Fresno State Athletics
Unbeaten Football Back In Action Against Rams
10/10/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 9, 2001
Fresno State looks to continue its unprecedented climb in the AP Top 25 when it travels to Fort Collins to take on Colorado State on Saturday.
The eighth-ranked Bulldogs (5-0) began their rapid rise in the rankings with three season-opening upsets, and Fresno State even gained ground during last week's bye, when losses by No. 11 Texas and No. 13 Tennessee allowed the Bulldogs to jump to the highest ranking in school history.
Paris Gaines rushed for a career-high 203 yards and two touchdowns, and also caught a 37-yard scoring pass as Fresno State defeated Louisiana Tech 38-28 in its last game Sept. 29.
Gaines has already rushed for 428 yards this season, surpassing last year's total of 375.
"We needed Paris Gaines because the run game was something we had to do," Fresno State coach Pat Hill said. "Louisiana Tech was committed to the pass. Guys were thinking pass coverage, and they were hoping their inside guys could handle the run, and they didn't."
Fresno State senior quarterback David Carr turned in another strong effort against Louisiana Tech, completing 26 of 42 passes for 319 yards and two touchdowns while also running for a score.
Carr has thrown for 1,411 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.
Colorado State (2-3) struggled offensively last week against Louisville, falling 7-2. The Rams' 148 yards was their lowest total since 1993, and the first time in four years they failed to score a touchdown.
While Colorado State held Louisville to a single touchdown, the Rams may have trouble duplicating that feat against the explosive Bulldogs.
Colorado State has held opponents to an average of 11 points per game, but Fresno State is scoring 35 per game.
Hill expects the Rams to pose a significant challenge to his unbeaten squad.
"That's a good program," he said. "They don't lose many games in Fort Collins. It's going to be a very, very tough game."
The last meeting between the schools was anything but tough for Fresno State, which pounded Colorado State 44-13 in 1999. The Rams lead the all-time series 4-3.
