Colorado State University Athletics
Rams Begin Preparations For Poinsettia Bowl
12/1/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 1, 2005
Colorado State University's football team opened preparations for the team's Dec. 22 Poinsettia Bowl game with Navy Thursday with a two-hour workout. The Rams are scheduled to return to field Saturday afternoon at 12 noon for the team's second workout.
Players had departed for Thanksgiving vacation following a 31-27 win at UNLV, so most heard of the team's bowl invitation while out of town a week ago. Rams' coach Sonny Lubick met with the team prior to practice Thursday.
"They are excited about having the opportunity to play a bowl game," he said of his squad's bowl outlook. "Now, we have to keep that excitement."
Lubick said the Rams will focus on fundamentals Saturday, as they did in the first bowl workout, then begin preparing for Navy next week. The Midshipmen conclude the regular season Saturday against service academy rival Army in Philadelphia. Navy enters the game as the nation's top-ranked rushing unit.
"Navy has a good rushing attack," he said. "Navy runs option about 70 percent of the game. They are predominantly a true triple option team. This will be a real challenge for us."
He said Saturday's workout would have a heavy focus on special teams as well as fundamental work.
Lubick returned in time for Thursday's workouts after having been on the road recruiting since last weekend. He said the Rams will host about a dozen recruits this weekend, the program's first recruiting weekend of the season.
Offensive tackle Mike Brisiel, injured Nov. 12 in a game with San Diego State, did not practice but Lubick expects him back on the field in a week. Safety Klint Kubiak, who missed the final two regular-season games with a hamstring injury, was back at practice as was outside linebacker Jahmal Hall, who has been bothered by a knee injury. Defensive end Terrance Carter, who missed the final two games with a knee injury, is out but may return in time for the bowl game.
Lubick said following Saturday's workout, CSU would practice Thursday, Dec. 8 at 3:30 p.m., and again Saturday, Dec. 10. The team will then practice daily from Dec. 12-17, before departing for San Diego and bowl headquarters Sunday, Dec. 18. CSU will stage two workouts at San Diego State University on Monday and Tuesday leading up to the game, then hold a walk through at Qualcomm Stadium the day before the game.
The game will be televised by ESPN2 at 7:30 p.m. PT/8:30 p.m. MT, and broadcast live statewide on the Colorado State Sports Network.
Tickets to the bowl game are available by calling 1-800-491-RAMS, or online at CSURAMS.com.