MWC football: Fairchild has Colorado State moving in the right direction

Editor's note: This is the fourth in a nine-part series previewing Mountain West Conference football. Stories in projected order of finish (last-to-first) from the league's preseason media poll. Today: No. 6 Colorado State.

Quietly and patiently, Steve Fairchild is working hard to bring Colorado State football back to its glory days. He admits his Rams aren't there yet, but with a bowl win over Fresno State in his first season, things are moving along in the second year.

Picked to finish sixth, one spot lower than a year ago, Fairchild, said polls are irrelevant.

"I could care less where anybody picks us," Fairchild said. "I think they picked us eighth or ninth last year. I took this job with the long-term goal. I saw 18 months ago when I took this job where we were and I know very clearly where we want to get to."

The Rams return 14 starters from a team that defeated the Bulldogs of the WAC 40-35 in the New Mexico Bowl last December. Gone is Billy Farris, who threw 19 touchdowns a year ago. One of the candidates to replace him is Snow College transfer Jon Eastman, from Sandy.

"We definitely have high expectations for ourselves again," said guard Shelly Smith. "We know that we have the potential to meet those expectations, to make it to the top of the Mountain West or get a bowl game win, so it will be disappointing if we don't reach our potential."

STRENGTH: CSU boasts it has the most experienced offensive line in the country — a squad with more starts than any other in the nation. Returners include guards Adrian Martinez and Smith, tackle Cole Pemberton and center Tom Walter.

WEAKNESS: The Rams will not only break in a new QB, but lose the services of running back Gartrell Johnson, a 1,476-yard rusher who scored 12 touchdowns. The Rams will also be without tight end Kory Sperry, one of the big weapons the past few seasons.

EXTRA POINTS: Fairchild told reporters the biggest improvement on his team could be in the secondary, where he believes recruiting has upgraded the stock. Safety Klint Kubiak and corner Gerald Thomas return. The Rams lost punter Anthony Hartz and place kicker Jason Smith.

Rams at a glance

Head coach: Steve Fairchild (7-6 overall, second year)

2008 record: 7-6 (4-4, MWC)

Returning starters: 14 (7 offense, 5 defense, 2 specialists)

2009 schedule

Sept. 6 — at Colorado

Sept. 12 — Weber State

Sept. 19 — Nevada

Sept. 26 — at BYU

Oct. 3 — at Idaho

Oct. 10 — Utah

Oct. 17 — at TCU

Oct. 24 — San Diego St.

Oct. 31 — Air Force

Nov. 7 — at UNLV

Nov. 14 — at N. Mexico

Nov. 27 — Wyoming

Schedule of previews

1. TCU: Saturday, Aug. 1

2. BYU: Friday, July 31

3. Utah: Thursday, July 30

4. Air Force: Wednesday, July 29

5. UNLV: Tuesday, July 28

6. Colorado St.: today

7. New Mexico: July 26

8. San Diego St.: July 25

9. Wyoming: Friday, July 24

e-mail: harmon@desnews.com