2008 Colorado State Rams - Recruiting Class

Colorado State Rams 2008 Head Coach: Steve Fairchild

Colorado State Rams

2008 Recruiting Class

Star of the Class

JOE CAPRIOGLIO OL 6-5 247 Highlands Ranch (Colo.) High School
First-team all-Continental League offensive lineman, and honorable mention all-state, as a senior…Voted team captain and top offensive lineman…Was second-team all-conference as a junior in 2006…Head Coach was Darrel Gorham…Lettered three seasons in football, and once each in rugby and track…Recruited by several schools, including Nebraska, Michigan State, Iowa State, Wyoming, Kansas and Kansas State.

Potential Instant Impact Players

JONATHAN GAYE RB 6-0 178 Mullen High School, Denver
Finished his senior year with 606 yards on 64 carries, scoring five TDs…Averaged 9.5 yards per carry in 2007, despite missing five games during the heart of Mullen’s season with a knee injury… Returned to help the Mustangs to a Centennial League title and a 12-1 season, which ended with a heartbreaking loss to Douglas County in the Class 5A state semifinals…In his first two playoff games, had seven carries for 79 yards against Legacy, and five carries for 65 yards, including a 45-yard TD, against Chatfield…Earlier in 2007 against eventual state champion Grandview, led the Mustangs to a 36-14 comeback win, with 212 yards on 12 carries; ran for three TDs, including 61- and 73-yard bursts in totaling the most yards allowed by the GHS defense during its championship campaign… Sustained the knee injury during practice the following week, in preparations for rival Cherry Creek, then aggravated the injury during that game…Played only three games his junior year, when an ankle injury ended a promising season after 311 yards and five TDs…Totaled more than 500 rushing yards in each of his freshman and sophomore seasons, averaging more than 10 yards per carry over that span...Lettered four years in football, a stretch in which Mullen went 50-6 and captured four Centennial League titles… Head coach was Dave Logan…Also lettered two years in track, where as a sophomore ran the 100-meter dash in 10.63 seconds to win the state championship…Contributed to a 2006 team state track championship…Has 4.35 speed in the 40-yard dash…Chose Colorado State over offers from Illinois, Boise State, Wyoming, Colorado, Air Force, New Mexico and UNLV; also received interest from Kansas State, Washington, Arizona, Boston College, Georgia and Wisconsin.

MARQUISE LAW WR 6-4 195 American High School; Miami, Fla.
Ranked No. 25 on the Miami Herald’s list of top Dade County prospects…First-team all-county, and Class 6A honorable mention all-state wide receiver…Offensive MVP and team captain, caught a school-record 10 TDs in 2007, along with 27 catches for 470 yards…As a senior, caught four passes for 96 yards against conference rival Miami Northwestern – USA Today’s No. 1 team in its final rankings…Also led the Patriots in kickoff returns, returning two for TDs as a junior…Played in the North-South Florida All-State Game, and the Dade-Broward All-Star Game…Head coach was Ben Arstead…Owns a 3.3 GPA, with several advanced-placement courses…Additionally lettered in track and basketball…Also received interest from Western Michigan, Baylor, Minnesota, Rutgers, Mississippi, Iowa State, Louisville, Boston College, Wisconsin and South Florida

Rest of the Class

Scott Albritton	6-4	230	LS	San Diego, Calif. (Santa Barbara City College)
Justin Becker	6-7	230	OL	Highlands Ranch, Colo. (Thunder Ridge HS)
Davis Burl	6-2	205	S	Aurora, Colo. (Grandview HS)
Joe Caprioglio	6-5	247	OL	Highlands Ranch, Colo. (Highlands Ranch HS)
Andy Clements	6-0	185	S	Littleton, Colo. (Chatfield HS)
Michael Connor	5-10	195	RB	Lubbock, Texas (Frenship HS)
Ben DeLine	5-11	150	K	Steamboast Springs, Colo. (Steamboat Springs HS)
Ryan Gardner	6-1	180	WR	Fairfield, Calif. (Diablo Valley College)
Jonathan Gaye	6-0	178	RB	Highlands Ranch, Colo. (Mullen HS)
Chris Gipson	6-0	232	LB	Dallas, Texas (Kimball HS)
Jordan Gragert	6-3	240	OL	Libby, Mont. (Libby HS)
Sevaro Johnson	6-3	300	DT	Oakland, Calif. (Laney College)
Alex Kelly	6-2	205	QB	Fort Collins, Colo. (Rocky Mountain HS)
Jason Klingerman	6-1	260	TE	Valley Center, Calif. (Valley Center HS)
Jake Landers	6-3	300	OL	Durango, Colo. (Durango HS)
Marquise Law	6-4	195	WR	Miami, Fla./American
Drew Reilly	6-3	175	WR	Valley Center, Calif./Valley Center
Byron Steele	6-3	190	WR	Arlington, Texas/Lamar
Sam Stewart	6-3	260	DE	Garden Grove, Calif. (Santa Ana College)
Ben Tedford	6-6	222	DE	Littleton, Colo. (Columbine HS)
Gerard Thomas	5-9	165	DB	Kissimmee, Fla. (Osceola HS)
Zach Tiedgen	6-5	215	DE	Highlands Ranch, Colo. (Thunder Ridge HS)
Ja�Rodd Watson	6-2	260	DT	La Jolla, Calif. (La Jolla HS)
Matt Weems	6-4	227	DE	Centennial, Colo. (Arapahoe HS)
Adam Wilson	6-1	200	S	Orcutt, Calif. (Righetti HS)

- 2007 CSU Season
- 2007 CSU Preview
- 2006 CSU Season

2007 Schedule
CFN Prediction: 5-7
2007 Record: 3-9

Sept. 1 Colorado L 31-28 OT
Sept. 8 California L 38-24
Sept. 22 at Houston L 35-24
Sept. 29 at TCU L 24-12
Oct. 6 San Diego St L 24-20
Oct. 13 Air Force L 45-21
Oct. 20 at UNLV W 48-23
Oct. 27 Utah L 27-3
Nov. 3 at BYU L 28-16
Nov. 10 at N Mexico L 26-23
Nov. 17 Ga Southern W 42-34
Nov. 23 Wyoming W 36-28

2008 Early Lookahead
Why to get excited: Sonny Lubick might have been an all-time great coach for CSU, but the program needed a change in a major way. Steve Fairchild should bring in a new, fresh attitude to the team, and while he has to work with a slew of new starters, that might not be a bad thing considering the house cleaning needing to be done. As bad as last year was, ending on a two-game winning streak might be something to build on.
Why to be grouchy: The team underachieved in a big way, but it had some good seniors with three veterans on the defensive line, including all-star Jesse Nading, and three defensive backs off a solid pass defense. QB Caleb Hanie always had his issues, but he was the Mountain West's most efficient passer. WRs Damon Morton and Luke Roberts were good.
The number one thing to work on is: Changing the overall attitude. The team has been pushed around on both sides of the ball for far too long. Better pass protection is a must after giving up 37 sacks, while the defense didn't get into the backfield often enough. The D never allowed fewer than 24 points.
Biggest offensive loss: QB Caleb Hanie
Biggest defensive loss: DE Jesse Nading
Best returning offensive player: RBs Gartrell Johnson & Kyle Bell
Best returning defensive player: LB Jeff Horinek

2007 Recap
Recap: Four straight forgettable seasons was the tipping point for the Ram administration, which severed ties with long-time head coach Sonny Lubick at the end of the regular season.  Colorado State entered the 2007 season on a seven-game losing streak that reached 13 before it was snapped in the third week of October.  The Rams showed some fight late in the season, winning three of their final six games, yet it wasn’t enough to overcome a slow start or a defense that ranked next-to-last in the Mountain West in just about every statistical category.           

Offensive Player of the Year: RB Gartrell Johnson

Defensive Player of the Year: LB Jeff Horinek

Biggest Surprise: After more than a calendar year without a win, any victory was going to qualify as a surprise.  For the Rams, that day came on Oct. 20, a blustery day that saw Johnson rush for 162 yards and two scores, and the team blow past UNLV, 48-23.     

Biggest Disappointment: Colorado State lost its first five games by an average of only seven, but it was the opener against rival Colorado that set the tone for the season.  The Rams squandered an 11-point lead in the second half, bowing to the Buffs in overtime on a Kevin Eberhart field goal. 

Looking Ahead: The task of replacing the legendary Lubick and rebuilding the Rams belongs to Steve Fairchild, who most recently was the Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator and served alongside Lubick from 1993-2000.  Led by Johnson, Kyle Bell, and four starting linemen, he’ll inherit the pieces of a sold running game.

Nov. 23
Colorado State 36 ... Wyoming 28
Michael Myers stepped in for a banged up Gartrell Johnson and tore off an 18-yard touchdown run to give Colorado State the lead, and Jason Smith put it away with a 39-yard field goal. The Rams got 31-yard touchdown catch from Johnson along with a three-yard scoring dash, but Devin Moore took the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown and also scored on a one-yard run. Wynel Seldon added two short scoring runs, but the offense couldn't get going over the final 12 minutes with two drives without a first down and a fumble on the third. 
Player of the game: Colorado State RB Gartrell Johnson ran 25 times for 103 yards and a touchdown, and caught a 31-yard touchdown pass
Stat Leaders: Wyoming - Passing: Karsten Sween, 20-33, 204 yds
Rushing: Devin Moore, 14-76, 1 TD. Receiving: Wynel Seldon, 6-39
Colorado State - Passing: Caleb Hanie, 16-22, 245 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Gartrell Johnson, 25-103, 1 TD. Receiving: Johnny Walker, 5-56
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... An awful season finishes up with a high note by rallying to beat Wyoming with the type of performance the team was hoping to get throughout the year. Caleb Hanie had an efficient passing day, the running game rumbled with Gartrell Johnson, with Michael Myers doing a great job in relief, and the defensive coming through with three late stops. If nothing else, the Rams were competitive over the final month even when they had nothing to play for.

Nov. 17
Colorado State 42 ... Georgia Southern 34
Gartrell Johnson opened up the scoring three times in the first half, and Luke Roberts caught a 21-yard touchdown pass, as the Rams got up 28-3 and the rout appeared to be on. Georgia Southern made it very interesting thanks to QB Jayson Foster, who ran for scores from 33, 12 and 19 yards out, while Lamar Lewis sparked a run of 17 unanswered points with a 19-yard dash. After Jesse Hartley's second 35-yad field goal of the game, the Rams recovered the onsides kick and ran out the clock.
Player of the game: Colorado State RB Gartrell Johnson ran 19 times for 136 yards and two touchdowns, and caught two passes for 14 yards and two scores.
Stat Leaders: Georgia Southern - Passing: Jayson Foster, 11-17, 107 yds
Rushing: Jayson Foster, 27-195, 3 TD. Receiving: Raja Andrews, 4-10
Colorado State - Passing: Caleb Hanie, 13-16, 244 yds, 3 TD
Rushing: Gartrell Johnson, 19-136, 2 TD. Receiving: Damon Morton, 4-100, 1 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... Colorado State sure likes to make things interesting as Georgia Southern tore off 349 rushing yards to almost pull off the upset. Caleb Hanie had his second straight strong performance throwing the ball, but it helps when Gartrell Johnson and the running game can carry the attack for stretches. Now a brutally ugly year has the potential to end on a big high note with a win over Wyoming giving the Rams a two-game winning streak going into the off-season.

Nov. 10
New Mexico 26 ... Colorado State 23
For the second year in a row, New Mexico beat Colorado State on a last second kick, getting a 43-yard field goal with no time left on the clock. Sullivan also nailed shots from 46, 39 and 34 yards out, while Donovan Porterie threw two first half touchdown passes. The Rams kept pace helped by a 172-yard rushing day from Gartrell Johnson and Johnny Walker touchdown catches from 64 and 31 yards out.
Player of the game: New Mexico QB Donovan Porterie completed 21 of 29 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns, and PK John Sullivan connected on field goals from 34, 39, 46 and 43 yards out.
Stat Leaders: Colorado State - Passing: Caleb Hanie, 13-19, 221 yds, 2 TD
Rushing: Gartrell Johnson, 31-172. Receiving: Johnny Walker, 7-177, 2 TD
New Mexico - Passing: Donovan Porterie, 21-29, 211 yds, 2 TD
Rushing: Rodney Ferguson, 20-110. Receiving: Marcus Smith, 9-83, 1 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... The offense finally got rolling with efficiency, balance and explosion, and it didn't matter. New Mexico was able to match the Rams score for score, but that shouldn't discount the big performance from Gartrell Johnson, who ran well enough to keep control of the game at times. Unfortunately, late drives resulted in field goals instead of touchdowns, and that turned out to be the difference. With Georgia Southern up next, CSU will finally get its second win before dealing with Wyoming.

Nov. 3
BYU 35 ... Colorado State 16
BYU got up right away with a 21-3 halftime lead helped by two Max Hall touchdown passes and a thee-yard Manase Tonga scoring run. A three-yard Harvey Unga scoring run made it 28-3 Cougars and they cruised from there. Colorado State got a three-yard Michael Myers touchdown run off the team's best drive of the day, but wasn't able to get back into the end zone until Jesse Nading took an interception 31 yards for a score late in the fourth.
Player of the game: BYU QB Max Hall completed 22 of 30 passes for 355 yards and three touchdowns
Stat Leaders: Colorado State - Passing: Caleb Hanie, 18-34, 161 yds, 1 INT
Rushing: Gartrell Johnson, 19-72. Receiving: Johnny Walker, 4-26
BYU - Passing: Max Hall, 22-30, 355 yds, 3 TD
Rushing: Harvey Unga, 11-51, 1 TD. Receiving: Austin Collie, 8-111, 1 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... Where's the offensive pop? The receiving corps is too good, and there are too many weapons in the backfield, to be so anemic offensively. Over the past few games, Caleb Hanie hasn't been able to push the ball deep at all, while the running game hasn't been able to control the clock at all. As if dealing with Utah and BYU weren't enough, now comes a tough game against a desperate New Mexico team needing a win at home. This might be a lost season, but closing out strong is a must to give the program something positive for the first time in years.

Oct. 27
Utah 27 ... Colorado State 3
Utah had few problems with Colorado State, running for 322 yards and holding the Ram attack to just 275 yards.  Ray Stowers caught a 16-yard touchdown pass and ran for a one-yard score, and Brian Hernandez caught a four-yard scoring pass. Louie Sakoda added two second quarter field goals for a 20-3 halftime lead, and the Utes coasted from there. CSU only managed a 24-yard Jason Smith field goal.
Player of the game: Utah RBs Darrell Mack and Ray Stowers combined for 274 yards and a touchdown on 31 carries. Stowers also caught a 16-yard touchdown pass
Stat Leaders: Utah - Passing: Brian Johnson, 14-21, 130 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Darrell Mack, 20-151. Receiving: Marquis Wilson, 5-66
Colorado State - Passing: Caleb Hanie, 12-18, 94 yds, 1 INT
Rushing: Gartrell Johnson, 17-95. Receiving: Damon Morton, 3-50
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... The Ram offense was fresh off a blowout of UNLV and a great balanced performance, and then with all the momentum coming into a big home game, it comes up with a total dud in the loss to Utah. The lines got thoroughly whipped, while Caleb Hanie didn't do nearly enough to hit on any big plays down the field. Now with all dreams of a bowl gone, it's about getting little wins here and there over the last month. Beating BYU next week would be a big win.

Oct. 20
Colorado State 48 ... UNLV 23
In a strange game with a big wind storm wreaking havoc, Colorado State broke its 13-game losing streak with an early 24-3 lead and a big day from Gartrell Johnson, who ran for 162 yards and touchdowns from 34 and four yards out. The defense got into the act with a 30-yard interception return for a touchdown from Darryl Williams and a 99-yard pick six from Zac Bryson. UNLV cranked out 559 yards of total offense, but turned it over five times. Frank Summers ran for second half scores from 56 and six yards out, and Ryan Wolfe caught a seven-yard touchdown pass in the final minute.
Player of the game: Colorado State RB Gartrell Johnson ran 25 times for 162 yards and two touchdowns, and caught a pass for 15 yards
Stat Leaders: Colorado State - Passing: Caleb Hanie, 13-19, 218 yds, 1 TD
Rushing: Gartrell Johnson, 25-162, 2 TD. Receiving: Damon Morton, 3-124, 1 TD
UNLV - Passing: Omar Clayton, 23-36, 304 yds, 2 TD, 3 INT
Rushing: Omar Clayton, 19-135. Receiving: Ryan Wolfe, 11-135, 1 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... Finally, CSU busted its ugly losing streak, and it took a strange game to do it. Weather conditions, a green opposing quarterback, and two defensive touchdowns made it happen, and now the team has to build on it. Beating UNLV isn't any big deal, but getting by Utah right now would be. It might be this simple; when Caleb Hanie doesn't throw picks, CSU is fine. Winning the turnover battle is a must for this team.

Oct. 13
Air Force 45 ... Colorado State 21
Air Force rolled for 385 rushing yards thanks to a 256-yard day from Chad Hall. the Falcons grabbed a 28-7 lead going into halftime on Hall runs from two, six and two yards out, and a 26-yard Drew Fowler interception return for a score. The Rams got a four-yard Gartrell Johnson touchdown run in the first half, and a seven-yard Damon Morton scoring grab in the third quarter, but they weren't nearly enough. Hall capped things off with a 13-yard run late in the fourth to put it away.
Player of the game: Air Force RB Chad Hall ran 31 times for 256 yards and four touchdowns
Stat Leaders: Air Force - Passing: Shaun Carney, 3-5, 52 yds, 1 INT
Rushing: Chad Hall, 31-256, 4 TD. Receiving: Mark Root, 1-35, 1 TD
Colorado State - Passing: Caleb Hanie, 11-18, 111 yds, 1 TD, 4 INT
Rushing: Gartrell Johnson, 25-143, 1 TD. Receiving: Damon Morton, 8-99, 1 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... Colorado State is supposed to do the pounding, but over the last few weeks, the defense has been run on at will, while the ground game has been turned over to Gartrell Johnson. The Rams aren't going to win much when it gives up 265 rushing yards and Caleb Hanie throws four picks. He simply can't make big mistakes if CSU is ever going to break out of its slump. Beating UNLV next week is a must to have any hope of a resurgent second half of the year.

Oct. 6
San Diego State 24 ... Colorado State 20
Kevin O'Connell ran for three touchdowns, including a 16-yarder early in the fourth, and a one-yarder with 43 seconds to play to beat Colorado State. The Rams got a one-yard touchdown run from QB Caleb Hanie in the third quarter, and a 40-yard Damon Morton scoring catch to take the lead with 2:29 to play, but O'Connell led the way on a seven-play, 80-yard drive on the way to the win. The Rams sacked O'Connell seven times.
Player of the game: San Diego State QB Kevin O’Connell threw for 184 yards on 13-of-26 passing, rushing 16 times for 41 yards and three touchdowns.
Stat Leaders: San Diego State - Passing: Kevin O’Connell, 13-26, 184 yds
Rushing: Atiyah Henderson, 10-46. Receiving: Brett Swain, 4-111
Colorado State - Passing: Caleb Hanie, 14-26, 188 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT
Rushing: Kyle Bell, 19-76. Receiving: Dion Morton, 4-41
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... The Rams can't come up with a key stop. The front got into the backfield against San Diego State, and the offense limited its mistakes, but to lose at home to a team this uneven shows just how far the team has fallen. Kyle Bell isn't able to get any room to move and bust out big runs, while it seems like Caleb Hanie is playing not to screw up. There are too many good weapons for the offense to be this poor.

Sept. 29
TCU 24 ... Colorado State 12
It wasn't pretty, but TCU was able to outrush Colorado State 201 yards to 55, getting two four-yard Marcus Jackson touchdown runs and a four-yard Shae Reagan scoring grab. Colorado State got back in it with a 27-yard Jason Smith field goal and a 54-yard Damon Morton touchdown catch, but two of the three final drives were stopped by interceptions, and the other stalled.
Player of the game: TCU RB Aaron Brown ran 22 times for 124 yards
Stat Leaders: Colorado State - Passing: Caleb Hanie, 21-38, 216 yds, 1 TD, 3 INTs
Rushing: John Mosure, 10-34. Receiving: Luke Roberts, 4-42
TCU - Passing: Marcus Jackson, 11-26, 137 yds, 1 TDs
Rushing: Aaron Brown, 22-124. Receiving: Ervin Dickerson, 4-66
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... Where's the offensive identity? With Kyle Bell limited to just seven carries for nine yards against TCU, there wasn't anything coming from the ground game. That meant it was up to Caleb Hanie to take over, and while he has the potential to bomb away for big yards, that wasn't going to happen against the TCU D. He was sacked four times and threw three interceptions. He won't have to be amazing for the Rams to beat San Diego State next week, but he'll need help from the running backs. The schedule quickly gets tougher, so any win right now is a must.

Sept. 22
Houston 35 ... Colorado State 24
In a tale of two halves, Colorado State got up 17-3 on two Caleb Hanie touchdown passes and a 40-yard Jason Smith field goal. And then Case Keenum took over for Houston, as he threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to L.J. Castille to open the second half, and a 27-yarder to Perry McDaniel late in the third quarter. A second Smith field goal broke a 24-24 tie, but Keenum put it away with two short touchdown runs in the final 6:18. CSU was held to just 115 rushing yards.
Player of the game: Houston QB Case Keenum threw for 197 yards and two touchdowns on 18-of-22 passing, and ran 12 times for 57 yards and two touchdowns.
Stat Leaders: Colorado State - Passing: Caleb Hanie, 16-26, 227 yds, 3 TDs, 1 INT
Rushing: Kyle Bell, 23-73. Receiving: Luke Roberts, 6-113, 1 TD
Houston - Passing: Case Keenum, 18-22, 197 yds, 2 TDs
Rushing: Anthony Alridge, 15-62. Receiving: Donnie Avery, 7-76
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... It should've been set up so perfectly for CSU against Houston. It got up early, could run Kyle Bell, and get out with the win, but Bell next got going, QB Caleb Hanie struggled in the second half, and now the record is 0-3 with a date at TCU ahead. That's three straight games the Rams have had a shot to win, and three straight times it couldn't close. All the parts aren't coming together, and at the moment, the biggest problem is an offensive line that's not being physical enough. Bell isn't getting any room to move.

Sept. 8
California 34 ... Colorado State 28
Helped by a 73-yard DeSean Jackson touchdown run off a reverse, Cal got out to a 34-14 lead, but had to hang on as Colorado State scored on a 66- yard Damon Morton punt return for a touchdown and a three-yard Kyle Bell scoring run in the final four minutes. Cal was able to run out the clock after the Bell score, but it had to sweat. Benn ran for two scores on the day, and Caleb Hanie added a one-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, but Cal tore off a 20-point run, helped by a 64-yard touchdown dash from Jahvid Best to get the lead for good.
Player of the game: Cal WR DeSean Jackson had five catches for 42 yards, two carries for 78 yards and a touchdown, and a pair of punt returns for 24 yards.
Stat Leaders: Cal - Passing: Nate Longshore 19-29, 146 yds
Rushing: DeSean Jackson, 2-78, 1 TD. Receiving: LaVelle Hawkins, 5-43
Colorado State - Passing: Caleb Hanie, 21-29, 301 yds, 1 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: Kyle Bell, 26-102, 2 TDs. Receiving: Damon Morton, 5-116, 1 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... Give the Rams credit for not giving up against Cal. The comeback might have come up short, but the team battled hard late and made it much closer than it should've been. Kyle Bell ran for big yards for the second straight week, but he had to fight to earn them; nothing seemed to come easy. Caleb Hanie bombed away, but he threw two picks and didn't do enough on third downs. With Houston coming up, the Rams are going to have to be even more explosive.

Sept. 1
Colorado 31 ... Colorado State 28 OT
Colorado's Terrence Wheatley intercepted a Caleb Hanie pass in the end zone on Colorado State's offensive possession in overtime, and Kevin Eberhart nailed his 35-yard chance to give the Buffs the win. The two teams traded scores all game long, with Cody Hawkins throwing two first quarter touchdown passes for Colorado and Caleb Hanie responding with three scoring passes to Kory Sperry. Down 28-17, Colorado came back with a three-yard Demetrius Sumler touchdown run late in the third quarter and got a 22-yard Eberhart field goal with 13 seconds to play to force overtime.
Player of the game ... Colorado PK Kevin Eberhart connected on 3-of-4 field goals, including a 22-yarder that sent the game into overtime and the game-winner from 35 yards.
Stat Leaders: Colorado State - Passing: Caleb Hanie, 20-27, 229 yds, 3 TDs, 1 INT
Rushing: Kyle Bell, 40-135, 1 TD  Receiving: Kory Sperry, 8-103, 3 TDs
Colorado - Passing: Cody Hawkins, 18-31, 201 yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Rushing: Demetrius Sumler, 16-85, 1 TD  Receiving: Scotty McKnight, 8-106, 1 TD
Whoopty doo. What does it all mean, Basil? ... CSU can't lose games when it converts 11 of 19 on third downs and holds on to the ball for 37:01. Caleb Hanie might have had an efficient, solid game against Colorado, but he didn't make the plays he needed to in the second half and threw the key interception in overtime that effectively cost the team the game. Against Cal next week, he has to start pushing the ball deeper and will have to take more chances; that's not his strong suit. Having Kyle Bell back is a huge help, and the Rams fed him 40 carries. While he showed his old power, he didn't have his old burst. Call it shaking the rust off.