CSU – UNM game capsules

Passing:

CSU: The Rams have thrown the ball wherever and whenever they’ve

wanted to this season. Thanks to an offensive line that has given

Van Pelt all the time he needs in the pocket, the Rams passing game

has been impressive.

UNM: The Lobos have been throwing the ball well this year,

behind senior Casey Kelly. The one negative number for the Lobos

this year is the12 interceptions thrown by the team’s quarterbacks.

Kelly has accounted for nine of those interceptions, with three

coming last week.

Advantage: Rams

Running:

CSU: One word defines the CSU ground game this year: injuries.

Marcus Houston has been the healthiest of the four Ram backs, but

has lost the ball at critical moments this season. Rahsaan Sanders

has looked impressive when healthy, and Van Pelt has a number of

highlight-reel runs.

UNM: Sophomore Dontrell Moore is the Lobos’ back. He has been

impressive this year, gaining 855 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns.

Moore ranks second in the conference in yards and first in

touchdowns.

Advantage: Lobos

Defense:

CSU: While the run defense has been solid all year, the pass

defense has been shaky. When the Rams face a team with the ability

to move the ball through the air, the secondary gets exposed.

UNM: The Lobos have the worst rated defense against the pass in

the MWC, while their defense against the run is outstanding. They

have only given up 75 yards per game on the ground, and four

touchdowns.

Advantage: Even

Special Teams:

CSU: Dexter Wynn is dangerous any time he touches the ball. Last

week he didn’t get a chance to show-off his talents in the punt

return game, as Wyoming kicked away from him all game. Kicker Jeff

Babcock has been reliable recently and should give the Rams a boost

when a field goal is needed.

UNM: Junior kicker Jeff Zunker is a perfect seven for seven in

field goals with a long of 48 yards. A lack of a return game has

hurt the Lobos’ field position all year, so Zunker’s leg has been

an added bonus for coach Rocky Long.

Advantage: Rams