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CSU report: Cougars impress Fairchild

By Jim Benton, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published October 31, 2008 at 8:17 p.m.

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He Said It

"He's accurate, he's tough, he's smart and he gets the ball out on time, so that makes him really good in my books."

CSU coach Steve Farchild, on BYU's Hall.

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Coach Steve Fairchild didn't want to debate the fact that No. 17 Brigham Young, CSU's opponent today, has the most balanced offense the Rams have faced this season.

"Offensively, they're impressive," Fairchild said. "What I like about this is, obviously, they throw the ball well. They always have. It's been their tradition there and their quarterback (Max Hall) is experienced.

"But they are also very physical. They're big and they run the ball at you. It's a pleasure to watch them run the football. They (have) the right mentality and the right attitude. So we're going to have to get in there and get physical and do a number on them to just kind of tone down their run game, because that's sure an impressive part of their offense."

Rams' secondary hurting

CSU , with an ailing secondary, will be facing BYU's passing attack, the 10th best in the nation.

Although Fairchild announced early in the week that the Rams' injury report consisted of "just some nicks here and there," CSU confirmed Friday that starting safety Mike Pagnotta will miss the rest of the season because of a shoulder injury that will require surgery.

Other players in the secondary, Brandon Owens, Jake Galusha, Nick Oppenneer and Klint Kubiak, have been slowed by injuries but are hopeful of playing. Kubiak has missed the past three games because of an ankle injury. He won't start but will play.

Tulsa in CSU's future

The Rams and the University of Tulsa have signed a contract to play a home-and-home football series in 2013 and 2014.

The games are scheduled for Sept. 7, 2013, at Skelly Stadium in Tulsa and Sept. 6, 2014, in Hughes Stadium.

Tulsa, from Conference USA, is 18th in the Bowl Championship Series ratings.

Porter to be noted

Former CSU standout Joey Porter, playing for the Miami Dolphins and leading the NFL in sacks, with 101/2, will be recognized during the first half today.

Porter, who will be playing against the Broncos on Sunday, helped with financial donations that allowed CSU to construct the Joey Porter Locker Room in 2005.

Ex-CSU quarterback Bradlee Van Pelt, who helped lead the Rams to three consecutive bowl games, is expected to join Porter at the game today.