College football report: CU, CSU coaches trade one-liners

The Rocky

Published August 29, 2008 at 9:25 p.m.

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Photo by Jae C. Hong / Associated Press

CSU running back Kyle Bell rushed for 135 yards against CU last season.

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Colorado State coach Steve Fairchild and Colorado coach Dan Hawkins traded one-liners Friday during the Tailgate at Invesco luncheon.

When asked about the difference between the NFL, where he spent seven seasons, and college football, Fairchild said: "You can cut (players) and you can't fine them."

Hawkins admitted he gets jitters and a special feeling on game days.

"I say this when I speak to a group of bankers: I think I know a little about banking, but you all know that you know something about coaching."

On a more serious note, Fairchild said the Rocky Mountain Showdown on Sunday (5:30 p.m., FSN Rocky Mountain) between the Buffaloes and Rams was important.

"I think it's special for everyone at CSU and everyone at CU," Fairchild said. "This game has national recognition from coast to coast being played at Invesco Field at Mile High. (People) identify with this game."

But can he slalom?

CU special-teams coach Kent Riddle can't get a read on CSU freshman kicker Ben DeLine, who replaces regular kicker Jason Smith (broken arm).

Riddle's only pregame insight into DeLine's leg strength, whether his kickoffs reach the end zone or drop 5 or 10 yards short, might come from CU safety Joel Adams. But that's a makeshift scouting report, at best.

Like Adams, a former CU skier who left that sport for football, DeLine attended Steamboat Springs High School. Adams is older than DeLine, so their paths didn't cross in high school.

"But he was on my little brother's team, and I know he's got a big leg and is a good kicker," Adams said. "I know he's excited for this opportunity."

Family affair

CU freshman defensive tackle Will Pericak probably won't play Sunday, but he doesn't have to be briefed on what to expect from the CU-CSU rivalry. Pericak, a Boulder High School graduate, said, "I've grown up with it. Plus, my parents went to CSU . . . but they're really big CU fans now.

"My brother and sister went here, and (his family) has lived in Boulder for 25 years. I've grown up a CU fan. The rivalry is always there. It's always been such a fun game to watch."

Early in camp, Pericak shifted from tight end to the defensive line, an area he said suits him better overall: "D-line is a good position for my body type (he's 6-4, 260). I actually was getting a little heavy for tight end, a little heavy and slow."

Stop the run - always

Hawkins knows there will be more than a few in-game adjustments required Sunday, but he also believes there is one certainty about Colorado State's game plan: The Rams will run until the Buffs stop them.

Last season, recalled Hawkins, "They pounded it on us. Pounded it . . . They've got two really good backs and a good O-line, so I would assume (they'll emphasize the run). Coach Fairchild's been around for a while, so I'm sure he'll definitely get that running game going."

Hawkins surmised that with CSU starting an untested senior (Billy Farris) at quarterback, "You try and take a little pressure off of him by running the ball. . . . You go with your strengths, and obviously, those are two proven guys."

The two Rams backs Hawkins referred to are Kyle Bell (6-foot-2, 234 pounds) and Gartrell Johnson (6-0, 227). Bell ran 40 times for 135 yards in the Rocky Mountain Showdown last season. With that kind of production from Bell, Johnson (three carries, 11 yards) wasn't called on much.

But the Buffs know they have to be ready to stop both Sunday.

CSU won the statistical battle last season, gaining 386 yards in total offense (157 rushing, 229 passing) to CU's 339 (129, 210). But the Buffs got two late Kevin Eberhart field goals, the last in overtime, to tie, then win 31-28.

B.G. Brooks

AIR FORCE

Falcons' Rembert ready to roll

AIR FORCE ACADEMY - Reggie Rembert made a lasting impression on his Falcons teammates and coaches during the preseason.

"You stand out in our practice field and you watch all the guys - yeah, he moves differently than the rest of our guys," Air Force coach Troy Calhoun said.

The quick and athletic 5-foot-7, 175-pound sophomore from Flower Mound, Texas, seems to have an extra burst that gives players and spectators alike the feeling that something special could happen when he gets the ball.

"He just makes plays," senior quarterback Shea Smith said. "He's just one of those guys that has that knack."

For that reason, Calhoun will use Rembert "as much as we possibly can" this season, starting with the season opener today against Southern Utah at Falcon Stadium.

The Gazette

WYOMING

Glenn, Solich faced QB dilemmas

LARAMIE - Naturally, Wyoming coach Joe Glenn will seek out his old friend Frank Solich today before kickoff against Ohio.

They should have plenty to talk about.

Both veterans went through drawn-out quarterback battles in spring ball and fall camp, though at least one of them is definitively over heading into the opener - at least for now.

Dax Crum is comfortably at the helm for the Cowboys. Theo Scott might spend some time looking over at the Bobcats bench, with Boo Jackson expected to see some action in relief.

Either way, Glenn has stressed the importance of taking care of business and not overlooking Ohio this week in practice.

"They've got scholarships, too," Glenn said. "I give Ohio a lot of credit; they'll come after us, and they did a nice job a year ago on us."

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