The Rams (3-3, 0-2 MWC) losers of three straight, go into today’s game attempting to avoid stumbling all the way down the mountain, by pulling off what would be a most incredible upset against TCU (5-0, 1-0 MWC).
While CSU has been better this year and last, going 10-9 since Steve Fairchild’s hiring, including the New Mexico Bowl win in 2008—the Rams are admittedly still not among the class of the Mountain West Conference. Coach Fairchild said it himself this Monday, “TCU is well coached and talented, and they are what we are trying to catch and emulate. We know we can play in this game; just knowing we can win it is a different story, and until we do it, the burden of proof is on us.” He also tweeted at halftime of last Saturday’s homecoming game that he felt the day to prove CSU has graduated to the next level, but they lost in the end due to costly turnovers.
And it’s too bad the Rams couldn’t get that big time win against Utah because this week’s game will be even tougher. While CSU’s offense is ranked 60th at 377 yards per game and scores 25 points per, TCU’s defense is the seventh in the nation giving up only 15 points and just under 250 total yards per contest. Possibly the only good statistic for the Rams offense is the fact that the Horned Frogs only have four turnovers forced on the year, all interceptions. Meaning, while it will be difficult for CSU to move the ball on TCU, when they have their opportunities QB Grant Stucker cannot throw errant balls that end up in the hands of opponents.
Fairchild gives good reason that Stucker will be back to his usual almost mistake-free football saying, “I would expect Grant (Stucker) will rebound and get back to playing the way he was.” But even if Stucker has a good game, he must have help from both his receivers and his running backs. Leonard Mason has been the CSU star in the running game and he needs to have a big day pounding the ball up the middle against TCU’s speedy defense. Mason has run for an impressive 469 yards with two touchdowns this year, and he will likely need over 100 yards and a score or two for the Rams to have a chance in this game.
When the Horned Frogs have the ball, they are highly effective as well, running up 417 total yards and scoring almost 32 points per game. Andy Dalton, their quarterback, has thrown for over 1,200 yards, six touchdowns and only three interceptions. Bart Johnson is his favorite receiver with 17 catches for 172 yards, but Jimmy Young is close behind with 13 for 261 yards and he has two scores as well. CSU’s defensive front has to get some pressure on Dalton, and if they can, possibly they can force a turnover or two to help give the offense a chance.
Rushing wise, TCU’s star is no doubt Joseph Turner, who has run for 371 yards and a stellar six touchdowns. Edward Wesley also has put in some work on the ground too, with 229 yards and a score of his own running, along with another touchdown receiving.
In all, this is easily the biggest test for the Rams defense all year, and without some stops and probably some forced turnovers, CSU may be run out of Amon Carter Stadium. And really, the Rams must play a complete game from all three phases of the team. If the D plays well but the O turns the ball over, much like last week, CSU will lose this contest. Conversely, even if the Rams offense plays lights out, if the defense struggles to slow the Horned Frogs attack then CSU still loses. And if somehow the Rams are in a close battle in the end, special teams has to come through, probably on the leg of kicker Ben DeLine.
So, can the Rams win? Yes, of course. Will they? Most likely not.
But heck, I am going to take them in an offensive gem 45-42 over TCU in the hugest upset of this 2009 college football season.
Notes: CSU is only 1-5 all-time versus TCU. Speaking of Versus, they will be the network covering the contest tomorrow at 2 p.m. MT. For those that have DirecTV, who does not carry Versus, there are two Rams watching parties in Northern Colorado—Sonny Lubick Steakhouse (115 S. College 970-484-9200) and Buffalo Wild Wings (150 E. Harmony 970-266-9464). With TCU this week, BYU and Utah to start CSU’s conference schedule made the Rams first three MWC games the toughest schedule in the nation. Lastly, Martinez (G) and Mychal Sisson (LB) were named to the first team mid-season All-MWC team. Mason, Dion Morton (WR), Pietz (TE), Walter, Klint Kubiak (S), and punter Kontodiakos all made the MWC second team.
For more CSU Rams information and this game's recap coming soon, click here.
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