Fort Collins – When Colorado State can laugh off an inadvertent whistle that nullifies its biggest defensive score in more than a decade, something has to be going right.
The Rams’ sputtering offense soared to life in the third quarter. That, combined with a 14-yard Jeff Horinek interception return and an overall defensive gem, added up to a 28-7 win Saturday over UNLV in CSU’s Mountain West Conference opener.
It could have been 35-7 if defensive end Jesse Nading’s 96-yard sideline fumble-return had counted. It was never an issue of whether David Peeples’ fumble was caused by the crowd or a hard pop by Jon Radford. Nading fielded the ball on the bounce, but referees ruled the play didn’t count because of an inadvertent whistle.
Time was put back on the clock and the Rams stopped UNLV on fourth down just under the seven-minute mark.
CSU coach Sonny Lubick said he told the nearest referee: “You’re lucky it’s not 7-7. Hey, if it were 7-7 and we lost on that call, you’d get lynched running out of here and I’d be heading up the mob.”
Mindful that New Mexico’s Rocky Long was wrist-slapped by the MWC this week for calling out the officiating and the league, Lubick took pains to keep his thoughts on the whistle – and Thursday’s upcoming game at Air Force – to himself.
Enjoying a 4-1 start for the fourth time in his 14 seasons (the last time in 2002), Lubick had to put aside his frustrations with the offense and penalties (seven for 70 yards) to praise the defense.
With a shutout in the final three quarters, CSU has allowed only 16 second-half points this season. The Rebels, who have dropped 12 straight on the road, converted only 1-of-13 third downs and 1-of-4 fourth downs.
“I don’t think we’ve played this well (on defense) since I’ve been here,” Lubick said.
Until Saturday, Colorado State’s offense needed two touchdowns from special teams to help put some points on the board. This time the defense scored its first touchdown of the season – Horinek’s return with 8:46 left – to all but finish off UNLV (1-4).
With the possible exception of the season finale at winless San Diego State, every remaining league opponent will offer far more resistance than UNLV.
“We’ll enjoy this for a few hours,” defensive tackle Blake Smith said. “It feels good because everyone knew we were the whipping boys on defense last year. Air Force will be a real test. It doesn’t get tougher than that. If we play well, we can beat anyone. If we play badly, anyone can beat us.”
CSU was trying to set something up on offense after a dismal 15-yard output in the second quarter. The Rams had to settle for a 7-7 deadlock at halftime. CSU moved at will after the opening score until failing to convert a fourth-and-1 and missing a field goal on the next drive.
All but giving up on the erratic running game, quarterback Caleb Hanie drove the Rams 80 yards on the first possession of the third quarter, using mostly wide-receiver screens and two first-down passes to H-back Kory Sperry. Hanie finished the drive with a run for the final 9 yards after he couldn’t find an open receiver for a 14-7 lead – CSU’s first lead since the game’s opening drive.
The Rams defense, which by then had settled into a game of three-and-outs, stopped the Rebels on fourth-and-1 at the CSU 36. On the next play, Hanie dropped back, spotted Damon Morton ahead of UNLV cornerback John Guice and lofted the ball. Morton gathered it in around the 30 with a clear path to the end zone and a 21-7 lead.
“I knew their guys would bite and Damon could outrun him,” Hanie said.
THE GRADES
Offense
B: A few big plays, a few hints of a running game and just enough to let the defense carry the day. Offense got it done in the third quarter when CSU had to put the game away.
Defense
A: First defensive TD of the season, on Jeff Horinek’s interception return, held UNLV to 250 net yards and didn’t let the Rebels sniff the end zone after a mid-first quarter score.
Special teams
C: Missed field goal, key penalty on a UNLV punt return, but some nice return yardage by Damon Morton and George Hill.
Overall
B: Uncharacteristic seven penalties for 70 yards, lack of offensive production in the second quarter distracted from a superb defensive effort.
Natalie Meisler can be reached at 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com.
