On his final sweep of the Invesco Field locker room, Colorado State coach Sonny Lubick was almost apologetic to his workhorse running back, Kyle Bell.
“We didn’t mean for you to carry 40 times,” said Lubick, more concerned with Bell’s well-being than the stat book.
And Bell, hardly worse for the wear, replied, “I’d do it every week.”
A little over a year after tearing his ACL, the CSU junior appeared in midseason form. Bell, running backs coach Mick Delaney and offensive co-coordinator Dan Hammerschmidt all claimed Bell was better than ever going into the season. Last week, Bell said he hoped he’d get 30 carries.
The 40 totes bettered his career high of 35 against Wyoming two years ago. It was the most carries by a CSU back since Steve Bartalo’s school- record 47 vs. New Mexico in 1985.
Bell kept getting the ball but found the going tough, finishing with 135 yards and a 3.4 average, well under his 4.6 average when he gained 1,288 yards in 2005.
“It felt like a lot of carries, but if I get 50 it doesn’t matter,” said Bell, who missed a few plays with a cramp in his calf.
CU junior defensive tackle George Hypolite said: “(Bell) is a great running back. He runs hard and follows his blocks. He sees the hole and hits it fast.”
Coach hospitalized
CSU special teams coach Dave Arnold was wheeled out of the locker room on a stretcher and hospitalized with fatigue after the game. Initial reports said that Arnold would be fine.
Footnotes
Former CU All-America kicker Mason Crosby, who made the Green Bay Packers roster Saturday, never kicked a game-winner in overtime such as Kevin Eberhart did. In fact, no CU player had done so. Crosby did beat the Rams with a few seconds left in regulation two years ago. …
It was only the second overtime in CSU history and the first since a 25-22 loss to Fresno State in 2001. CU improved to 4-4 in overtime. …
Tailgaters started partying as soon as the lots opened at 6 a.m. Security personnel reported a person passed out near the Port-a-Potties at 6:45 a.m., plenty of time to rally for the 10 a.m. kickoff. …
The national anthem started with crowds still jammed trying to get into the gates. One section of CU students couldn’t decide whether they wanted to sing the CU fight song or a crude version of the CSU chant, “I’m proud to be a CSU Ram.” …
CSU offensive co-coordinator Dan Hammerschmidt moved up to the press box to oversee the passing game while Dave Lay chose to work the sideline. Secondary coach James Ward and running backs coach Mick Delaney remained upstairs. Hammerschmidt said he prefers the view from upstairs. …
CU running back Hugh Charles strained his hamstring on the fourth play of the game on a 15-yard pass reception. He did not play again and it’s uncertain whether he’ll be ready for Arizona State on Saturday. …
Tight end Eric Peitz became CSU’s first true freshman to play in two seasons. Peitz was unable to hold onto the first pass thrown in his direction.
CU: THE GRADES | By Tom Kensler
Offense
B By the middle of the first quarter, Cody Hawkins had passed for more yards (80) than last year’s starter, Bernard Jackson, had in the game (70).
Defense
C Buffs didn’t force CSU to punt until 38 seconds before halftime, allowed the Rams to convert 11-of-19 third downs and gain 386 total yards.
Special teams
A A 43-yard punt return by Chase McBride set up the game-tying field goal and Kevin Eberhart booted 3-of-4 FGs, including the game-winner.
Overall
B As Terrence Wheatley said afterward, it wasn’t pretty, but CU players showed heart. More important, the Buffs didn’t panic when down by 11.
CSU: THE GRADES | By Natalie Meisler
Offense
B Quantum-leap improvement over last season in terms of run/pass balance but still not enough points for the win.
Defense
C Some big plays from the line and linebackers, and good adjustments against new CU wrinkles, but secondary was way too leaky.
Special teams
D This is an “F” without Jermaine Walters’ recovery of a CU kickoff fumble and decent punting by Jimmy Kaylor. Rams burned repeatedly on returns.
Overall
C As usual a great, if gut-wrenching, game for the fans. CSU needed a win, not losing a game in OT after building a 28-17 third-quarter advantage.
Staff writer Natalie Meisler can be reached at 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com.
