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| Monday, August 13 Updated: August 14, 9:34 AM ET Lubick's Rams expect nothing less than title By Ed Graney Special to ESPN.com |
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Colorado State Rams 2000 record: 10-2 (6-1). Coach: Sonny Lubick (9th season, 67-29). Starters returning: 5 offense, 4 defense, 1 kicker. Outlook: You might be concerned about a team that 1) has no established quarterback entering fall camp; 2) lost its offensive coordinator and will now split duties among two asssistants; 3) has two of its best skill threats (running back Cecil Sapp and wide receiver Dallas Davis) coming off serious injuries. Unless the team is CSU. The Rams are a product of Lubick, who annually offers one of the toughest and mistake-free teams in the conference. Sophomore D.J. Busch and Michigan State transfer Bradlee Van Pelt are competing for the No. 1 quarterback job, the former more of a drop-back passer and Van Pelt more able to make plays with his feet. Defense at CSU is as much attitude as it is specific names on jerseys. In eight years under coordinator Larry Kerr, CSU has led the conference in defense twice, was second once and third once. It will be good again. The Rams -- normally solid on special teams with a capital S -- must hope senior kicker Kent Naughton can replace the departed C.W. Hurst. Keep an eye on: Sophomore linebacker Eric Pauly. He could be the one to replace all-conference standout Rick Crowell, one of the program's all-time finest. Pauly turned down a chance to play at Notre Dame, but so far has seen most of his action on special teams. Pauly has impact potential, and his development could again help the Rams rank as one of the league's best defenses. Adam Wade, a talented sophomore linebacker trying to return from an ACL injury, could team with Pauly for a tremendous combination. Key game: The conference opener at UNLV is huge because of a popular belief the Rebels are good enough to take CSU's title. Last year, the Rams needed a blocked extra-point attempt to survive UNLV 20-19. A win in Las Vegas would send a message to other conference contenders about CSU's mindset in trying to win a third straight championship. It's a good year if... CSU hoists the league's trophy once again. Lubick and his players will be satisfied with nothing less, which tells you how far the program has come in eight years. The Rams long ago stepped across the line from believing they can win every year to expecting as much. Once the hunter, CSU is now annually the hunted, a pressure the league's best coach and his staff have handled admirably. Complacency is not a part of this program, mainly because players realize how close first place is from fourth. Last year, it was a mere 11 points. Ed Graney covers college football for the San Diego Union Tribune. |
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