Thursday, November 26, 2009

Border War Preview




The Wyoming Cowboys (5-6) will travel 64 miles to Fort Collins, CO with their post season hopes resting on a victory over rival Colorado State. The Rams (3-8) haven't won in two months and just gave previously winless New Mexico their first win of the season but don't count the Rams out.

After a 3-0 start pretty much everything that could have gone wrong for the Rams
this season has:

Injuries? Check!

Fourth Quarter Collapses?
Check!

Disillusionment with the coaching staff? Check!


But nothing could save the season like a victory over Wyoming in the Border War to help put a band aid on things. Coach Fairchild doesn't want the losing streak to extend to 2010. History has shown that you can throw the records out when these teams face off. CSU has won the last two Bronze Boots and now leads the series 21-20.

Wyoming has surprised others in the conference and the media by being fairly competitive in the first year under new Head Coach Dave Christensen. The new staff is not afraid of playing young players and the team is led by true freshman QB Austyn Carta-Samuels. ACS has thrown for 1,615 yards and seven touchdowns while adding 261 yards on the ground. David Leonard has been his favorite target but TE David Tooley stepped up big in the win over San Diego State.

The Cowboys have one of toughest schedules this year and have struggled against ranked opponents but had quite a bit of success against middle of the pack teams. LB Brian Hendricks who has missed the last two games with a high ankle sprain will be back in action. The return of the teams leading tackler will give the defense a much needed boost.

A Wyoming victory will put the Cowboys at 6-6 and make them bowl eligible. A trip to the Albuquerque would be their destination to play in the New Mexico Bowl. Last year the Rams beat the Cowboys to earn their sixth victory and head to the New Mexico Bowl.

The Rams feature a potent rushing attack that is led Jon Mosure who had 177 yards and two touchdowns last week but had a key fumble that contributed to the loss. Leonard Mason was the feature back for the Rams but has found himself on bench after Coach Fairchild was unhappy with his work ethic. QB Grant Stucker is banged up and will be a game time decision. If Stucker is unable to go then John Eastman will get the start for the Rams. Rashaun Greer leads the Rams with 688 receiving yards this year.

Utah has the Holy War but the Front Range has the Border War and this will be an entertaining game despite the records.

Series History: Colorado State leads Wyoming 53-40-5,

Border War History: Colorado State leads Wyoming 21-20

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