College Football - Colorado State Review

COLORADO STATE
STRENGTHS: Four starters return to bolster the offensive line, all of them are seniors. Receivers
Rashaun Greer and Dion Morton are both playmakers that will help a passing game still
searching for a quality QB. The most experienced unit on defense will be in the backfield where
all four starters return.
CONCERNS: The Rams will be breaking in a new QB and a new set of running backs. Fifth year
senior and first time starter Grant Tucker will handle the job behind center but coaches have yet
to give him the vote of confidence. Replacing talented Gartrell Johnson in the backfield will have
to be done by committee. The top defensive player, LB Ricky Brewer, is out for the season on a
"team rules" suspension and the inexperience up front on the defensive line is going to cause
problems.
PROGNOSIS: While the Rams got an important bowl victory last season, they now have to
reload at some of the most important positions. A new QB, a new set of running backs and a
completely rebuilt defensive line are huge areas of concern and will keep CSU out of the
conference race. The two aforementioned offensive holes left coaches scratching their heads all
spring. Luckily, the blockers up front may be the team's best unit. Getting off to a rough start won't
help build confidence as BYU, Utah, TCU, Nevada and Colorado dot the schedule before mid-
October arrives.
PROJECTED RECORD: 4-8
NEW MEXICO
STRENGTHS: Those 1,000-yard rushing seasons of the past were built around a strong
offensive line. Center Erik Cook is an All-MWC performer and there is enough talent around him
to keep the front line sound. The top three receivers return led by Chris Hernandez although none
of them put big numbers last season due to the QB inefficiencies. Both of the returning starters at
safety are seniors and will be called upon to keep the defense honest.
CONCERNS: QB play was horrid a year ago. Donovan Porterie threw for over 3,000 yards in
2007 and will return from a torn ACL that sidelined him in 2008. The QB plight is still unsettled
however as eight game starter Brad Gruner is in a heated battle with Porterie. With roughly three
starters back on defense the Lobos will switch to a 4-3 defensive scheme, which puts pressure on
a DL that is extremely short on experience and depth. Two new corners get broken in and will
require a ton of help from the veteran safeties.
PROGNOSIS: Dynamic offensive mind Mike Locksley from Illinois takes over in his first stint as a
head coach. All of the schemes on both sides of the ball will go through a major reconstruction
schematically. The offense will be a no-huddle spread attack and the defense moves to a
completely new scheme too. The days of a power running game are history and this team is
lacking top rated talent to make the transitions smooth. It will take a few seasons to haul in the
players Locksley needs to run his sets. The key for the present is finding a QB, which proved to
be the downfall of 2008.
PROJECTED RECORD: 4-7