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CSU looks to move ball past suspect UNLV defense

By Jim Benton, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published October 2, 2008 at 11:59 a.m.
Updated October 2, 2008 at 7:05 p.m.

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Colorado State's offense, which coach Steve Fairchild labeled as abysmal in last week's loss to California, has a chance to get well this week.

Nevada-Las Vegas (3-2) plays the Rams (2-2) in CSU's Mountain West Conference opener Saturday (noon, the mtn.) at Hughes Stadium, and the Runnin' Rebels defense has been yielding yards in bunches.

It's true UNLV has faced quality offenses in Nevada, Utah and Arizona State, but the Rebels also have played Utah State and Iowa State, which have offenses ranked in the lower echelon of Football Bowl Subdivision teams.

UNLV is giving up 410.6 yards a game, ranking it 97th in total defense. The Rebels are 109th in rushing defense, allowing 212.4 yards a game. UNLV is giving up 31.8 points a game, placing it 97th in NCAA statistics.

"We go into every game thinking we are going to get it going on offense, defense and special teams," Rams guard Shelley Smith said. "We are definitely looking forward to coming out and having a strong game on offense."

Nevada rolled to a 49-27 win against UNLV on Saturday, shredding the Rebels defense for 444 yards rushing and 610 yards in total offense.

Fairchild cautions not to put too much stock in the gaudy statistics put up by Nevada.

"Nevada played very, very well and their quarterback had a big game," Fairchild said. "We are a different style offense and a different team, and the game can be completely different. We just need to get ourselves ready to play and do our best."

UNLV coach Mike Sanford said the Rams offense, which is averaging 361.8 yards a game, is good enough to create problems for the Rebels defense.

"I think their offensive line is playing very well, and Gartrell Johnson is running very well," Sanford said. "They are making some plays in the passing game."

The Rams' offensive line was one of the team's strengths entering the season, and Smith is one of four returning linemen who played last season.

"I think we've done well so far, but there's always room to improve," Smith said. "Right now at practice each week we're working to improve our mistakes and keep getting better and better."