CSU-BYU Preview Interview: Five Questions with BYU Examiner

As the Rams sit 3-0 for the first time in 15 years, they are coming up on likely the toughest opponent they face all year in the No. 19 BYU Cougars. In preparation for this huge game, I got together with BYU Cougars Examiner Kelly Martinez as we both asked each other five questions surrounding this huge Mountain West contest.

The following are Kelly's five questions about the Rams for me and my answers.

1. CSU hasn't beaten BYU since 2003 and has dropped seven of the last 10 to the Cougars. How heavily does this weigh on the Rams as they prepare for Saturday's game?

Well Kelly, I honestly think the Rams and sophomore head coach Steve Fairchild are concentrating on the present and the future rather than the past. And really, I think the proof is in the results of last year and this season for CSU.

In 2008, Fairchild took a 3-9 team and made them a 7-6 bowl winner, albeit the bowl was small, but that is a truly huge improvement. The same can be said about the improvement against the Cougars as well. In 2007, Sonny Lubick’s last year, the Rams lost 35-16 in their last visit to Provo, Utah. In 2008, Fairchild led his team to a heartbreaking loss at the very end of the game to a similarly ranked No. 20 BYU team 45-42. Sure, the game was in Fort Collins, but the fact of the matter is this CSU team has bought into Fairchild’s message and ideology, and they are better than last year.

In addition, Fairchild explained to the media, “I feel like we took a step forward on Saturday. We got a little closer to playing a complete game against a very good Nevada team. I was happy walking away because I felt like both sides of the ball and special teams contributed to the win.”

2. CSU has not allowed any points in the first quarter of their games this season. Do the Rams believe keeping the Cougars from scoring early is the key to beating them?

Not necessarily. I mean, of course it would be enormous to keep BYU from scoring in the first quarter, as it will be difficult for the Rams to come back against the Cougars on the road. But, CSU must focus on playing a complete game defensively, and even if they are down after the first quarter, they will fight a tough battle in this huge game.

3. CSU's defense has been stingy against the run so far this season, holding opponents to just 85 yards per game. Since BYU isn't known for its rushing prowess, does the Rams' coaching staff consider stopping the pass its number one priority this week?

You know Kelly; I think this may be the biggest point of emphasis for the Rams in the game. CSU is in the bottom quarter of the league in pass defense, at 88th with 244 passing yards given up per game.

But, I believe this is a deceiving stat because even with the large numbers teams are racking up against the Rams, CSU is still only allowing an even 20 points per game to opponents.

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