Colorado State Rams Football 2011 Preview, Predictions, Picks, Odds
As the 2011 NCAA Football Season approaches, we are providing season previews for every college football teams to give you the betting edge. Follow the best College Football Handicappers as they analyze their teams in this 2011 season preview. Be sure to bookmark SportsbookBuzz.com your source for Sportsbook Reviews. Use our comprehensive and insider info to bet successfully on the College Football in our recommend sportsbooks.View the rest of our 2011 NCAA Football Season Previews here.
2010 Record: 3-9 MWC Record: 2-6 (T-6th) 2011 Returning Starters: 14: 6 offense, 6 defense, punter, kicker
Coach: Steve Fairchild, 13-24 (3 years)
Offensive Coordinators: Pat Meyer Defensive Coordinators: Larry Kerr
2011 Colorado State Players to Watch: QB Pete Thomas, WR Lou Greenwood, LB Myrnal Sisson, CB Momo Thomas, P Pete Kontodlakos, K Ben DeLine
2011 Colorado State Strengths:
The defense is built around quickness at linebacker. The offense comes back fresh now that Thomas has a year of experience. The Rams have one of the best punting, placekicking tandems in the league.
2011 Colorado State Weaknesses:
This team needs to build some confidence in a hurry and can’t afford to slip in the opener at New Mexico. There is no sign of a feature running back emerging, although the depth and change-up in style might end up being a benefit. Outside of the linebackers, plenty of questions remain on the defense.
2011 Colorado State Offense:
Finally, in his fourth year as coach at Colorado State, Steve Fairchild has a returning starter at quarterback. That fact alone gives the Rams and Fairchild something to celebrate. Pete Thomas, though, is no ordinary returnee. He was the only true freshman quarterback in the country to start every game last year, and he responded by setting a school single-season record, completing 64.7 percent of his passes while throwing for 2,662 yards and 11 touchdowns. The problem was that Thomas didn’t get a lot of help from his teammates. That should change in 2011, as the Rams return four of five starters on the line and depth at running back. If a couple of receivers step up, the Rams might be able to operate the type of attack Fairchild envisioned when he left the NFL to return to his alma mater. Fairchild is counting on senior Raymond Carter and sophomore Chris Nwoke to produce solid numbers at running back. Converted running back Lou Greenwood could be ready for a breakout season at wide receiver after averaging 13.9 yards per catch last year, and freshman Thomas Coffman is already being compared to former Ram great and current Texans receiver David Anderson.
2011 Colorado State Defense:
The Rams’ best player is senior Mychal Sisson, an undersized linebacker who has a knack for making plays. Sisson led the nation in forced fumbles last year and was one of the few bright spots on a defense that finished last in the country in third down defense, allowing foes to convert an astounding 54.6 percent of their opportunities. The really bad news is that nose tackle Guy Miller, CSU’s only All-MWC player in 2010, graduated, leaving a giant hole in the line. The Rams are hoping some of their younger players can grow and become viable players up front, but until they do, defense will continue to be the No. 1 concern. One player worth getting excited about is sophomore Mike Orakpo, the younger brother of former Texas star Brian Orakpo. He lacks his big brother’s size but is a fierce hitter and playmaker. The secondary will feature plenty of veterans, with safety Ivory Herd and corners Momo Thomas and Elijah-Blu Smith (a former safety) returning. Trouble is, the Rams intercepted only four passes last year, which helps explain their dismal third down performance.
2011 Colorado State Special Teams:
Junior punter Pete Kontodiakos has lived up to his prep All-America accolades by averaging 43.7 yards per attempt. Senior Ben DeLine led the MWC in field goals at 1.33 a game. Wide receiver Tony Drake, the fastest man on the team at 4.37 seconds for 40 yards, will return kicks.
| 2011 Colorado State Football Schedule | Colorado State Football Sportsbooks |
2011 Colorado State Predictions:
After posting back-to-back 3–9 seasons, Fairchild knows the heat is on him to produce. The good news is that four years of recruiting have greatly enhanced the team’s overall talent, particularly when it comes to speed, and Thomas is an emerging star at quarterback. The schedule, which includes win-friendly non-conference dates with Northern Colorado, San Jose State, Utah State and UTEP, is designed to get Fairchild and the Rams into the postseason. Anything short of that, however, could spell the end of Fairchild’s run.
2011 Colorado State Betting Odds:
Colorado State Current odds to win a National Championship: +5000
Will Colorado State go to a Bowl Game this season or will their season be lackluster? Either way, you can still enjoy Colorado State Football Betting at our feature sportsbooks. College Football Betting is serious business; where you can make a ton of loot placing informed, smart Utah bets. Check out these highly reliable, trustworthy, online sportsbooks.
NCAA Football Handicapping Picks
Check out our weekly Sports Handicapping Picks from the world’s best handicappers. Trust our handicapping experts offering premium and free NCAA Football Picks and packages daily. Also stay up to date with weekly College Football Matchups, and buy some picks to win some BIG cash this football season at our recommended sportsbooks.
Bet on Colorado State
If you are looking for the best Online Sportsbook to bet on the Colorado State this season, then BetOnline.com with their Better Bonus Guarantee, is the place for you. BetOnline.com has NCAA Football Betting Lines and Odds, along with a tons of futures on the 2011 Season, so get your college football bets in early while the lines are hot!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.