Previewing Colorado States Opponents: Sacramento State

The Colorado State Rams get the opportunity to challenge the mighty Sacramento State Hornets from the Big Sky Conference from I-AA. The Hornets were not great last year with a 3-8 record. This game is one of those rent-a-wins and it gives the Rams to work on their game planand get inexperienced players some more playing time. Last year the Hornets played Fresno State and New Mexico from the I-A division and lost them both by a combined score 72-3, and while Colorado State is not as good as either team the Rams should win this game. The Hornets did hire a new coach in January Marshall Sperbeck who replaces Steve Mooshagian, who had an 11-33 overall record in four years. Sperbeck came from Foothill College in Los Altos where he was

Offense: Last season the Hornets were lead by Freshman QB Jason Smith he did struggle by throwing for 10 touchdowns, 17 picks, and was sacked 16 times. With a year under his belt Smith should have more production, and the running game should help out as well. With Bryan Hilliard and Travon Jones who combined for over 1,500 yard and that will help releave some pressure off of Smith. The offensive line could not be worse then last year, the line allowed 16 sacks and had trouble stopping any defensive lines. If the Hornets can establish a running game then they might be able to get some offensive production.

Defense: The defense was not much better by giving up over 27 points per game. Overall they had a tough time stopping any team, and they also had a tough time applying pressure in creating turnovers. With the Rams rushing attack the Hornets will have a tough time stopping Gatrell Johnson III and Kyle Bell. Expect the Rams to be able to do as they wish.

Way to early prediction: The Rams should not have a problem getting this win, and a week after playing Big XII foe and rival Colorad this game will be a breeze. The Rams will win by three touchdowns, and get new coach Steve Fairchild his first home win.