2009 Colorado State Rams College Football Predictions

2009 Colorado State Rams Predictions
2008 Record: (7-6, 4-4)
Coach: Steve Fairchild, 2nd year (7-6 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Greg Peterson (2nd year)
Def. Coordinator: Larry Kerr (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 12 (7 offense, 5 defense)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: No

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Offense: The Rams took a huge step forward last year under Steve Fairchild, moving from 3-9 to 7-6 in his first season at the helm. The offense returns seven starters, but will feature a new quarterback. Senior Grant Stucker appears to be the successor to Billy Farris, who like Stucker, was a first-time starter last season. However, juco transfer Jon Eastman, freshman Nico Ranieri and Klay Kubiak, son of Houston Texas head coach Gary Kubiak, could all be in the mix. They also have an issue at running back as junior John Mosure appears to be the best of a committee of backs. At least they are deep at receiver where senior Rashaun Greer (6-1, 203), who led the team with 1,114 yards receiving and was a second-team All-MWC selection last year, is back to anchor a strong receiving unit. Sophomore T.J. Borcky (6-4, 197) moves from quarterback to wide receiver, but will also be used in the Wildcat formation. Up front, they return four of five starters on the line.

Defense: This unit allowed a whopping 30.2 ppg (89th in the nation) last season and 410.1 yards (96th in the nation). The Rams run a 4-3 defense, but they rely heavily on the linebackers, especially sophomore Mychal Sisson (5-11, 201), who recorded 105 tackles last season. This year, he’ll move to the outside after two-year starter Ricky Brewer was suspended for the 2009 season. Up front, they have to replace all four starters, so they are rebuilding. The secondary had issues last season, mainly due to injuries. All four starters return, including senior FS Klint Kubiak (6-0, 202), Gary’s older son, who is the leader along with sophomore Eijah-Blu Smith (5-11, 181), who moves over from corneback.

Outlook: CSU takes on their rival Colorado on the road to open, and then faces Weber State and Nevada at home. They face BYU and TCU on the road along with Utah at home. Unless they can find a quarterback, this will be a tough season though games against Idaho, Weber State, Nevada, Air Force, San Diego State and Wyoming at home, are certainly winnable and could be enough to put them over the top.

This Mountain West conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com