out. Only question is who will take the reins and when with some big Texas strides.

Last season few playmakers emerged. Texas absolutely has a stable of capable options available for Harsin to work with. Veteran RB Fozzy Whittaker will likely receive plenty of touches. However, he will have to hold off freshman Malcolm Brown who was one of the most prized recruits in the country. Brown is a punishing runner built like a tank who in high school amassed over 6600 yards with a 9.8 average. Yes, nearly 10 yard average. Sophomore WR Mike Davis only had 47 receptions and 2 TDs last year but could emerge in a much larger role pending if a signal caller truly emerges.

Righting the ship clearly begins with its strength the defense which overall was ranked 6th in the nation. Newcomer defensive coordinator Manny Diaz has got to like what tools he was given to work with. Senior DT Kheeston Randall (22 starts) is a tough inside run stopper and cornerstone for the tough longhorn line. The senior led linebacking crew of Keenan Robinson and Emmanuel Acho combined for 200 tackles last season (Keenan had 137 himself). Sophomore linebacker Jordan Hicks could well be a future all american in the making. In the Texas secondary Kenny Vaccaro and four year starter Blake Gideon unquestioned starters return. With the pieces in place look for the longhorns to place on the field yet again another top ten defensive unit.

If things get close Texas will look to a reliable senior kicker in Justin Tucker who made 23 of 27 FG attempts last season. Often the pigskin matchups are won on field position. Seventeen of his punts were downed inside the 20. However, Texas must find a way to correct the TO margin which ranked 116th nationally.

A Look Ahead: Ole Miss

After a rather disappointing 4-8 season the Rebels road to recovery clearly won't be an easy one. This might be considered the momentum matchup game. One team riding the wave up while the other one taking the elevator down. The cougs wrapped up its 2010 season winning 6 out of its last 8 games. On the other hand the Rebels lost 6 of its last 7 games.

Calling the shots will be new offensive coordinator David Lee. Those plays will be sure to often include getting the pigskin in the hands of Brandon Bolden. Last season the senior from Baton Rouge amassed a nice resume including 17 TDs with 1320 yards of offense. Ole Miss has an experienced offensive line is which allowed the fewest sacks in the SEC last season anchored by fifth year senior Bradley Sowell and Bobby Massie. They will be sure to help take the pressure off some JC transfers Randall Mackey, Barry Brunetti, and Zack Stoudt who will all be vying for the starting QB position. Mackey seems to be one of the more dynamic athletes on the team. Brunetti is transfer from WV who is clearly a run pass threat. The rebels could also look to Stoudt who is a pure pocket passer. Ole Miss certainly has some options in the stable at quarterback.

Are the rebels ready to show defensive improvement? Last season Ole Miss gave up over 35 points on the scoreboard and nearly 400 yards of offense per contest. Unfortunately, that won't win many games. New secondary coach Keith Burns was brought to help stop the bleeding and the rebels will also be relying on a pair of JUCO transfers to answer the call immediately. Heaps and his band of brothers will likely be chomping at the bit looking to test Ole Miss and often.

Ole Miss junior Tyler Campbell last season led the nation in punting with a 46.4 average and might be called upon often. The rebels added explosive Philander Moore from Blinn College who scored six TDs on kick or punt returns. Fans might recall the junior pyschology major had earlier went from a commitment with team north but had a change of heart to an Ole Miss signee after visiting the rebel campus.

Keys to the game? Stop the rhythm against whoever get's the start behind center for the rebels. Provide pressure on the rebel quarterback from the start and keep them out of sync. Don't let Bolden get into a groove. Ole Miss has a solid experienced OL but the cougs must find a way to keep the momentum in their favor. The jerseys in blue must also find a way to play keep away. Yes. That means winning the turnover battle. Last season Ole Miss was ranked 88 in the TO margin. If you don't have the pigskin you can't score. It's simple as that. Open the flood gates. Give some time to Heaps and trust him. Test the rebel secondary with frequent doses of the cougs receiving corps (yes that does include the tight ends which seemed to be almost nonexistent last year) while mixing in some shots of the cougs three horseman (Kariya, Di Luigi and the juice Quezada) to keep the rebels guessing. Last season Ole Miss ranked dead last in the SEC in pass efficiency defense giving up nearly 250 yards per game (246.3).

Fisher Of Men

It was back in 1991 when Steve Fisher first gathered the talent and gave the nation "The Fab Five" arguably by many as the greatest recruiting class ever assembled. That was then. This is now. Oh how time flies. Its also been said that good things often take time. Could he do it again? Before Coach Fisher took over in 1999 the Aztecs had suffered a 17 year NCAA tourney drought including 13 of 14 losing seasons in 14 years. Piece by piece Fisher has carefully rebuilt the Aztec program into a potential powerhouse. All eyes will now be directed to the Marriott Center as the San Diego State Aztecs come into town riding the nations longest active winning streak at 20 games with a #4 ranking (AP25 Poll). It will likely be standing room only in this matchup of epic proportions. Steve Fisher certainly has plenty of valuable experience to draw upon over 19 years winning over 402 games. The Aztecs are certainly heading on the right track with a coach who has been a fisher of men.

San Diego State returns all five starters and ranks #8 in FG percentage (49.2 to be exact) which clearly shows the decision process taking quality shots and making nearly half. The Aztecs are also in the top 30 in rebounding margin as well helping considerably second chance opportunities. They are led by 6-7 sophomore forward Kawhi Leonard who averages 15.7 points per game including 10.3 rebounds per contest. Yes, over 10 board a game. At the other forward is 6-9 senior Malcolm Thomas who averages nearly 12 a game and 8 rebounds. The Aztecs can also spread things around and stretch defenses. On the season senior DJ Gay has knocked down 118 threes. He's definately not afraid to spot up and take the jumper from the perimeter averaging nearly 13 points a game. There is definately some solid balance to this squad. The offense is spread enough that they have over 6 players who have taken at least 100 shots making it tough to focus on one individual.

Last time the two met it was the cougs who walked away victorious 82-68. Jimmer had 26 and Emery chipped in 18 points. It's a different day and another shot at the cougs. Can the cougs do it again? If Jimmer is on the court don't count the cougs out. Wednesday's mountain of a matchup will clearly be a huge game with some bigtime hype for both sides. It could easily be one of the biggest games in state history featuring two top ten teams both from the MWC. This is one you won't want to miss. Set aside your schedule. Whatever it takes to get there or watch on tv to see who really will be the fisher of men.

Boylen Is Boilin

Yes, the series might be tied at 125 each. However, tonight the cougar cagers will likely be running a clinic up on the hill against team north. One can only imagine that things are getting pretty heated up in salt lake. Team north coach Jim Boylen finished last season with a disappointing 14-17 record with five players leaving the program (Jace Tavita being the most recent to transfer). Currently the yewts are also on a six game losing streak which certainly can't make things any easier on Big Jim. Unfortunately to make things worse to consider? On that losing streak it includes to Air Force who in the last two years have gone 1-31. On paper this looks like a mismatch of epic proportions. Two teams headin in different directions. One squad just cracked the top ten. That team is winning games when they sometimes haven't played a complete 40 minutes. Team north is still trying to figure out how to put together a complete forty. Until they do the yewts and Jim Boylen will be boiling.

Team north features a pair of dynamic juniors in Will Clyburn and Josh Watkins paving the way. Clyburn averages 18.8 ppg and 8.3rpg. Watkins, a sociology major is averaging 14.6 points a game. Although the yewts are horrible in the assist turnover ratio (rank 293rd in ast/TO ratio and 320th in ast per game per Wrubell). Defensive player of the year for the MWC returns in David Foster who hopes to alter some shots and disrupt some defenses.

Of course the cougs will be led by everyones All American Jimmer Fredette who averaged 30 points in the cougs victories last week. Without question Jackson Emery should also pass Danny Ainge as the schools all time steals leader. Sophomore Brandon Davies has been in double figures 11 times, including 8 of his last 9 appearances. The athletic Davies could be in for a big game considering the yewts have a soft interior defense. Come early. Wear blue. Make some noise and outdraw the yewts on their home court! As Jim would say: nice of you to show up.

Two Different Directions

It's the game of the year. It's that matchup that seperates the church and state. It's the game that divides families. Two schools heading in two different directions. One last season in the MWC together. School up north heads to the Pac10 and the other going independent. Individuals will remember last season that Andrew George was still running. We also heard the true feelings of Max Hall about the yewts. In year's past we've seen that magic happens. We've witnessed that Harline is still open. What will this year's experience be remembered as? Regardless, when the fans have cleared the stadium and turned off the tv sets both schools will head in two different directions.

Both teams went through a QB change midseason in respective years. Sophomore Jordan Wynn, a business major took over the reins last season and handled things smoothly with 8 TDs and over 1300 yards. This season Wynn has been all business throwing for 16 TDs 9 INTs and 2135 yards. On the ground the yewts average 163 yards a game. The senior led backfield offers servings of Eddie Wide and Matt Asiata (not necessarily in that order). Wide has 11 TDs with 610 yards. Asiata brings 7 TDs and 650 yards to the table.

Team up north can score in bunches and average 37.3 a game. Last season's top performer David Reed might be gone but Wynn still has a number of receiving plans available who have performed admirably spreading the wealth. He has connected with 6 receivers who all have over 225 yards each and Wynn has averaged 251 yards a contest. Wynn's top two options have included sophomore DeVonte Christopher and senior Jereme Brooks. Christopher has 5 TDs and 623 yards while Brooks has 4 TD receptions for 556 yards.

On the season team up north's defense is currently ranked 55th against the pass. The schools best returning current cover corner is junior Brandon Burton who runs a 4.35 forty. Last season the yewts lost a school record 6 NFL draft picks and now that could be costing them. The yewt pass defense in the last 5 games have given up roughly 284 yards a game. Could prove to be rather intriguing and possibly the cougs strength to see if Heaps can carve up the yewt secondary. When the Holy War game is on the line look for the cougs to pull together as a band of brothers before both schools head in two different directions.

Saturday's A Lobo and a W

Mention Lobo football alumns and one might name Brian Urlacher, Hank Baskett or Stoney Case. Unfortunately, those greats are gone and won't be coming back with any eligiblity anytime soon. Saturday's matchup against head coach Mike's Locksley and his 1-9 Lobo's likely won't be as close as last years 24-19 victory with the cougs favored (per sagarin) by 28.5 points. New Mexico come's into LES with the 115th ranked offense and 117th ranked defense.

This season's lobo backfield include Kasey Carrier a young shifty sophomore and junior power back James Wright. Carrier, who also acts as the kick returner has rushed for 290 yards and 2 TDs. Wright maintains a low center of gravity often making him hard to tackle. On the season he has 275 yards on the ground with 2 TDs.

The lobo receiving corps is led by sophomore TE Lucas Reed who is the most reliable pass catcher with 418 yards and 5 TDs on the year. New Mexico's wideouts include sophomore Ty Kirk, senior Chris Hernandez, and Bryant Williams. Kirk is an athletic receiver who has 410 yards and 2 TDs. Hernandez has 236 receiving yards while Williams has 288 yards. Williams has 3 TDs who can catch in traffic but is possibly questionable for saturday who is dealing with the aftermath of a concussion.

Second year coach Lockley went 1-11 last season and the outlook doesn't seem much better. In the last three seasons the lobo's have only won 6 games combined. The last lobo league title was in 1964 (WAC co-camps) and a post season appearance is already out of the question. Saturday's contest for the cougs should by all means essentially be a bye week and punch out a W for the jerseys in blue securing a bowl appearance.

Major Rebel-ding

Enter in Bobby Hauck, the 10th rebel coach in UNLV history. Hauck made some major waves in seven seasons leading Montana to three national championship games in the NCAA FB champion subdivision compiling a 80-17 record. Last season the rebels were 5-7. This season on paper looks like they may have gone in reverse. On the season UNLV is 1-7 but also has faced a brutal schedule according to the sagarin ratings this season with the 14th toughest schedule in the country. Games against Wisconsin, West Virginia, Air Force (Nov 18th), Nevada, and TCU certainly hasn't made the rebel life any easier. Nine of their opponents played in bowl games last season.

The rebels last league title was in 1994 (Big West co-champs) and likely won't be on the horizon anytime soon. Hauck certainly has a major rebuilding project on his hands. On the season UNLV has played over 23 freshman including having to shuffle in a replacement for starting center Andrew Mack hours before kickoff last week (appendicitus) against TCU. On defense the rebels have 10 true freshman on its two deep depth chart. The defense is ranked #96 in the nation while the offense is #113th which very well could also be reflective not only due to youth/inexperience but also the schedule.

Although, it might look rather bleak for the rebels the cupboard isn't exactly bare. Hauck will certainly have some tools to work with who should be active in saturdays matchup. The offense starts with dangerous dual threat senior QB Omar Clayton and was rated the best scrambler per Lindys. The political science major has thrown for over 1000 yards on the season with 4 INTs and 6 TDs. In the backfield is a pair of playmakers in freshman Tim Cornett and Channing Trotter. Cornett has rushed for 263 yards for 2 TDs and averages nearly 5 yards per game. Clayon's wideouts include juniors Phillip Payne and Michael Johnson. Payne a vegas native has 25 catches on the year with 416 yards and 2 TDs. Johnson is another explosive weapon who has 395 receiving yards with 35 receptions and 4 TDs. He also serves as the PR and KR specialist.

Hauck is a solid coach but certainly has his share of severe obstacles this season with all the inexperience, transition and the brutal rebel schedule. Give him a few solid recruiting rebuilding classes and the rebels should be back in the hunt. On saturday look for the jerseys in blue to post another cougar victory who are favored by 18 per usatoday marching towards a possible post season bowl.

Aztecs Attack

Saturday the cougs return to Happy Valley hoping to begin turning their season around and will certainly have their hands full. The jerseys in blue lead the series 26-7-1 and are 15-2 all time against the Aztecs in LES stadium. Last season the Aztecs were 4-8 and held the nation's 116th ranked rushing attack. Last season the cougs also were 11-2 with a 44-20 Las Vegas Bowl thrashing of Oregon State. Oh how times have changed. San Diego State comes to LES with a 4-1 record averaging 38 points and posting 500 plus yards a game. The Aztec sport the 7th best offense in the nation and 21st best defense put together by former head coach Rock Long.

This season Ryan Lindley is guiding the Aztecs off to its best start in 29 years. Sporting News rated Ryan as the MWC best passing QB. Lindley on the year has already thrown for 1174 yards with 6 TDs and 2 INTs. Ryan certainly has a dynamic duo of receivers to work with. DeMarco Sampson has 19 receptions for 373 yards and 2 TDs while Vincent Brown has 20 catches for 332 yards and 2 TDs. Lindy's even voted Sampson as "best hands" in the league. The offense doesn't end there either. In the backfield is true freshman Ronnie Hillman from La Habra who is averaging 133 yards and has 8 TDs.

Bringing Their "A" Game

On a short week the Cougs must prepare to face the Aggies friday at 6 pm in Logan with ESPN giving the tv coverage. The play by play analysis will be provided by Joe Tessitore and Rod Gilmore giving his game analysis. Fridays matchup sports both teams trying to make sense of their seasons with identical 1-3 records which began playing each other back in 1922. Over the years the Aggies have their own storied tradition as well. Names that stand out include Chris Cooley, Eric Hipple, Rulon Jones, Kevin Curtis, Phil Olsen and of course the legend himself Merlin Olsen. The field itself is played on SprinTurf and was named in his honor. Romney Stadium stadium seats 25,513 and includes their own student section named "The Hurd". Utah State last win against the Cougs came in a shootout back in 1993 58-56. The aggies this season will be sporting new uniforms as well even helmet stickers by a 71 honoring aggie great Merlin Olsen who passed away back in March.

Utah State's engine begins with Diondre Borel a senior QB and sociology major who last season led the aggies to an all time high of 3,343 total offensive yards overall. On the season Borel is 63 of 116 for 832 yareds 4 TDs and 4 INTs. The dual threat quarterback from Oakley California needs 393 total offensive yards to reach 7000 career yards. Borel has some weapons of his own and names that Cougar fans will likely hear often on friday. In the backfield is powerful senior RB Derrvin Speight from Irving Texas who has 54 carries for 221 yards with 2 Tds. On the ground the aggies are ranked 49th in the nation at 168 yards per contest.

Through the air, Utah State's attack is ranked 65th averaging 211 yards. So yes the aggies have the ability to stretch the field and move the ball. Diondre's receiving corps consists of sophomore Dontel Watkins (6.2/193), Xavier Martin (5.11/195) a junior from Baltimore and Eric Moats (5.11/182). Both Watkins and Martin are JC transfers with some wheels. Watkins apparently ran the 40 in 4.25 while Martin posted a 4.33. Dontel has 18 receptions on the year for 242 yards and 2 TDs. Xavier has 10 catches good for 133 yards and 1 TD. Moats has 9 catches for 108 yards with 1 TD. While the game has the Cougs slightly favored it still looks like it could be a solid matchup with both teams bringing their "A" game.

Wolfpack At A Glance

Things don't any easier saturday with the Wolfpack coming to town. Nevada comes into the game 3-0 averaging over 50 a game. USATODAY does have the pack as a 3.5 favorite as well as the cougs playing the 5th toughest schedule in the country. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick could very well be among some of the better signal callers in the nation this year directing an offense. Colin has thrown 81 times connecting on 57 for 728 yards and 5 TDs with no INTs. The senior quarterback from Turlock California is also one of their leading rushers with 39 carries eating up 369 yards and 7 TDs. In the backfield is Vai Taua a bruiser who has piled up some impressive numbers as well. Vai has accumulated 320 yards and 4 TDs on the season. Nevada is ranked first in the nation currently averging nearly 345 yards of rushing offense. Definately scary offense. By comparison the cougs have only averaged 147 yards on the ground and 155 in the air. Oh, how times have changed. The jerseys in blue has taken some lumps and that learning curve must happen soon.

Sunshine State Square Off

This week the Cougs travel across country to Doak Campbell Stadium (seats 82,300 and is the 14th largest stadium in the NCAA) to square off with the Seminoles who are looking to bounce back from a thrashing at the hands of Oklahoma on saturday 3:30pm ET on ESPNU with the call from Pam Ward (play by play) and Danny Kanell's analysis. Last meeting between the two wasn't exactly pretty 54-28 for the jerseys in blue. Presently, Sheridan's odds at USATODAY has FSU favored by 10. Gone from the Seminole equation is longtime coach Bobby Bowden after 34 years. "The traditions and values of things aren't going to change. But the approach we take is going to change some" as quoted by new headcoach Jimbo Fisher.

On offense the Seminoles seem to be stacked and return what many teams across the country would truly desire. At the helm is a three year starter and NFL prospect in senior Christian Ponder with his entire OL returning. With only 12 carries junior RB Ty Jones spots a 10.3 avg for 124 yards and 1 TD. At the other slot fellow junior RB Jermaine Thomas has 19 touches for 89 yards and 2 TDs this season. The receiving corps both juniors include Bert Reed with 8 receptions for 81 yards while Taiwan Easterling from Hattiesburg MS isn't shabby either with 7 catches for 120 yards and 2 TDs. By comparison, on the season the Cougs two returning starters Chambers has 3 catches for 21 yards while Jacobsen also only has 3 for 33 yards. No question both coug receivers needs more touches and whoever is behind center for the blue jerseys must make that happen.

As the new head coach of the Seminole's one of Jimbo's first moves was luring Mark Stoops from Arizona who has since setup a new defensive scheme of zone coverages and blitzes. Unfortunately, one of those individual's involved who FSU was hoping to be a shutdown corner was sophomore Greg Reid who has seem to have struggled. Last week sooner QB Landry Jones spotted 30 of 40 for 380 yards on the Seminoles. It will be interesting to see if the Cougs can take advantage of that. The jerseys in blue definately need to somehow begin to find some offensive and defensive rhythm. Despite a possible cougar rebuilding year it will be interesting to watch to see how things play out.

On Neutral Ground

Later today at 5PM the Energy Solutions will be the center of attention in the 225th meeting between the Cougs and the Aggies. The jerseys in blue lead the series 134-90 and this will be the first time for both teams in squaring off at a neutral site. Both squads are defending conference champs coming fresh off of victories (Cougs thumpin Weber 92-62 and USU 74-62 over UC Irvine). Neither team has seriously been tested yet and this should give a better indication where both squads stand. The Aggies are led by a dynamic forward duo of Gary Wilkinson (6.9/240 Sr) and Tai Wesley (6.7/240 Soph). Wilkinson averages 16.4ppg with 8.2reb. Wesley isn't far behind at 12.6ppg with 7.0rebs. The Cougs triple threat of Cummard, Tavernari and Jimmer will be tough to shut down. Clutch Cummard leads the way at 20.6ppg with 6.6reb. Tavernari brings 16.1ppg and 7.1reb to the contest. Fredette averages 12.4ppg with 5.3ast. Tipoff is at 5pm with tv action on KJZZ and KBYU.

It's A "Long" Season

In the history of the MWC (9 years) the Aztecs is the only team to not yet qualify for a postseason bowl. San Diego State is experiencing yet another "Long" season with a 1-8 record. The lone victory came at home against the Idaho vandals (not exactly a powerhouse). Coach Chuck Long's era (3rd year behind the whistle) unfortunately seems awfully similar to former coach Tom Craft with not alot of team progress. In fact the Aztecs will lose 6 schollies over the next two seasons due to substandard adacemic progress rate scores. The jerseys in blue definately hold the lopsided edge 24-7 with 1 tie in a series that began back in 1947. Last year in San Diego the Cougs secured another victory 48-27 in front of 28,473 fans and will look to do the same saturday high noon at Lavell Edwards Stadium.

Starting at quarterback is reshirt freshman Ryan Lindley. Two years ago Lindley was among the top offensive players in San Diego county. Ryan has a strong arm and is not afraid to get the ball down the field. On the season Lindley has 10 TDs 6 INTs with over 1,500 yards while sporting a 115.6 QB rating.

Lindley's weapons through the air include Roberto Wallace (6.4/215 JR), Darren Mougey (6.6/230 SR), Vincent Brown (6.0/185 Soph) and Matt Hawulok (6.2/245 JR) which as a unit are more than capable targets that can do some damage. Mougey is a converted quarterback has some serious size and isn't afraid to go over the middle. As a true freshman Brown passed on a redshirt season with 31 catches last season including a pair of TDs.

In the backfield Atiyyah Henderson (5.9/180) gets the majority of carries. The junior from Rockledge Florida is explosive but has had a history of dropping the rock. At fullback is Tyler Campbell (6.0/220 SR) who is the son of the legend himself (Earl Campbell). Last year on the ground the Aztecs ranked last in the MWC as well as 105th nationally.

Along the offensive line the Aztecs only have one returning starter in center Trask Iosefa (6.0/315 Soph). Although at left guard is Mike Schmidt (6.2/320 SR) who did start at least 6 games in 2007. Right tackle Lance Louis (6.3/300 SR) is actually a converted tight tend. This area is still definately a work in progress.

The top returning defensive playmaker is linebacker Russell Allen (6.3/235 SR) who in 2007 had a team leading 119 tackles. Free safety Corey Boudreaux (6.1/220 SR) registered 13 tackles last week against Wyoming. On the bright side San Diego State does return 7 starters on the "D". However, the special teams might not be that special. This season the Aztecs are breaking in a new kicker, punter as well as a new long snapper. If there is a game for the Cougs to help get the youth some valuable experience on the field this is it.

Conference RAM-ifications

At 4pm saturday the jerseys in blue will be found in Hughes Stadium in Colorado Springs squared up against the gritty CSU Rams which will continue to sort out the conference standings. The Cougs record all time against the rams is 36-27 with 3 ties in a series that began back in 1922. In Colorado Springs the jerseys in blue have also won 11 of the last 13 matchups. CSUs first year coach (Steve Fairchild) is a former Ram OC as well as QB (was 2nd team all WAC behind ole Jim McMahon back in 1980) who takes over for Sonny Lubick. Of the jerseys in blue coach Fairchild has mentioned "We'll need our best game to be in the thing". When he took the coaching reins coach Fairchild said "We won here before and I'm convinced we can win again"". Currently at the halfway point the rams are 4-4 (yet are 2-2 in MWC play) and already well on their way of turning things around. Keep in mind CSU only averaged 4.8 wins over Sonny Lubicks last 5 seasons. (Helmet photo credit/Adrenalin Design Group)

Coach Fairchild seems to have found a more than capable QB replacement for Caleb Hanie (3 yr starter) in senior Billy Farris. The former JC transfer and walk on slinger from Baton Rouge isn't afraid to take a hit in getting the rock down the field. On the season Farris has 148 completions for over 1,700 yards. His backup is Klay Kubiak (the son of Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak). Farris' options include Rashaun Greer (6.1/200 JR), Dion Morton (5.10/160) and Kory Sperry (6.6/250 SR). Greer has 40 receptions on the year for 715 yards and 1 TD. Morton is a speedy junior from Riverside CA that tallied up over 400 yards receiving with 3 TDs this season. Sperry is much like Pitta, among the best tight ends in the nation. Kory has excellent hands, amazing speed for a big man, and is always a dangerous threat. Last week against San Diego State he racked up 5 rec 61 yards with 3 TDs. Over his career Sperry has 133 catches for 1642 yards and 19 TDs.

On the ground the rams return an abundance of talent and experience. Gartrell Johnson (6.0/227 SR) has the ability to hurt teams. The explosive senior has rushed for over 2,000 yards with 18 TDs so far as a ram. His backup is a former starter Kyle Bell (6.3/230 SR) who as a sophomore back in 2005 rushed for nearly 1300 yards (sat out last year with a torn ACL). John Mosure is a sophomore who will also receive some carries and is the rams most versatile back.

Across the offensive trenches the rams have four juniors and 1 senior all of which are returning starters. The line's experience should help Farris finding time distributing the ball among his weapons (through the ground or the air). Defensive Coordinator Larry Kerr inherits some dangerous hitters in Tommie Hill (6.6/245 DE/SR), Jeff Horinek (6.3/235 MLB/SR) and sophomore WLB Ricky Brewer (6.2/210). Hill had 5.5 sacks last year while Horinek is the soul of the defense and registered 163 tackles the past two seasons.

In the secondary the rams have some difference makers at safety in Klint Kubiak (6.0/200 JR) and Mike Pagnotta (6.0/200 SR). Unfortunately, Pagnotta is scheduled to have surgery soon so starting in his slot could be Jake Galusha (5.10/200 SR) or Josh Gabler (6.0/205 JR). CSU at CB will slot Nick Oppenneer (5.10/175 JR) and Gerard Thomas (5.9/165 FR). Saturday should be a rather intriguing matchup and provide plenty of points on the board.